Keep all special thoughts and memories for lifetimes to come. Share these keepsakes with others to inspire hope and build from the past, which can bridge to the future. ~ Mattie Stepanek
Tag Archives: baby rabbits
Fuss Over Trance
When trance music exploded into the club/disco scene, practically everyone just went wild and crazy. They just danced away.
I cannot say the same when it comes of the topic of trance in terms of flipping rabbits around so that their belly face up. There are some groups out there advocating that trance is harmful to rabbits.
I for one uses the trance technique whenever I need to groom the fur on my rabbits’ belly or when I need to clip their nails. In a trance position, the rabbits stay completely still and I avoid the risk of clipping their quick.
In my humble opinion, it is much better for a rabbit to stay still when I clip their nails rather than having them trying to escape my clutches which I believe is more stressful. Furthermore, I usually clip nails all by myself without the help from someone to hold my rabbits. No fuss and done in less than 2 minutes per rabbit.
Another thing that people have to know is that, baby rabbits nurse with their belly facing upwards which is also the same as the trance position. And often times when mama bunny is done nursing, the kits can be seen sleeping on their backs. Again, that is trance – naturally. Mama rabbits never lie down for their kits to suckle but stand over them instead. So if lying on their backs is harmful, I could have lost many baby rabbits but in reality, I have not lost one bunny through trancing.
So let your hair down and TRANCE!
A Dedication
Dedicating today to all the rabbits that have graced Tru-Luv Rabbitry both in the past and present. Creating this collage reminded me how diverse the herd has been and not two rabbits are the same. There will never (ever) be and that is a fact!
Filed under Bucks, Does, Random Topics
Purpose 2013
When I first started out in this hobby years ago, I had a purpose – to prove that ethical breeding and responsible pet ownership is possible even in one of the smaller species like the rabbit. Having had seen the spectrum between the best and worst in pedigree dogs, I was excited to embark on a journey to prove to myself and hopefully to people who follow my blog that it is possible to provide rabbits with good standard of living while enjoying them as a past time either as merely pets, as show or breeding animals.
I remember very clearly that it started out as a little pet project of having them as just pets and thus their main objective and purpose of living was to provide me with companionship. And my purpose then was to ensure they are well taken care of. I remember very clearly that in some part of the world, to teach a child the sense of responsibility was to give them an egg and their main purpose is to ensure the egg does not break in their care for a certain amount of time. Likewise, throughout my years of keeping animals as pets, the number one objective is to keep them alive under my care with the basics and the basics soon change into full fledged pampering.
As the years go by, the purpose started to change. I learned about the showing sport and now the rabbits have different purposes because my “requirements” for having them has changed. I started injecting myself into this sport that chases for perfection and the measurement for perfection changes through time. Throughout the years, I met people who have come and gone in this sport and others have come full circle with many degrees of realizations. For those who have since moved on, I am not sure what was their rational behind their decisions but mine is of the dilemma of the entire world producing animals that are exactly identical in physical traits and characteristics without using cloning technology in hoping to garner the title of “best representation of the breed”.
Where I am at the moment and what is my purpose? This seemed to be a question that is constantly being asked no matter which milestone I am at while keeping Holland Lops as pets. It really does not matter where I am but it really matters which phase makes me happiest.
I can confidently say that being involved in “groups” or “clubs” is my least favorite part of the hobby. It distracts me with a lot of unnecessary happenings most of which are personality clashes and human related. It occupies my precious time from what matter most – my rabbits. Without a doubt, if I have to give an advice to new people embarking in the hobby, avoid bothering yourself with human matters unless you have all the time in the world to worry about petty disputes or unless you are a highly focus person that can stay above all the dramas. Most of the time frustrations will come in the form of differences of opinions and objectives/agendas.
Last week, I had the privilege of meeting and having a wonderful meal with a bunny couple. I could not agree more with one of them when he said that chasing after perfection does not really make sense to him when he knows for a fact that his rabbit is perfect. I was in awe by how spot on he was in identifying his needs and wants which helps a lot in identifying his purpose in the hobby. His thoughts further affirmed my beliefs that if we are not strong in our focus of our purpose in anything that we do, we can be easily manipulated and waver in our lives.
Besides from spending time cuddling, grooming and caring for my rabbits, I have enjoyed writing and sharing my thoughts through this weblog. I take pride when someone mentions how much he/she has learned through this blog. It surprises me that someone will mention posts that I least expect people to understand and quoting what they have learned from it. Readers who gets the points put forth really understands them and that in itself is a purpose fulfilled for me.
My observation so far of the rabbit world at large is that there is a broad spectrum in terms of “rabbit communities”. There are the pet people, the in between pet and breeder groups, the hard core breeders and the animal rights activist groups. Each with their own set of distinctive objectives and agendas.
After putting myself in a few roles in this hobby, I still prefer the pet person in me. I find this role to be the most fulfilling for me. I am sure that many people agree with me that some of us just prefer to have a little Holland Lop bunny that looks like a little bulldog as a companion and pet. In many instances, I miss posing my rabbits and taking photographs of them. I am glad that throughout the years, I have amassed a huge collection of beautiful Holland Lop photos.
Coming full circle, what are my purpose and the purpose of my rabbits?
I must say that a purpose to live without requirements, expectations and judgments on the part of my rabbits.
PERIOD.
Filed under Bunny Business, Thoughts
The World of Expectations
One thing that I find myself encountering on a daily basis is expectations. We are expected to get things done within a certain timeline or, we ought to behave in a certain manner failing which we will face the wrath of a bunch of very angry mob. These are a couple of real life examples.
Simply put, when the expectations are not met people tend to get agitated, or may even start a riot. Unmet expectations can also turn one into a fanatic, go berserk and utter the most extraordinary accusations one can imagine. In extreme cases, I have reasons to believe that killers and serial rapists are products of unmet expectations.
The show world is nothing and will never be short of expectations. Expectation to win aside, there are definitely a lot of expectations imposed on the competing object be it a cat, a dog or whatever that is in the fancy.
Priorities being priorities, after witnessing strange behaviors exhibited by a certain few (human, mind you), I started to wonder what is the focus point of the big picture. I almost lost sight being surrounded by all the “chaos”, erratic behaviors and suddenly I saw it. A bunny’s teeth. I slowly step back and get a good view of the rabbit. The chaotic thoughts slowly vanished and I thought to myself. If I were a pet bunny, what would my expectations be of my owner?
I believe being just a simple being, a rabbit wouldn’t ask for much and things aren’t as complicated. I sat down and illustrated my thoughts in the picture below:-
I strongly believe that with just these 3 items, a rabbit will thrive and they are all the basics a pet rabbit can ask for.
Now let’s compare our human expectations of our rabbits if we allow our crazy dreams and aspirations to go wild:-
Conclusion, so much expectations lah….
Filed under Community Service, Rabbit Education
But In Vain
Research.
For once, today’s post will be in favor and may even come as good news for irresponsible/unethical breeders. Based on my observation, 90% of problems raised by concerned pet rabbit owners regarding their pets are done AFTER the purchase/adoption of their rabbits.
Most of us who have gone through the conventional education system depended heavily on research based learning and obtaining our qualifications. An example of that is in the form of assignments and coursework. We were given topics to deliberate before producing results in a form of thesis.
Likewise, we get to learn through seeking knowledge when something unexpected happens to our pets. Only when something out of our knowledge arises that we start to seek out information through Google, forums, Facebook or asking the professionals.
Therefore, it is safe to conclude that, if you are selling a rabbit, as long as you get all the terminologies correct and are convincing in your sales pitch, most likely you will make a fortune selling rabbits. The buyers on the other hand have to put up with many after sale problems such as excessive vet fees and endless of worries.
I guess that’s because it’s “BUSINESS”. Who cares about repeat sales right? It is better to slaughter first and worry later in a “competitive” environment because if the money does not come into your pocket it will eventually get into someone else’s.
But there are a few who are careful and do their homework before embarking on the journey of owning a pet. You really have to respect those with good judgment!
Six (6) years on writing post after post to educate through this blog and I cannot stress enough that research is key to a fulfilling experience owning a pet rabbit. You just cannot be careful enough in a market where supply well surpluses the demand. You are at the mercy of many who in it plainly for the earnings.
Therefore, all I have to say is that, happy buying and happy selling. I wish all those buying without proper research, THE BEST OF LUCK!
Filed under Bunny Business, Community Service, Rabbit Education
The Day I Quit Show Rabbits
I am a sore loser, I am this and I am that. You know what? I am whatever you think I am. The truth of the matter is, I don’t give a sh*t and I know who I truly am myself and that is what matters. It was definitely not easy to come to this point in my life but I am glad that I am here at this very moment with this exact thoughts.
For the past 6 years many events have taken place, crazy situations unfolded and of course the many changes that have resulted from good and bad decisions. It would be a shame if throughout the 6 years nothing have changed and most importantly if nothing has grown, improved and progressed. We all do seek for achievements and improvements in life else, we are merely existing.
Seeing so many out there who are just trying to be someone else makes me feel that I am very lucky to have found myself throughout the challenges life has thrown at me. Not many have the opportunities to do what they like and enjoy thus, they seek to imitate someone else hoping to achieve the same “feel good” rewards. Let me tell you, it never feels the same.
I for one have never liked imitating others and I shun from doing the things others do for the simple fact that being a follower, you are only limited to things you can follow. When a follower sees someone else admiring art, they tend to want to get their hands on a piece of art and go “goo goo gaa gaa”. But the question is, do you actually or really admire the art or it is just another passing novelty for you?
Throughout the years I have posted about how fun raising show rabbits are and have defined the meaning of what show rabbits really are. The glamorous Pedigree, Ribbons and Grand Champions. Some of my friends looked at me as if I have lost my mind. To a certain extent, I did.
Behind all the glamour, was a person lack the confidence and self-esteem. Behind all the glamour, was the yearning for affirmation. Let me give you an example of thought process for people who lacks and yearns for affirmation. This is something related to me by a friend who is single and yearn to be loved by someone of the opposite sex. People who are yet to find their other half or spouse usually have many self doubts and the question most asked, “Am I that bad not to deserve someone to love me?”. That is a very real example of one lacking the emotional affirmation.
What has that “emotional affirmation” got to do with rabbits you may ask? It has nothing to do with rabbits generally but, it has a great deal to do with some who call themselves “Show Rabbit Breeders”. I am not denying the fact that there are breeders who are truly working with the betterment of the breed in mind. Truth is, THERE ARE! I know of the rare rabbit breeders who are working their butts off trying to revive breeds that are soon going extinct. But on the other side of the extreme happens to be among those in the fancy breeds.
A lot of these breeders are chasing after their own acclaim and glory. Behind the pretences of “betterment of the breed”, “social networking” and “meeting the standards”, there is this darkness that consumes them – affirmation. It is plain sense of belonging, being accepted and recognized!
I must admit that during this time of vulnerability, one can easily succumb to falling prey to those who seek to take advantage of others and I had been in such situation many times. In the end it was a learning process that I have to go through and learn. I realized that I have allowed those situations to happen and have since empowered myself not to allow that to ever happen again.
To think of it, it is rather sad how we have diminished ourselves in order to get that “nod” for a rabbit we own. And the irony is that, the rabbit do not change us a bit and we are still the same person inside and out. The hypocrisy really is, the judges and people around us are saying that the rabbits are beautiful, not the owner!
Today, I celebrate all the Holland Lops and friends in this hobby who have helped me discover who I truly am. I raise my cup in a toast for all my rabbits that have bring out the best in me. I thank each and every one of them for teaching me priceless life lessons – love, responsibility, patience, kindness, simplicity and many many more…
So what becomes of Tru-Luv Rabbitry?
We are still the same like always, Tru-Luv Rabbitry remains a rabbitry built on the foundation of two (2) words – True Love. Are we still raising show rabbits? Of course, “show rabbits” are only mere words that represent our commitment for quality of life we provide our rabbits with. No matter, each rabbit deserves the best from us, the steward and for only as long as they live.
Sometimes, it is not the rabbits that need improvements but it is ourselves who are in dire need of help. Help to put us in perspective and even help to wake us up from a certain hallucination.
For the day I stopped being a Show Rabbit Breeder is not the day I stopped placing my rabbits on the table but in actual fact, THE DAY I QUIT SHOW RABBITS WAS THE DAY I FOUND MYSELF…
The Grand Canyon sure can put you into perspective!
Filed under Thoughts
Fascinating Rabbit Facts
Besides from living in burrows, another interesting fact about rabbits is that their babies suckle upside down. We often see dogs and cats nursing their young while lying down on their sides and many have the impression that rabbits are the same. That is clearly not the case and this video below clearly show that rabbits nurse their young standing upwards:-
Filed under Random Topics
They Are Just Animals
Nothing beats spending time in a room with free roaming rabbits while taking turns to groom each and everyone of them on a Sunday afternoon. That was exactly what I did about an hour ago. The dustbin is now filled with fur, nails and whatever in between. Today was a little special because Faith gave me a little bunny hug. She likes doing that all the time. I was just sitting down with her on my lap after giving her a pedicure and manicure session. I believe she was thanking me for loving her and spending some “quality time” with her so she decided to stand up and with two from paws on my chest, gave me a peck on my neck. I hugged her in return and I could feel that she appreciated that very much. She’s a gem!
As the bunnies roam free and having each other for company, I went about grooming each and everyone. When it was Murdoch’s turn, a thought suddenly came over my mind. Something, somewhere and somehow spoke these words – “How can I make this bunny delicious?”. A great shock came over me and I was awoken by that thought! I do not think I was hungry after having had a good packet of Chicken Rice for lunch.
Chicken Rice….hmmmm…..
What makes Chicken Rice okay and Rabbit Rice not? I am sure some of us know that little hare that hangs over the fire and that could easily replace that piece of chicken in your Chicken Rice?
Just to clear the air and let my dear readers know that I have nothing against meat eaters or vegetarians, those who cannot eat certain meat due to religious obligation or those who have preference for exotic meat. I am writing this piece while trying to reason how one can make a smooth crossover from a Chicken eater to a Rabbit eater or from a meat eater to a vegetarian. Perhaps I am just writing this “just for f***s”, and in short just for the fun of it.
Personally, I do not think I will ever swallow a piece of Murdoch, Faith or Dimsdale for the matter. I believe everyone can relate to me that when you give a pet a name, it has an identity and becomes a part of the family. I cannot bring myself to “cannibalizing” my own family member. It is just weird don’t you think saying, “I ate little Houdini last night for dinner” and your friend goes, “You ate who!?”. Just too freaking strange…
But in all seriousness, what difference does it make eating Chicken? Just because you do not know the name of the chicken how does it make one feels okay to eat a chicken drumstick? I believe that we do it so often that we do not over analyze what we put into our mouth. The thought of a lively chicken going into our mouth just do not cross our mind. I for one will never be able to swallow a piece of the chicken if I have seen it alive before being slaughtered and cooked (seriously!). And the way it is slaughtered will definitely make it much worse for me.
Perhaps it makes us feel better knowing the fact that “They Are Just Animals” and being a type of food source seemed to be the sole purpose of their existence. I really do not know but am trying to figure out the thought process.
Whatever it is, edible meat whether it is pork, mutton, beef, chicken (poultry) or rabbit, they are all valid food sources and the fact of the matter is, even I prefer some over others, I do not have the rights to judge others’ preferences since it is personal what one chooses to eat.
My preference in order – Pork, Chicken, Beef and Mutton. Nothing more and nothing less and please do not tell me the name whose thigh I swallowed for my lunch, thank you!
Gollum eats rabbit too!
Filed under Thoughts
Tru-Luv Rabbitry: Quality Holland Lops in Malaysia 