Just received a very sad news that Truffles has since passed on. The last time we had Truffles over here was almost a year ago and he was still a very determined little guy even though stricken by an unexplainable nerve disorder. Although the nerve impairment has caused him to be mobility challenged, he still has a lot of character. I really have his human daddy & mommy to thank for giving him such a wonderful life. My heartfelt condolences goes out to the “Chestnuts”. I am truly sorry for your loss.
In a few more days, our friends will have a celebration and most of us will have a few days off from work. I hope those going back to their hometown during this festives season have made boarding arrangements for their pets.
Due to his condition and the need of extra attention, Truffles will be here with me for a couple of days. He has come a long way and I can see how much he aged.
He is a testament of what love can do for a special needs bunny. From the last time I saw him, Truffles no longer lie on his side but can balance himself well.
Here wishing everyone a safe journey back home and a good celebration.
Sorry for falling short on my wishes during this festives season because I prefer to avoid “insulting” my fellow countrymen since there has been an ongoing controversy surrounding pets and festive wishes…
Looking at how things are going, I think I must make it mandatory for those who are interested to get a rabbit from me to follow the following examples.
Many people keep their rabbits in appropriate places and some major excuses include residential house rules prohibit animals in common area. Rabbit can be very clean and without smell if kept properly making them good pets for condo/apartment living.
I am very proud to say that all Tru-Luv rabbits are owned by owners who keep them indoors. Here is the BEST example I can give:
Cage with plastic mats feels comfortable to the feet
A comfortable bunny is a happy bunny!
Attached playpen provided for bonding and run time!
The day before yesterday was a good Bunday. yesterday was a good Bunday and today is another good Bunday. I have to admit, everyday’s a good Bunday in Meadow Haven.
First thing on the list today was Truffles. I brought him in for castration at approximately 1.30 pm. Just like Noobie, I couldn’t help but to feel a little worried. But the moment I saw Dr. Loh, I was relieved. Somehow the vets at Hillpark always set my heart at ease. My wife and I was a little tickled by the fact that we’re sending our BRIS bunny for castration. Shouldn’t he be a stud back at Meadow Haven? Well, let’s put it this way, I strongly believe that there will be more BRIS or even BIS to come from TLR.
Hugging the little "teddy" in the car
Approximately 30 mins after dropping Truffles off at the vets, I received a call from the clinic. My heart sank a little because that was too fast for a surgery and I have not even started cleaning 1 cage in the rabbitry. To my relieved, I was told that the surgery went well and Truffles was ready to go home. So off I went.
The locals call this "mengeram telur" (incubating egg)
Another shot of Truffles
On the way back from the vets, I found this wonderful shop that sells a lot of nice ornaments. I was previously looking for a door bell. And guess what I found! This made my home complete:
Isn't this beautiful?
I absolutely love it!
That's the entrace to Meadow Haven
The new run was great. Carmel, Haley and Clark took their turns in it and I must say that Haley’s a super destroyer among the three. Here’s some pictures of them enjoying the run!
Carmel enjoying herself
Carmel posing for me
Clark chillaxing
And a pose to go with this post!
And I am heading to dinner now! What an exhausting day it is!
I came home late last night and as I was doing the usual clean up, I placed Truffles up on the grooming table. And I got this photo:
The 1st Malaysia Rabbit Show is to be held tomorrow and I thought it would be nice for him to be in just for the fun of it. Not to win but just to let this little inquisitive rascal have a go at a show. I certainly did not intend to win at all. So I called up Nico and asked if she could register him together for me since I have some errands to do in the morning and afraid I was going to be late for the show. A big part of me wanted my daughter Beth to be there just for the fun of it. Unfortunately I had to leave without her and my wife because she needs her usual nap in the afternoon.
Nico - she helped register Truffles for me
Showing me the butt in disapproval!
The contender: If it wasn't for the heavy molt, Truffles might have lost to this guy!
Little Truffles being naughty and perky!
So here I was passing Truffles over to the officials to be weighed. At 5 months old, he weighs 1.2 kg which was way below the 1.6 kg mark. There he go unto the show table!
From what I gathered, there were only 4 breeders/owners showing Holland Lops. There were roughly 20 Holland Lops separated in 4 groups namely Solid Buck, Solid Doe, Broken Buck and Broken Doe. There were no classes for juniors so Truffles joined the Broken Buck category.
Being Judged by Christina
A very well behaved Truffles with his proud owner snapping this photo
Photo courtesy of RSF
Before I continue with this long story, please allow me to give credit to Beh & Yo Rabbitry, Pet Shack, Pet Lover Centre, Jaanu & her bf, Bebee & her bf, CocoJune & Nico for putting up together this well organized rabbit show.
Down to top 10!
I must say it is a good start for the Malaysia rabbit market in general. I hope next year we’ll have ARBA sanctioned show. But the best part of it all is that I met a lot of nice people and it was all the friends who came. Darma, thanks for making the effort to come. You really helped me a lot today!
Friends are all we need in a show!
We finally met up!
Very proud of the HLRSC t-shirt Aunt Karen bought me! Love it! Always helping me keep my head held up high! I met so many new friends. I hope all of you are reading this now. Thanks for striking a chat with me. Really appreciate it.
So let’s see what I won. Beside the trophies and ribbon, I got free vouchers. Let’s calculate how much I won in cash value (we were shopping after the show). You see, I always believe in sharing the win with fellow friends. So this was how I shared out the winnings:
1) I had $300 myself
2) $150 to Miss Nico
3) Bebee conned me off my $200 (just kidding!)
4) Darma went home with $200 worth of Oxbow product
Please correct me if I am wrong guys! LOL!
I am just too lost for words at the moment. There are so much to write but I just can’t find the right words.
The score card
The judging was long and there were quite a number of nice Holland Lops. I wasn’t too interested in the rest of the breeds so I did not keep track of all that is happening over that end. I was very surprised when Truffles was transferred to the main stage and later announced as Best In Group for Broken Bucks (no junior group). Christina requested the breeder to come forward and so being an abiding person, I followed her instructions and went up on stage. I shook hands with both Kenneth and her and introduced myself. Christina seemed to look surprise to see me. Then the Best of Breed was announced and I did not think of it too much. Then Truffles got called for Best Opposite Sex of Breed. I thought that was the last.
The Winners!
Best of Opposite Sex of Breed
My head almost pop when I heard he got BRIS!!!! That’s Best Reserve In Show baby!
Can someone send me a clearer photo please?
Best In Show. A Broken Tort Senior Doe. I was quite tickled when she gave Christina a little bite while she was judging. And Christina had to give her a little tap on the head.
Glad he poses naturally...
Did not believe I won until I saw this photo!
The win was a sweet one for many reasons. Truffles is the best kit produced in my rabbitry to far. That makes him my own breeding. Winning with my own breeding is something that I would like to practice and it is a principle I would like to stand by. Truffles is only 5 months old and getting a BRIS is super cool! And thinking that I almost sold him earlier really made me felt lucky! Everything happens for a reason! Sorry for all the exclamation marks! Too excited!
Beth was still in bed when I came home. I showed her all the trophies and ribbon while telling her it was suppose to be her receiving them. She just smiled and said “Beth CHAMPION already, YAY!”
That's MINE!!!
All mine!!!
In the end, I just do not know how breeders in the US could withstand all the waiting. My back almost broke!
My boy posing with the "loot"
Enough posing already!
Thanks to Oxbow for the 2 months supply of Hay & food stuff!
I am adding in more details as I recall how this wonderful day went by. I am seriously looking forward for the next rabbit show. Christina mentioned to both Darma & me that she’ll bring along her good friend Randy Shumaker (if I remember the name correctly) whom is an ARBA licensed judge to come over to Malaysia and also hoping to get the show ARBA sanctioned. That would be lovely.
Someone wanted to have a look at Truffles today so I woke up very early and started packing. I figured that it would be nice to bring Skor along. I promote ethical breeding and I believe showing at least the father of the kit would be the best thing to do. If I could, I’ll pack Holly Hope along but she’s having yet another “Honeymoon” with Clark at the moment.
Looking at these 2 fellows is super hilarious. They are so identical. If you have ever heard of the “Clone Wars”, then you’ll understand what I mean. It is amazing how Skor’s genes was stamped onto little Truffles. It made it all seemed as though Holly Hope was just a host or surrogate mother.
Who's Who?
It is proven that young bucks have a zest for life!
Today was the last day that I have this DSLR camera with me and I figured that I better make full use of it before returning it to my cousin. So here are all the photos with caption. I need to get this post up before I leave for the appointment.
Skor boy!
The trademark pose!
Molting mad!
Jungle Rule #1: Ask permission from the Bamboo-god before trespassing
Always be courteous before showing off his true colors
Am I Cute Or What?!
Taken in between zooming all around the garden
Inquisitive As Ever!
Something's cooking...*Slurp*
Here’s a few for the album. Father and Son portraits:
Told ya they are like clones
Almost identical markings!
My Dad, My Protector!
Really had fun capturing these moments. They are such well behave bunnies I could do it all by myself. LOL!
I hope everyone’s having a great Sunday. I was contemplating whether to write 3 post and schedule them to appear for the next 3 days. But I am just too lazy to do that and therefore, write about 3 very random topics in just 1 post.
First of all, a little update on Carmel. The more I admire Carmel, the most stunning I find her to be. She is ever ready to strike a perfect show pose whenever she is being placed on the grooming table. Really love this doe tons and million. I am still very grateful for Kay’s generosity.
I absolutely love her when she does this!
There is nothing else I could ask for when I this beautiful girl and there are definitely reasons for her to be among the top lops!
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Haley is a very interesting character. I adore her loads! Sometimes I she will just sit at the cage door moving her head from side to side in deep thoughts while looking straight at me. She is such a doll to have and her actions are more of a puppy than a bunny.
Is this a puppy or a bunny?
This is the reason why I love Holland Lops sooOOooo much! They are just like puppies that do not bark!
Please don’t mind the messy cage floor. I placed a cardboard at the bottom for her to destroy. Try tearing up a cardboard while stepping on it. Kinda fun don’t you think?
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TLR started raising Holland Lops in 2006. Have I produce any Show Quality bunnies thus far? Out of all the breedings so far, I dare say that there are 2 bunnies that in my opinion deserve to be on the show tables. The first would be Eclipse from BlueBerry & Skor cross and Truffles from Holly Hope & Skor cross. To be very honest and judgmental, more work has got to be done to improve from here. I am strictly refering to rabbits of my own breeding. I do not believe in importing Grand Champs and put them on the tables.
Speaking of Truffles, he needs a more prominent crown and bigger head. On the experience point of view, he proved to me that long ears are purely GENETICS. His ears seemed to be long because he has got a slipped crown. Looking at him, I refuse to believe in “Summer Ears”. Where we are, it is over 80 degrees fahrenheit constantly. For now, I strongly believe that genetics play a great role in the appearances of rabbits. The only effect the weather have on rabbits here in Malaysia is their coat. I find them molting constantly. I am not considering airconditioning plainly because, we must breed rabbits that are highly adaptable in our climate. I must ensure that my rabbits do not drop dead the moment there is no airconditioning so therefore, it is wise to keep them healthy under the natural condition.
Side Profile
It would be perfect if I could see the crown from this angle
This is a post requested by Mr. Darma. He told me that the word “tattoo” seemed to be on his mind and wanted to know how the tattoo turned out thus far. I was kind of disappointed with Truffles’ tattoo as I though his was the best.
I believe single digit is one of the reasons why the tattoo seemed to have faded. If I have 3 or 4 digits, they would be a little more legible.
Can you see 1?
On the other hand, I expected the least from Seychel’s tattoo but it turned out much legible compared to Truffles’.
Can you see 2?
I hope Mr. Darma is happy with this update and thanks for the suggestion.
I was cleaning cages when I noticed that nice pose Truffles was in. I thought to myself that he is looking kind of cute. So I decided to take some pictures of him and that lead me to judge him based on my understanding of the SOP. I am sure you’ll agree with me how cute this little fellow is.
Putting On The Cute Look
One of my favorites
Close up on the head
While I was being so engrossed in looking through the lenses, out of a sudden, I saw a pair of chopsticks! It was Beth! She thought Truffles’ eye looked delicious and wanted to try practice her motor skills picking out the eye using the chopsticks. I stopped her while laughing hard rolling on the floor! ROFL!!!!
Yummy Truffles?
I normally do not bother my ugly juniors that much although they get their usual run time, I do not judge them. Being a “show” breeder, I have learned to be extremely fussy with how my rabbits look. There are definitely exterior traits that I look out for in each and everyone of my rabbits. I must say that most breeders expect much more from their rabbits compared to a real judge. I believe it is inevitable. To stay competitive, the breeder much ensure their rabbits are up to the competition come what may. You will not be surprise that breeders judge their rabbits the hardest.
As for me, I do have my own preferences eventhough we are yet to have any ARBA sanctioned rabbit shows here. I simply get the thrills from comparing my rabbits to those from top breeders in the US. Although I am not a judge, the photos below would be points that I will look out for if I am one.
Please note that this is my own personal opinion based on my own preferences and what I share here does not reflect in anyway the opinions of a professional ARBA judge. Feel free to comment.
Let’s do a point to point comparison. Truffles is almost 4 months old. I hope he’ll improve through time. It may be unfair for him that I used a GC as a point of reference but I just wanted to share what I look out for personally.
Let’s walk through the crown. It is very obvious Clark has got a very prominent crown. It is one of the things I like about him.
I strongly believe that in certain cases, the crown is so badly slipped behind, it pushes the ears down making them look extremely long. This is one of the strong point to prove the Summer ears theory wrong as genetics is still the prime determinant of ear length.
A HL’s head should be 50% to approximately 67% in length compared to its body length. That should give you a ratio between 1:1.5 and 1:2.
You may have heard breeders mentioning the “DEPTH OF CHEST”. The depth of chest is how the head rest on the rabbit’s shoulder. In the HL, it is highly desirable that the rabbit seemed to NOT have a neck. The chest is exactly where the chin should be resting.
A lot of emphasis is placed on the HL’s head alone. We always strive to have the massive look and most of it comes from the head. The head should be wide and to judge that, the width between the eyes must be as wide as possible.
The width of the shoulders also determines the massive look. Truffles do have quite narrow shoulders for now. I hope he grows up with thicker bones although not likely. LOL!
The front legs should look like a stump, short and thick!
Please correct me if I have used the wrong terms. If not, basically these are the things I look out for in a Holland Lop.
I just wanted to inform you that I have received the package and I'm utterly thrilled and satisfied with the service. Keep it up! :) - Grace (TinyCritterz.com customer)
"Hi Tim. My three bunnies will attest to and endorse "your" Timothy Hay! And my wallet THANK YOU ;-)" - SC
"I really appreciate you helping me out even though Jackie was not bought from you!" - Maggie
"Just wanna say thank you!!! :)" - June
"You are my mentor and idol. I know this amazing creature through news article about you and your bunnies" - Siti
"I'm really grateful and excited that finally, there is someone out there who truly cares for rabbits. Thanks so much for doing this" - Hani
I strongly believe that in certain cases, the crown is so badly slipped behind, it pushes the ears down making them look extremely long. This is one of the strong point to prove the Summer ears theory wrong as genetics is still the prime determinant of ear length.
Please correct me if I have used the wrong terms. If not, basically these are the things I look out for in a Holland Lop.
Tru-Luv Rabbitry: Quality Holland Lops in Malaysia 