Message from the President
September 15, 2009
What a summer! Between record high's and record dryness, keeping ourselves and our rabbits safe and comfortable in the NW has been a challenge, to say the least. To those of you who lost stock, we express our sympathies. For the most part, we all seemed to fare pretty well.
Congratulations to all who took away BOB rosettes around the region! And a big "Welcome" to the Blanc de Hotot's from Germany! Many of you are getting ready to attend the A.R.B.A. Convention in San Diego, CA. We hope you make lots of great memories and have safe travels. And we look forward to all the rare and heritage rabbit results upon your return!
A couple rare breed clubs have been experiencing troubles, requiring A.R.B.A. intervention and overall restructuring. For those breeds represented, we hope it will mean a better and stronger organization behind the rabbit. Our energetic little Club is holding it's own, all thanks to great members and supporters like you! Keep up the terrific volunteering spirit and promotion of your favorite bunnies!
Wishing you blue skies and crisp Autumn air! Hot cocoa anyone? :)
Krystal Beers
President, NWRHRBC
Founder's Message
Welcome to our community! I am honored to be a part of this new rabbit breeders club. Although in our infancy, we already have a strong, dedicated membership, many experienced breeders, and a wide range of rare rabbit breeds represented. The NWRHRBC is more than a rabbit club for the showing of rabbits. We are dedicated to preserving and improving our rare, and some nearly extinct, breeds of rabbit. We are committed to educating both the rabbit community and the general public not only of the plight of these majestic rabbits, but also their heritage use for meat, fur and fiber. Some of the most rare breeds in need of preservation efforts are the American (blue and white), Blanc d' Hotot a.k.a. Standard Hotot, American Chinchilla, Satin Angora, Giant Chinchilla, Giant Angora, Creme d' Argent, Cinnamon, Belgian Hare, American Sable, Beveren, Standard Chinchilla, Silver Fox, Lilac, Silver and Rhinelander.
Why a rare heritage rabbits breed club? The importance of our mission may not appear significant unless viewed in context. In 2007, rural America is under siege by forces such as diluted federal standards for organic foods, legislature banning the rights of individuals to consume the foods they choose, restrictive legislature regulating the use of private land, cheap food lacking nutritional value from industrial farms, NAIS, the near extinction of the small family farmer and sustainable living, and militant animal rights lobbyists attempting to ban the slaughter of rabbit. It is no wonder that almost all the rarest rabbits are heritage meat and fiber breeds. I believe that supporting and joining NWRHRBC is one way to maintain the diversity of rabbit breeds, save bloodlines that may soon be lost forever, and to be seen and heard through supporting the American heritage of self-sufficiency and hobbyists, small breeders and farmers.
My hope is a future where rabbit enthusiasts and farmers alike can find one of the magnificent rare breeds of their choice in their local area, and have freedom and knowledge to raise them for pets, show, meat or fur and fiber. Please join me in this imposing yet exciting adventure!
Jolynn-Marie Wagner
Founder & 1st President
January 2007