"Rabbit Flu" hit me in 1981. It was in the spring that we obtained our first Mini Lops, and the Syracuse Convention that year drove the infection deep, and a cure for that infection is still unknown, as many of you are aware! Over the years 21 of the recognized breeds have taken their place in my rabbit barn, as I worked my way to become a Registrar and finally, in 1989, a licensed judge in the ARBA. I enjoy judging all breeds, but my favorites to breed and show were Dwarf Hotots, Himalayans, and Silver Fox. As the interest in rabbits grew, so did involvement in local, state, and national clubs. This led to experience in offices at all levels.

Currently, life finds me as a retired English teacher who still enjoys working with our youth both as a judge and as a substitute teacher in a middle school as well as volunteering with a local 4-H club. Other activities with the rabbit habit also keep me rather busy, as I publish the newsletter for a national club and, as many know, serve as Show Secretary for a double show each year, and hold the office of Treasurer in our local club. These activities, along with judging around 40 shows a year keep me on the go, but I still find some time to raise a few Ringneck Doves. I consider it an honor to serve as President of NYRCBA and hope we can move forward to advance and build the hobby in New York state.

Hello fellow Rabbit and cavy Breeders. I have had a rabbit since I was 3 years old and have always had one or two since. I have been in 4-H since I was 6 years old when I moved to Seneca Falls NY. I started out showing Netherland Dwarfs and Jersey Wooly rabbits at Orleans County 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Show. Then I started showing in ARBA shows with the leadership of Derek Pool and Dan Ellis. These two wonderful people gave me the rabbit flu that I now have for the rest of my life. Now Tans and Britannia Petites have taken over my barn that consists of 175 rabbit’s. In 2006, I was chosen from many students in NY and the Unites States to represent our country on a trip of a lifetime. I was picked to go to Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia to learn their culture and way of living compared to ours.

One of my goals in life is to become an ARBA judge and to have the chance to judge the National Convention. I have looked up to many of the judges in the rabbit world and one day want people to learn from my experiences in the same way. Also, I would like to get the Breeds that don’t get recognized the recognition that they deserve, and to promote that breeds that I raise, the clubs I belong to and also other breeders that I meet. My motto is to expect the unexpected and to give people an equal chance in everything.

And remember; keep on Promoting, Showing, and Breeding your hobby.

 Charles (Chaz) Hardin

"I truly enjoy our rabbit "hobby" and look forward to many more years of helping put NYRCBA on the road to being recognized as a strong reputable State of rabbit breeders! If you should have any questions please feel free to e-mail me!"

Debbie became involved with rabbits 17 years ago when her son David decided he wanted a pet. One thing led to another and before she knew it she had over 200 Rabbits! Her rabbitry became USDA licensed in 1990. She dealt mostly with pet shops until 1991 when she and her son decided to start showing with the encouragement of a great friend by the name of Dick Kuehnle. "He convinced me at the NY State Fair one year that the Satin I was showing was not as good as I thought and approached a few Satin Breeders to get me going in the right direction!" Debbie then started showing Satins while David showed Dutch. David eventually tired of the rabbits but Debbie continued with her favorite breed of Satins. Over the years she has won over 100 Best of Breeds and 12 Best In Shows. Debbie became Secretary of the NYRCBA in 1997 and was nominated "Person Of The Year". She was given an award from the NY State Fair Old Timers Club in 1998, which she deeply cherishes. In addition to holding the office of Secretary, she is also treasurer of the Empire State RBA, Secretary of the NYS Satin Club, Secretary of the NY Rabbit & Cavy Convention Shows club, and a Charter member of the Central New York club. Debbie is an ARBA Registrar and judge. She generously volunteers her time to secretary many New York State shows.

Hello everyone. Please feel free to contact me with questions regarding the website or rabbits in general. I've been raising rabbits for over a decade and was very suprised to be honored in 2004 as part of the "Old Timers Club" for years of service at the New York State Fair. I also run the NYR&CBA Outreach Committee and sit on the NY State 4-H Advisory Board. In 2003 I received "person of the year" award by the NY State Rabbit Breeders association, particularily for my work with outreach and the website.

Outside of the rabbit hobby, I work full time as a computer analyst. At home I have three kids ages 26, 19 and 17 and my husband who has always been a great support. I have been blessed over the years with this rabbit hobby and all the friends I've met along the way! I raise Netherland Dwarfs in orange and fawn. The little orange in the picture is OJ who was featured in the ORANGE A-PEEL article I contributed for the Dwarf Digest. This is the national magazine for the ANDRC. Please also visit my rabbitry website at WWW.SYRACUSE-RABBIT.COM.