Bunnies don’t just come to Lawrence County at Eastertime.

Wednesday, July 12, 2000

Bunnies don’t just come to Lawrence County at Eastertime. Fair-time means a whole arena full of little furry competitors and their owners – all intent on capturing the market rabbit show trophy.

Taking Grand Champion honors for the market rabbit competition Tuesday was Nathan Davenport.

Reserve Champion honors went to Deanna Ross.

But all the competitors know that to even place a rabbit takes more than just a good-looking, furry coat. A lot of hard work goes into a placement at the top of your rabbit class – or a livestock trophy.

For Kim Matheny, 13, of Pedro, dedication to her rabbit’s care paid off in a win in her class.

Close behind her younger sister was Toby Matheny, whose entry also earned her a good showing.

"It’s really exciting about winning first when my sister won second even though it’s sort of weird," Miss Matheny said. "My older sister was the one who got me interested in raising rabbits. She has taught me how to keep my rabbits muscular and how to have fun raising these animals."

And raising rabbits is work that can be rewarding, the competitors said.

"This is my second year in showing rabbits," Chesapeake resident Matthew Salyers, 11, said. "I want to compete for the money. I’ve really enjoyed raising the New Zealand rabbits. It’s a lot of fun taking care of these animals."

Salyers has been raising rabbits since age 5 and he said it has been a learning experience.

"Raising rabbits is tougher than you think," he said. "Rabbits aren’t just for eating. It’s a lot of hard work feeding them and changing their water several times a day."

His sister thinks raising and showing rabbits is a chance to make new friends – and to learn.

"Showing rabbits is a good way to make new fiends," 9-year-old Janna Salyers said. "I don’t do it just for the money. I do it because I like being in 4-H and learning about these animals."

Those involved in the rabbit shows say raising rabbits teaches a good sense of responsibility and can lead to a lifetime career.

"I’ve worked with rabbits for 33 years and I love it," said 4-H rabbit show judge Deborah Brown. "It started when I was a child, like many of those here, and the love grew from there. Mom and Dad bought an Easter bunny and that’s when it all began. I think kids learn responsibility when they raise rabbits."

Mrs. Brown is currently a licensed registrar of the American Rabbit Breeders Association and owner of Green’s Rabbitry in New Philadelphia.

Raising rabbits is a learning experience, said Rock Hill student Tonya Dalton, 10.

"I think raising rabbits is a lot of fun," Miss Dalton said. "I’ve raised rabbits for two years now and I’ve learned that you are not supposed to pick them up by their ears and you should were long sleeves so they don’t scratch you. It’s very important to hold them a certain way so they don’t think they’re falling. I enjoy trying to win in the show."