by Sami Segale

Created on: September 30, 2009   Last Updated: October 01, 2009

4-H gives kids a chance to compete and become contenders in their community. Clubs such as Redwood 4-H in Castro Valley have groups from which kids can pick and participate in interests of their choice. And although 4-H isn't just for animals, there is a very solid animal component, such as the rabbit group.

Redwood Rabbits has had a strong showing in rabbit shows across California, with one of its members even taking the prestigious Best of Show Award in the 2009

Cow Palace Grand National Livestock Show with her mini lop. Breeding her prize-winning rabbit resulted in a Best of Breed in the 2009 Alameda County Fairfor one of his bucks. She has since gone on to sell several of his pedigreed offspring, which are all showing well. She aspires to build her own rabbitry - Maddie's Minis.

Another teen member is helping her mother raise and show American Blues, which are currently on the most endangered livestock list. They spend hours on end caring for their herd, delivering animals to other breeders, and educating the public.

In fact, all the members enjoy educating the public about their group's Blues and other activities, most recently making appearances at the Castro Valley Farmer's Market and the Garin Apple Festival with a litter of American Blues and adorable Californians for young and old to cuddle, appreciate, and learn about. They stole the show at the Apple Festival with their own "mini petting zoo," which included two guinea pigs, a chinchilla, and a chicken along with six baby rabbits. Children squealed in delight interacting with the animals while parents smiled from ear to ear and adoringly snapped shots. Several parents commented that they didn't know much about rabbits and were surprised to learn that rabbits are a viable family pet. Happily, this lead to a reported record number of adoptions at the Tri-Valley SPCA monthly rabbit adoption.

These active 4-Hers have brought their buns to a retirement home for a visit, which was exceptionally received by all the residents, one of whom teared up when she remarked that he had raised rabbits as a child; several members volunteer at the Tri-Valley Animal Shelter in Dublin socializing rabbits as well as other animals to help the critters stay tame and bonded to humans; and one member is fostering an elderly rabbit in need of special care.

Having partnered with their community, the Redwood Rabbit youth know first-hand that kids can and do make a difference in both the lives of animals and people alike.

For more info: Check out the Redwood 4-H website, which is web mastered by yet another exceptional teen member.

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