Years ago, Diamond FFA member Carrie Hobbs, 15, did not like rabbits.

But today, she enjoys the furry little fellows.

“I was deathly afraid of rabbits,” Hobbs said. “They scared me. And I did not like to mess with them. My friends actually got me to where I liked them. I was scared of them because I was a big sissy and I did not like things that crawled, unless they were in a cage. I liked them, but not on me. But now I love these things. They are my favorite animals, besides horses.”

Hobbs brought mini rex rabbits, which are a very small rabbit, to the Newton County Fair. She also brought their mother, who was shown during the fair.

“The mom took second second in her class,” remarked Hobbs. “The babies are only five weeks old today (Thursday). They will be ready to show by next year.”

When showing rabbits, Hobbs said that there are a few things she has to do with them.

“Feed and water them, but also make sure that their coat is precise, make sure that their structure is just right, because if not, it will throw off how the judge judges them,” Hobbs said. “We brush them, we clip their toenails, and we just make sure that they are perfect for our shows.”

And although there are many rabbits, she names each of them. Two are Bugs (naturally) and Handicap.

“It’s called Handicap because of its foot,” said Hobbs. “It only has one toe.”
Hobbs has shown at the fair for the past four years, these rabbits for the last three years.

“I enjoy showing them now,” she said. “I have gotten used to the scratches now.”

And the spectators really enjoy seeing them.

“Little kids like them a lot. They like to pet them,” Hobbs said. “Mini rex rabbits stay outside in their own cages.”