07/31/2026
Long mushy post ahead. I’ve had this typed out for a while, but kept rereading and wanted it to perfectly convey my heart before I posted it.
We met Russ Brumbelow and his wife Stacy Brumbelow what seems like forever ago and bonded over our mutual love of rabbits and the breeds that we raised. Russ has always embodied what it truly means to be a mentor and to better the breed. I will say that 900 more times in this post, but only because I feel it’s the truth.
The Brumbelow’s have been such a huge BLESSING to both Derek and I from the moment we first met them. They welcomed us into their lives with kindness and truly embodied what it meant to better the Rex and Mini Rex breed over their time showing and raising rabbits.
I remember the day we took this photo, what a wonderful feeling it is to stand next to your mentor and more importantly a close friend with best and best opposite of breed. I was so proud for both of us and recognized all the hard work it took to get there!
It never ceases to amaze me how people can go from strangers on Facebook yapping about rabbits, to becoming lifelong friends. I have been so blessed to have gained so many wonderful friends this way and it’s why I encourage people to get involved 🩷
The first day we met he invited us into his home, we met his family, he showed me his setup, He got out his rabbits, and let me put my hands on them all, pose them, feel the differences explained and taught me a lot. Encouraged me to join the breed clubs and start showing both Rex and Mini Rex
That day he sent me home with a pair of blue otter Rex free of charge but with one request, he told me he wanted to see me at a show. That was the beginning of the herd of Rex and Mini Rex I have today.
Truly, Anyone can buy a standard of perfection book, read it and interpret it, but how special it is to have someone willing to mentor you and give hands on learning, share their knowledge, share their breeding stock, and give you endless guidance along with their friendship. It’s absolutely priceless. I encourage everyone when looking for a breeder to purchase from find someone willing to answer questions and teach you! It’s important !
I LOVE my rabbits, anyone who knows me knows that. It’s always been my goal to share the joy that rabbits bring to me with others, as well as share the knowledge I have acquired through others being so willing to help and mentor me. This spring something changed however, I had set out to share more, be more active on social media and the more I posted the more I began to get people I had never even met cursing, name calling and fussing at me. Blocked them and moved on… but I truly began to wonder what am I getting myself into ? Where did all these hateful people come from ?? I’ve never had issues like this but When you open your life up on social media you are bound to catch hate at some point of another. I’m very well aware of bullies on the internet but I never imagine showing cute babies in a nest box would get people so fired up. I found myself wondering if it was worth it?
I always told myself if I got to the point I no longer wanted to share knowledge, I would just stop breeding and raising rabbits because what is the point if to keep it all to yourself. The whole point is to share this joy and knowledge with others. To pass it on, move it forward.
I took a break, from social media, from showing, took some much needed time to myself, to think, spent time with my rabbits, my family and I regrouped and refocused. It was EXACTLY the reset I needed. I apologize to those who have had messages unanswered or short responses, I know things have fallen through the cracks and for that I apologize, I simply needed a break.
When Russ called me a few months back and told me he was going to be getting out of rabbits, and offered his whole Rex herd to me I was truly heartbroken. No more hanging out at shows, eating hotel breakfasts, laughing, cutting up, celebrating the new litters and victories. No more rabbit rambling. These are moments I will always treasure forever looking back 🩷 It was the closing of a chapter but the opening of a brand new one.
Russ said some stuff over the course of that phone call that reminded me of WHY I started sharing on social media, Why I always felt so inclined to help others even when people are hateful. If it helps one person, and has a positive impact it’s worth it.
Russ THANKYOU for giving me the kick in the butt you HAD NO IDEA that I even needed exactly when I needed it 🩷 You yet again reminded through EXAMPLE, what it means to better the breed and inspired me to continue to pass knowledge, kindness, and the love of these beautiful creatures forward.
Russ and Stacy your kindness and all the knowledge you imparted into Derek and I will continue on. I’m very excited about the addition of the Brumbelow bunnies to Cofield Farms Rabbitry. You will continue to have an impact on the rabbit community and hobby through every rabbit that bears the name Brumbelow’s Bunnies. Bringing in your herd of Rex rabbits was not on my 2026 bingo card, but boy am I thankful for you entrusting me with them and continuing your legacy in the hobby. I cannot thank you ENOUGH, for the guidance and mentoring over the years but also your wonderful continued friendship. Thank you for reminding me what it is all about just when I needed it most 🩷
Stay tuned for updates over the next few weeks as I begin the exciting process of merging two Rex herds into one 🩷
