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On Winning Best in Show by Alyssa Ghilotti
Hello My name is Alyssa Ghilotti. Christine asked me to write and article
on my recent Best in Show win at the convention in San Diego. It has been
several weeks since convention and it is still very emotional for me. At the
very least my win at convention came to me as a shock. Truth be told I had
never even won a first place at convention or nationals. So it should be
understandable of the surprise of winning a first place, not to mention Best
of Breed. That in its self was an honor.
When the time came for Best of Group, I was slightly nervous but honestly
did not expect to go any further. When Dr. Chris Hayhow announced the Holland
Lop was the winner my jaw dropped (no joke!). I was completely shocked.
Things suddenly became a little more nerve racking. During the Best in Show
judging I held Heather Odabashian's hand and my mother's ( Loretta
Odabashian grasped my mom's other free hand). I think that it took Chris
Zemny almost two hours to make her decision (okay maybe that is a slight exag-
geration). When Chris announced her decision I immediately buried my hands
in my face and cried. I looked at Heather who just smiled and hugged me. I
could not believe it! I hugged my mother as well, who by the way I thought
was going to faint. Loretta cheered and when I looked at my Grandmother she
just nodded in approval, but looked as surprised and excited as I was.
My next feat was to make it down the stairs (I have no clue how I got
lucky enough to be sitting at the top of the bleachers). Seriously, I almost
knocked down a grooming table someone has set up. When I walked to the arena
and saw Chris, the immediate response was a very big hug. Chris is my bunny
mother and she has been my mentor. She was never afraid to be honest, and
most of the time was brutally honest. Winning Best in Show with her as a
judge was spectacular. I was in disbelief that she had picked my Holland. As
most of you know Chris has raised Hollands for many years and is especially
picky with them and when it comes to my Hollands there was always something
to improve on. After that initially moment everything was a blur. There were
lots of pictures, congratulations, and plenty of hugs and tears.
I would like to close with some very special thank you's. First to both
of my parents for all their support, but especially my mother. She has been
dragged everywhere, at all hours, on little or no sleep for me and my
rabbits. The amazing part was she never complained. My mother always left me
responsible for the rabbits which is probably why I have stuck with it. The
rabbits were my hobby and I could quit anytime, it was up to me. So mommy,
thank you and remember never try raising Hollands on your own because they
would be round "carpet- munchers." I also want to thank all my rabbit
friends, so if I forget someone I am sorry I truly love you all.
Cathy and Lizzie you two have been there for me throughout the years. We
have shared stories, bunnies, and victories. It has been wonderful knowing
both of you and your friendship means so much to me. There was never a moment
when you guys did not completely support me or offer a helping hand. The
Lugo's who always got me to work behind the judging table and yelled at me
when I was late. You guys have been in the rabbit world for a lot longer then
I so all your helpful advice was great. Next the Flangans. Kelli, you remind
me of me (because you're so adorable), stick with those Hollands because you
will go far. Bill and Carolyn thank you for all your help. You guys have been
so nice and at times I do not know if I deserved to. Dena Hay, you're the
best. Without you my hands would have fallen off because as you know a person
can only clerk so much. To all my other Holland and bunny friends, thank you
for sharing all the memories, that without I would be a totally different
person. Thank you to all the judges who critiqued by rabbits and answer my
questions. A special thanks to those judges who tolerated my morning moods
and sugar lows while I clerked, (you know who you are!).
Heather and Loretta I did not forget you. Loretta thanks for putting up
with me and my "special" attitude. I think without you my mother would have
gone crazy. Heather . . . I love you. You are a lot more than just a girl
that I hang out with at rabbit shows, You are an awesome friend and I look
foreword to veterinarian school with you. Thank you for always making me
laugh, after spending time with you at rabbit shows I enjoy life a little
more. Finally I would like to thank Chris Zemny. Words will never be able to
fully express how grateful I am to have known you and for all the knowledge
you have shared with me. I know there were many times I was frustrated and
wanted to give up the rabbits and other parts of my life, but you always had
some way or something to help me along. You are one of those people I could
spend hours talking with and be totally intrigued. I am sure I will have
plenty of stories to share with my children about my bunny mother, the Jedi
Master. I just want you to know you're the reason I raise rabbits and have
been able to accomplish the goals that I have set forth. The best compliment
you ever gave me had nothing to do with rabbits it was simply that I was like
you. That has been the biggest honor you have shared with me. You truly are a
wonderful women and deserve a lot more credit then you get for all your good
deeds. So thank you Chris, you have significantly helped shape my rabbits and
the person that I am today. You are very dear to my heart.
Winning Best in Show was the honor of a life time. I have been raising
Holland Lops for twelve years and have watched the breed evolve. I know for
the rest of my life I will be able to look back not only on that day but all
of my years of raising rabbits and smile because it has been such a
spectacular experience!
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 Alyssa with Princess Marie  Princess Marie after her BOB win at the 2001 Convention
Chris Zemny, Best in Show judge, Alyssa Ghilotti, and Princess Marie |
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2001 ARBA Convention - youth Judges
Chris Zemny, Allan Ormond, with Alyssa Ghilotti and
the Best of Breed BJD Princess Marie
ALYSSA GHILOTTI
2001
SAN DIEGO CONVENTION