Editor’s note: Story submitted by Nyjah Tennis’ 4-H leader.
CRESWELL – At age 9 in 2024, Nyjah Tennis had started raising Silver Fox rabbits after learning that his father, Nick, was diagnosed with cardiac cancer and congestive heart failure. The rich health benefits of rabbit meat, especially for heart health, were the biggest part of his reason for choosing the species, and he specifically chose Silver Fox because of the pattern and temperament they were known for. In November 2025, his mom, Janie, encouraged Nyjah to join the Creswell 4-H Club so that he could learn all about his small animals. He quickly became one of the club’s most devoted members for his projects.
For the 2026 Lane County Fair, Nyjah bred and raised his very own market pen of three Silver Fox rabbits for auction. He also brought his bantam chicken with whom he won the title of Reserve Champion Poultry Showmanship after impressing the judge with his extensive poultry knowledge! His parents were unable to see him show and win this title on the second day of the fair as his father had to be admitted to the hospital. For Nyjah, to bring happy news home to his parents during this difficult time was a blessing.
Heartbreakingly, just two days later on the morning of the auction, Nyjah’s father succumbed to his fight with cancer. It was then that the agricultural community – not only in Lane County but surrounding counties – rallied together to support Nyjah’s upcoming market pen.
Although it was a hard day for Nyjah, he gathered the strength to walk out and auction his own project, even after being given the opportunity for someone else to stand in for him. It was not just the financial support of the community that stood out. Typically, when the kids enter the auction ring, they are introduced, and you will hear a few claps and cheers. When Nyjah’s name was announced, it sounded like a concert; the cheers and whistles were so loud.
That should not take away from the other kids, but it shows how amazing the community is coming together to show support to someone in a time of need. There was not a dry eye in that auction while many kind strangers stood to raise the bidding on Nyjah’s rabbits in support of his great loss. The going rate for a pen of three rabbits would typically bring around $700, so when Nyjah’s starting rate for his rabbit began at $1,000, he wasn’t sure he heard correctly. Donations were still coming in, and a final tally won’t be known for another week or so.
News of Nyjah and his Silver Fox has spread to Rogers, Ark., the home of the National Silver Fox Rabbit Club. They reached out to his 4-H club after voting to offer a scholarship for a three-year membership into their club.
– Mrs. Brittney Haaby
Nyjah’s 4-H leader
