in honor of
Robert Gunning
Known for his work with the Black Velvet

      Robert (Bob) Gunning started in the Chinchilla business in 1943.  He was instrumental in starting the Washington Branch and later the Columbia Basin Branch of ECBC and served on the national board of directors of Empress for many years.  Bob is and always has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Empress organization and is a lifetime member.  He started judging Chinchilla shows in 1950 and is one of the top Chinchilla judges in the world today.
     Bob Gunning was forced to make a second start in the Chinchilla business following a disastrous fire in 1955.  Within a short time an offspring appeared in his herd that had a ‘dirty face’, as it was called at the time.  This male with the dirty face and black nose was the beginning of what is now known as the Gunning Black Velvet.  A dozen or more years were to pass before a Black Velvet baby appeared, one that was all black and with a velvet fur.  Many believe that the Gunning Black Velvet is one reason for a strong Chinchilla market today.
     The Chinchilla industry can be thankful for and very proud of Bob Gunning for his determination and belief in a dream that has done so much for the success of the industry!