Self Reflection

I have learned a lot of things from bloging and now I’m going to tell you what. I learned many things technology wise although I still can’t do pictures. I learned how to make links and how to upload u-tube videos. I have learned that work can also be fun sometimes and that everything is done for a reason. This has been more enjoyable for me as time has progressed. At the beginning when we first started bloging I did not like it because I could not figure out what to say or what topic to choose now I just can’t stop talking it has become so easy. I think people don’t enjoy things because they are difficult. I mean haven’t you ever noticed how just because a class makes you think or requires more than a minimal amount of effort people tend to take the easy way out and say they don’t like it rather than admitting that they it is hard for them. Oh yea, that is another thing I have learned that people think too highly to themselves that they don’t want to seem weak by admitting to having a difficulty. I have learned a ton of things about animals. I learned that chameleons can turn pink (I still have my suspicions about purple). I also learned that chickens can fly and that flying squirrels really glide not fly believe or not but there is a difference between the two. I learned that it is ok to admit defeat sometimes. Also, I learned that I can make a difference in this world jus by writing my blog. I have spread awareness about animal testing which is a subject I feel strongly about. I have learned new writing techniques and skills that I will use for the rest of my life. I have also learned that this bloging is not just busy work, but it helps me become a better writer and a better person in general. I as you can plainly see I have learned a lot from bloging and even if we don’t know it every blog we write and every learning log are for a reason.

An assortment of puzzling animal related questions

I will be telling you the answer to some of the most puzzling questions about the animal kingdom like can chickens fly, what is the fastest animal in the world, should you feed stray animals in your compound, can chameleons change colors like pink or purple, and do flying squirrels really fly.

Our first question is… Can chickens fly? The answer is in fact that they can, but only for short distances. However some chickens have been genetically modified so that they can’t fly or their wings have been clipped. People do this to the chicken because quite simply it makes them easier to catch and they can’t just fly off that way. So, that is where the common perception that chickens can’t fly comes from. Info from: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_can’t_chickens_fly

Our second question is… What is the slowest animal on land? The answer is the sloth. Contrary to popular belief the turtle isn’t the slowest nor is the snail they are slow, but not slow enough. The sloth travels at a speed of 6 feet per minute.  That is really really ssssllloooww. I got this info from: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_fast_is_a_two_toed_sloth&alreadyAsked=1&rtitle=How_fast_is_a_sloth

Our third and final question is… Is it ok to feed stray animals in your compound? Well this is a debatable topic. It really depends on the type of animal your food is attracting like if it were a cat or a dog or even a bird it would be ok, but if it were ants or cockroaches or rats then it wouldn’t. Also, then they will start to depend on you for food and when you move away they will have no food source and then they could die if they don’t figure it out before too long. It all depends on the type of person you want to be really. You could either be a nice person or a mean person or if you can live with being mean or just not doing anything then good on you. I bet I could go on and on with this topic, but there are only so many hours in the day and a lot more questions to be answered.  

Our last question is… Can chameleons change colors like pink or purple? They can change colors like pink, blue, red, orange, green, black, brown and yellow. They change color biased on its environment and its mood.

Our last question is… Do flying squirrels really fly? The answer is no. They glide not fly. It is commonly thought that they fly because they are called flying squirrels, but they don’t.

So, now you know some the answers to some of the world’s most puzzling questions. If you have any other questions you can go to http://wiki.answers.com/ for help.

The Sad but True Story of Animal Testing

WARNING: Prepare for the shock of a life time.

Imagine a cute little Golden Retriever puppy about 2 months old with the biggest roundest eyes you ever did see with an expression on its tiny little face that makes you just want to pick it up and take it home with you. What if I told you that puppies just like this one are having chemicals forced into their eyes and who knows what into their stomachs. Hundreds of thousands of animals are blinded, poisoned, or killed every year in outdated product tests for cosmetics, personal care products, household cleaning products and even fruit juices. Even then if it blinds the animal or even kills it they can still put the item out on the shelf to be sold! The saddest part is that these companies don’t even have to do this. The horrible fact is that the experiments are unnecessary, as there are cheaper, efficient and more realistic tests that can be used instead of animal testing. The worst part has yet to come. You probably didn’t know that every year, tens of millions of mice, rats, cats, guinea pigs, ferrets, dogs, pigs, primates, sheep, cows, and other animals are tortured and killed in U.S. laboratories alone. If tens of millions are killed and tortured in U.S. laboratories, then how many do the other countries torture and kill? Animal testing isn’t even required by law anymore so these companies are basically killing for no reason. And these statistics are form a year or two ago so just guess how many are killed today. As you put on your makeup tomorrow think about it for a little while; what have they done to deserve this? What did they do wrong? What answer are you getting? I don’t know about you, but to me the answer is that they have done nothing wrong we may be smarter than them, but so what! They have feelings and personalities just like you and me. To me animal testing is like a different form of the Nazi concentration camps. It is cruel and wrong and it should be stopped. These animals don’t live in posh rooms with lavish furniture and plush cushions; they live in cramped cages usually only a little bit bigger than them. Help save their lives. You may be thinking “Well there is not much I can do.” Well there is so much you can do. You can write something just like I did, to help spread awareness. You could also sign this petition against animal testing: http://www.petitiononline.com/pawsclub/petition.html.

Thank you for you help.

Why do people dress up their pets?

Why do people dress up their pets?

 It seems to me, to be a cruel and unusual punishment. I mean doggy boots to keep the dogs feet from freezing or burning or a plain sweater is ok, but this! Come on people, do you honestly think that this cat likes this? How would you like to be dressed up in that thing, and then on top of that they take your picture! That has to be animal cruelty. Look at it’s face, does that look happy to you? In my opinion, people these days have become so overly obsessed with material things that they go over board on fashion, and in trying to they come up with the accessory of a pet and the no top of that make an accessory for the accessory. My other theory is that some people are just greedy and trick people into buying more of the stuff they don’t need. I feel really sorry for these people who have become so easily influenced by others; they are as easily moved as a dead leaf in a crisp, windy afternoon in autumn. These are the kind of people who mostly make up this world. I feel so sad for these animals being stuffed into costumes that don’t even fit and then their owners take their picture and put it on the internet. Don’t you think that, that would be so embarrassing if it happened to you? On top of that though you can talk these animals can’t. They can’t tell you how much they dislike the outfit or no to take the picture. How do you think the feel being so repressed? Don’t you think this is going too far? How do you think the dog likes it? Who came up with dressing up pets anyways? Who ever did is absolutely crazy. I mean come on that has to be uncomfortable. People have seriously gone way too over board with this. All these designer tote bags and jewel incrusted collars. That is not even all of it anyways some of these posh pooches live better lives than at least half of the worlds population and that is not right. I mean animals are people too, but they should not be thought of any higher than humans. Animals can not speak for themselves they need people like us to talk for them. I find it kind of funny that in trying to make their pets happy some owners only make thing worse. It is kind of absurd if you think about it.

Rabbits

Rabbits, many call them rodents I call them friends. Ever sense I first saw them I have loved them. You see, I have my own rabbit. I have raised her ever sense she could fit in the palm of my hand. This week’s entry is all about rabbits. There are specifically 3 breeds I would like to talk about the e Netherland dwarf, mini lop, and the rex.

The Netherland dwarf is a extremely popular breed because of their small size and wonderful temperament. They are not called dwarf for not reason either the average e Netherland dwarf weighs in at 2 pounds. Their huge adorable eyes are only a bonus. Rabbits in general are quite like dogs actually. They can learn their name so they come when you call them. They also can be potty trained (which makes clean up so much easier). They come in 24 different colors so that won’t be an issue. They are especially curious and love to spend time with their owners.

Information from: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Valley/1155/Index9.html

The mini lop is the smallest breed of lop. They love to be cuddled and held. They have an excellent temperament and make fabulous companions. They are easy to house train too. The mini lop is also known as the Holland lop. They have a very laid back personality and their short hair is extremely undemanding.

Info from: http://www.rabbits-online.co.uk/Rabbit_Breed_Info.htm

Rex Rabbits are literally the real life version of the velveteen rabbit. They are known for their lush fur. They have a lovable cuddly temperament. They are a large breed, but they are not terribly humongous either. Like most other breeds they come in a plethora of different colors. They can be perfectly happy to play or just be cuddled and loved on. They are extremely lovable and like lots of attention.

Info from: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/breed_profiles/rabbits/rex.htm

Rabbits are extraordinary animals. They are very smart and can be train to do tricks. There are now even competitions for show jumping rabbits. If you are planning to get a rabbit it is actually better to adopt a rabbit to find out more go to this site: http://www.myhouserabbit.com/tip_adoption.php. If you don’t have the yard space for a dog I recommend getting a rabbit, they are great companions and are more than half the size.

Here is a funny video that I saw while researching rabbits ( I hope you like it):

Labrador Retrievers

For my first post I want to start off with a dog breed close to my heart, the Labrador retriever. You see my dog is a Lab (or Labrador). She just turned 9 and in honor of her birthday I am doing this.

Labradors are strong, muscular dog, which are pretty easy to care for, and a water proof fur coat. They come in three main colors black, chocolate, and yellow. There is also the rare Silver Labrador, but some insist that they are crosses between a Weimeriner and a Lab. Still others say it is a true mutation. Most dog owners agree though that Labs are loving and affectionate dogs. They a very lively and need a medium amount of exercise because they are big dogs averaging about 22-24 inches tall. One of the most interesting things I have learned recently is that Labs have a sort of webbing between their feet because they were breed in Newfoundland, Canada to jump over board and retrieve the fisherman’s net from the icy cold waters. They were later brought over to England where their retrieving instincts were honed. These dogs are great for families because of their loving nature. They are great with kids and other dogs. Labradors are used for drug detection, guide dogs for the blind, and service dogs for the disabled. The normal life expectancy for Labs is 10-12 years old they are also prone to hip problems such as hip dysplasia. They can do well in apartments, but need to be walked more if you do. They are fairly active indoors and do the best with about an average sized yard. You need to exercise them regularly and should be served a moderate helping of food twice a day in order to not become obese. They are patient and loyal and in my opinion they are the picture of dogs are man’s best friend.

I hope you can now see why I love my dog so much. Also, I hope you liked this weeks post if you have any topics you would like to know more about please let me know. To find out more about this topic go to http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/labrador.htm. I got most of my information from this site.