Tag: Dog

Is it Better to Own a Cat or Dog?

By: Madison Grace Hansen

The common question, “is it better to own a cat or dog” circulates through social media at least once a year. Addressing this topic, I personally believe that it is better to own a dog rather than a cat because dogs are easier to clean up after, they can be trained easily, and they are better companions.

Dogs are easier to clean up after because most use the restroom outside and do not require cleaning because they are in the yard. Cats use the restroom in a litter box which is messy and constantly needs cleaning. Although litter boxes have been introduced to society, they are extremely expensive, therefore cat owners purchase the cheaper, messier litter boxes.  No cat owner actually enjoys sweeping up the small litter box remnants. 

Also, dogs are kinder pets than cats. Cats are not easily trained and they like to scratch and bite which is not good for the owner. Dogs can be trained quite easily if they are trained at a young age. When a dog is trained they can do a multitude of tricks like sitting, spinning, shaking, rolling over, and so much more. Cats do not do tricks, or at least no cat that I have ever seen. 

Finally, dogs certainly make for better companions. Although cats can be cute and cuddly, dogs do not get nearly as aggressive as cats and tend to enjoy getting scratches and rubs. Dogs will go on walks and runs with their owners while cats enjoy being lazy around the house. Dogs are also great pets to have if you feel lonely because they are wonderful companions. Once your dog trusts you, they will be your furry companion forever. 

All in all, dogs will forever be better pets than cats because they are easy to pick up after, they can be trained effortlessly, and they are amazing companions. Although cats have their own strengths as well, they will never reach the same level as dogs. 

My Favorite Drawings

By: Anna Kate Coker

Throughout my highschool years, I have taken Drawing classes including Drawing 1 freshman year, Drawing 2 sophomore year, Drawing 3 junior year and ultimately AP drawing this year. I have done different projects including graphite, colored pencil, and charcoal. 

Sight

This graphite drawing illustrates the theme of sight. I took the reference photo of a boy covering his face but opening his hands slightly to where his eyes are the main part exposed. This choice leads the viewer to focus on his eyes. I used a blurred background to contrast with the detail on the face, making a dark ambiance surrounding him. I chose to use graphite for this project in order to keep the black, grey, and white color palette to make it feel dramatic. 

Locker Room

This colored pencil drawing portrays a locker room, filled with basketball jerseys and shoes. When taking the reference picture, I put a brighter color filter over it, giving me the ability to make the original, dull picture a vivid and bright color complexity. This challenged me to blend opposite colors together to create a multicolored piece of artwork. I chose colored pencil for the medium in this drawing so I could have more options and colors on the spectrum.

Duke

This detailed colored pencil drawing pictures a Great Dane. I decided to choose to draw this in color so I could get all of the undertones of the dog’s fur. Using blues, reds, yellows, greens, and purples, I laid each color down in different spots creating dimension and layering to the black fur. I had to find the undertones I additionally added the background, giving it a blurred effect to keep the dog as the center focus. 

Swimmer

I created “The Swimmer” to illustrate human movement in an active motion. The swimmer, portrayed through graphite, pushes through the water creating splashes and waves. This depicts this person gliding in the pool with the strength to pull himself forward. With every stretch the swimmer takes, the liquid moves equally. I contrasted the graphite with blue colored pencil to add more depth.

Rating the Dogs I Have Known

By: Alexis Dawkins

In my lifetime, I really haven’t lived in more than one place for a long period of time. I have grown up in Sumter, but I bounce between grandparents’ houses and visit my mom or my dads sometimes. This leaves many ways for me to encounter many dogs, seeing that everyone I know has at least one. I have always been a dog person so I am going to rate the dogs my family has or has had.

Starting with my childhood dogs. One set of grandparents had a springer spaniel, Katie, and a dachshund, Polly. Katie was the hunting dog and by far one of the best dogs you would ever meet. She was well trained and was my papa’s best friend so I rate her a 9.7/10. Polly on the other hand was mean, especially towards kids. That may have been my fault because I was not the nicest to her but she was never a really nice dog. As I grew up she liked me more so she was nicer but overall I rate her a 7/10. Both of them have passed now and we have two more dogs, both being yorkies. Sadie is the older one and I picked her out. She is sweet but does not like to be picked up. She wants you to lay on the floor and play with her toys. She is a 9.7/10 also. Zoey is the other yorkie and she is the opposite. She loves people and to be held but does not want to play on the floor. She would rather lay down and sleep. She is also a 9.7/10. 

At my other grandparents house they have a french bulldog, Conan. He is my best friend and sleeps with me every night. He does not like the car or the boat or when it’s hot or when it’s too cold, but he does love everyone he meets. He loves other dogs and going to daycare. He is definitely my favorite at a 9.9/10. 

My dad has three dogs, Willow, Penny, and Ellie. Willow is a boykin spaniel and she is attached to my dads hip but she’s a good dog. Penny and Ellie are both old but sweet. I will rate all of them a 9.5/10. 

I have always been a dog person. So much so that I would choose a dog over a person any day. There are many more dogs that have been in my life but I’ll save them for later.