Responsible Pet Ownership

I believe that Responsible Pet Ownership means a commitment to love an animal and a commitment to care for an animal.  I believe that beyond feeding an animal and snuggling it the pet's medical needs MUST be addressed from spaying and neutering to vaccinations to a yearly checkup.  When I asked a shelter worker what responsible pet ownership was the response I got was feeding and playing with the animal, spaying or neutering it, and addressing the animals other needs.  A visitor had a less medical approach, she said she believed responsible pet ownership was meeting the needs of the animal and giving it love. 
I see many people who take on the responsibility of having a pet without the monetary or time to care for it.  The cat my family adopted did not have her needs met in either respect.  Her family had two small dogs as well as a small child.  When we took the cat to the doctor, she had to have all but two of her teeth pulled.  She gained about a pound after that, and she seems to be quite happy in our home.

If anyone is curious, Meowska is chewing on my glasses.  I don't know why, but she really loves to gum my glasses at the hinges and where they slip over my ears.  (No cats where harmed in the taking of the photo.

Owner Surrenders

One of our projects for this week was to record the reasons for pet surrender at the shelter.

Morgan 51108

The reason for this cat's surrender was because owner had an emergency with the owner's previous, senior, cat and simply couldn't take care of it. 

Pebbles 51944

Pebbles sheet listed several reasons for her surrender.   It stated she was originally a stray, does not get along with another pet, and that there were family/health issues.  The owner added that the cat may be able to coexist with canines if socialized.

Strawberry 53385

The owner surrender sheet stated that Strawberry did not get along with another pet.  Her sheet also added that the cat got along very well with other animals. 

An Updated Photo

Animal turn-over at the shelter is not as bad as I had expected before I took the class and began volunteering at the shelter.  I couldn't remember the names of the cats in a particular room from the shelter last week, but most of my "favorites" are gone.  I'm very glad that so many kitties have found homes in the past week!  I really didn't expect as many adoptions to take place as they have.  I am concerned about the growing number of kennels that need to be cleaned 5 times a day and a prohibition on cuddling in all of the cat rooms, though. 
Purrcy has been here the longest of the cats I've had the opportunity to get to know.  This is an updated picture of him.  He's a really sweet guy, and despite being a primarily black animal I really hope he finds a home soon.  I can't imagine why he hasn't found a proper home yet, he's a fairly social cat and even sticks his paws out of the kennel when people are around.  (At least he always does when I'm there.)  He isn't an iconic black cat like Sabrina the Teenage Witch had, and that might contribute to his lack of adoption.  His fur is a bit more wiry than other cats around, and I suppose people may be less compelled to choose him over another animal. 

Purrcy 52623

 

Self Critique

Image Strengths:
1) I removed a bit of dirt under the cat that detracted from the image, and after several attempts the fixed spot isn't blatantly obvious.
2) The a black cat lying on orange creates a contrast and may appeal to someone who is looking for a black cat because they have a love of Halloween and the macabre. 
3) The picture isn't so blurry the viewer can't tell the image is of a cat.

Areas of Improvement:
1) Despite being fairly playful, the cat didn't want to come to the front of the kennel (even with coaxing with a kitty treat) so the image was very dark.
2) Even with many picture attempts this image is the least blurred.  I really can't manage my camera at all.
3) The cat again isn't looking directly at the camera but rather at a point over the viewer's shoulder. 
4) Because the image was so dark to begin with the vignette that I added doesn't really flatter the image, especially since the black cat is in a dark-ish box.
5) After lightening them, the eyes look more washed-out than "bright."
6) The way her face is positioned (on the viewer's left) her whiskers make her cheek look funny.


I'm probably going to re-do her picture. 

Meta-data is data embedded in images and other file formats used for storing information pertinent to the creator, date created or the file itself.

Common examples of meta-data in images are:
Creator
Creation date
Resolution
Color depth(bit)
Location the picture/image was taken(GPS, computer name)

Less-common examples:
Color balance, luminance and contrast information
Indexing information(can be used for search optimization and names of the pets)
Anything else, including comments by the creator and/or editors


As far as uses in this class, meta-data can be used for comments such as the shelter and animals names as well as for indexing.

For my own personal use, indexing would be the most valuable part of the meta-data information. It could prove invaluable in case the file is renamed or modified in some way by someone other than I, the animals names and shelter information would be left in-tact.

Julip

This is Julip, a beautiful cat at the Wake County Animal Shelter.  After experiencing much annoyance trying to get a cat (read: diva) to look at the camera for a picture, I decided to try using the burst feature, which captures several images with a small delay between each.  Using this I had quite a success with Julip, who is an absolute sweetheart.  (We began our session with her playing peek-a-boo with me in the hole between the two parts to her kennel.)  This image was Photoshopped with a bit of advice and a few new tricks learned from my most amazing boyfriend. 

An improved photo

When I was at the shelter again today I was taking pictures of cats and one of the volunteers asked if I'd taken a picture of Streaker.  I'd noticed Streaker, an adorable female kitten who is defined as a tortoiseshell but looks like a calico to me.  (I really love calicos.)  I don't always pick up on social cues, so I wasn't sure if the volunteer thought a picture done for Streaker was exceptionally good, or if she was gently suggesting for me to take Streaker's picture.  The information sheet for Streaker had an indication that a photograph was taken for the cat previously, but without the internet I couldn't check the cat's picture.  Considering Streaker was in the shelter for 67 days, I decided I may as well "take a shot" (pun intended - aren't they all?). 

Streaker, female domestic short hair
Unidentified photographer
Wake County Animal Center: WakeGov.com
Date copied: 5/20/11

The photograph is actually quite stirring, with pleading eyes.  The shot is taken with a shallow depth of field so that the face is the focus of the photograph.  I'm fairly certain this was taken when Streaker was much younger (she has been in the shelter for more than two months and she's only eleven months old!)  Streaker's description said she is a little shy.  I suppose it may be a result of maturity, but I found Streaker to be quite inquisitive and friendly. 

This is my update of Streaker.  While she isn't looking toward the camera (inquisitive cats have a bad habit of looking at everything except the wiggling fingers in the blue glove) I feel the image captures her majesty.  she is a very tall cat, especially for her age, and her proportions remind me of Egyptian sculptures.  (Please don't remind cats they were revered in Ancient Egypt, they don't need any more ego!)  I feel this position also displays her coloring better than the original.  She has a bright white tummy which I find very appealing.  The placement of her white bits reminds me quite a bit of my own kitty, except my kitty has white legs as well as a pretty white tummy.  I brightened the ears, eyes, and nose in this image as well as adjust the colors and add a vignette. 

As a side note, as a result of taking this course I've started to notice vignettes.  I've seen them used on billboards as well as in commercials where the company name takes up the full screen for a few seconds. 

The Cost of Adopting Animals

The cost of adopting animals at the Wake County Animal Shelter is:

Dog - $45 (Surgery - $50)

Cat - $15 (Surgery - $30)

Rabbit - $20

The adoption fees include the pet's first series of shots (DA2PPV or FVRCP), a general dewormer, a heartworm test for dogs, a FIV/FELU test for cats, a topical flea and tick treatment, a microchip and a rabies vaccine. If the animal is under the age of four months at the time of adoption, it will be considered too young to receive its rabies vaccination.  (Quoted from http://www.wakegov.com/pets/shelter/fees.htm which has the prices for adoption of small and exotic animals as well.)

Currently there is an adopt one, get one free special on kittens at the shelter (I can understand why!) as well as a program Sweet Pea Time wrote about extensively, Senior Cats for Senior Laps.

I asked Amanda Walrad, the volunteer coordinator, why they don’t give homeless pets away for free and what the pros and cons of this would be.  Her answer was that the animals have expenses (such as everything listed above!) as well as reinforcing the fact that an animal is a responsibility and a financial commitment.  She admitted the negative side to this is that they can’t find a home for every animal.  Amanda added that they do release animals to rescue groups (50C3s) for free. 

I asked the same question to a very kind Ricardo Vega, who was at the shelter looking for a pet for his family.  He stated that he believes the shelter has a fee for adoption because it shows they expect a commitment from people for the animal and that it decreases the amount of pets they receive back at the shelter. 

I will post a picture tomorrow evening.  I had a camera malfunction today (batteries run out) and I feel it would be easier to represent the answers I received at home (where my own kitty lives) than here.

Life is too hectic!  Last night I was in tears as I realized I had to drop a class.  A history class that meets for three hours every day followed by a three hour public speaking class and four to five hours of homework between the two of them does not mix.  The public speaking class is gone (good riddance, the class structure was very bad for me) and I have time to catch up on my Art homework... yay.  There will be a *very* long shelter visit tomorrow.

Storm, male domestic short hair (Tabby - chocolate)
Unidentified photographer
Wake County Animal Center: WakeGov.com
Date copied: 5/18/11

I love the way this picture captures the many shades in Storm's fur.  I've stated before that I'm trying to focus on black animals and while Storm is not black his fur is dark enough that I imagine many of the difficulties in getting the expose correct for an animal with black fur would apply to Storm.  Storm's description said that in the right light because he is a tabby you can see his stripes.  The tabby stripes are displayed in this photo.  The neural background of the white kennel and a light green towel really focuses the eye on the dark color saturation.  I think the way the cat's ears and eyes are lighter also draw the eye to the face because they are framed twice, the opposite of how pictures are usually matted!  The shallow depth of field really draws attention to the animal's face as well.  The animal's description claims that he is sociable and friendly.  I feel the expression and position of the animal display that very well. 

First Shelter Visit Reflection

As we began orientation we ended up in the conference room which was doubling as a space to hold bottle-fed kittens. No one can resist the cuteness of a teeny tiny kitten. One of the staff was feeding her charges while we were told of our responsibilities. This is without a doubt the cutest picture I took today.

What you don't capture in this picture is the cute noises the kitten made when the bottle was pulled away (not out of malice) for a moment and the way the kitten pawed at the bottle.

What you don't capture in this picture is the cute noises the kitten made when the bottle was pulled away (not out of malice) for a moment and the way the kitten pawed at the bottle.

We went on a tour of the facility visiting the dog and cat rooms as well as peeking at the small animals room. The smell in the dog room was not as strong as I had anticipated as the cages were kept very clean. What I had not expected and what was the most overwhelming was a space without any noise-dampening features (which is understandable as they are usually difficult to clean) being packed with so many loud, large dogs. It was difficult to speak to my classmates and to hear the volunteer coordinator in the space. Most of the dogs looked like they were absolutely starved for attention, most jumping up against the side of the cage and wagging their tails when someone even glanced in the dog’s direction. 

The focus on this picture is awful, but the facial expression of the dog really touches me; he looks so lonely.

Another face of a dog simply begging for attention. I feel so bad to see them "behind bars."

The cat room was much quieter, though the smell was a bit more intense. Some of the cats looked wary of people, but most looked like they were as starved for attention as the dogs were. It looked like the cat cuddlers were starting as we got there, but when I went back to train and take a few pictures most of the cats were still eager for attention. Some of the cats housed were tiny kittens, but there were many older cats and quite a few black cats. We’ve been told that black animals don’t get adopted as often as any other color, and considering my love for black kitties I’ve decided I’m going to primarily photograph these cats. As for now I’m skipping kittens as they have greater inherent cute-appeal. 

The cats were begging to be played with, rubbing against the bars and trying to reach out their paws.

The cats were begging to be played with, rubbing against the bars and trying to reach out their paws.

I can only imagine how scared the animals are when they first arrive at the shelter and even after they've stayed a while. I don't imagine the animals have that much consistency with humans and by the looks of it they don't get enough attention. I've never seen cats look so eager for loving.

After our tour I stayed to get trained in photographing cats. I got pictures of four cats to work with for now, these images are not Photoshopped yet, only resized for ease of internet.

This is Pudge, my first victim. He is indeed a pudgy cat but so beautiful.

This is Pudge, my first victim. He is indeed a pudgy cat but so beautiful.

This is Purrcy, I love the tuft of white on his chest.

This is Purrcy, I love the tuft of white on his chest.

Jeffery.

Another picture of Jeffery, I can't decide if this picture is better because it shows his eyebrow or if he just looks sad.

Another picture of Jeffery, I can't decide if this picture is better because it shows his eyebrow or if he just looks sad.

I thought I was done for the day. I was actually getting ready to go home when this fellow looked at me with those eyes and I couldn't resist taking his picture. His name is Gregory and his eyes really do have both the teal and the light green in them.

Camera Pros and Cons

Sorry for the late post, yesterday was pretty amazing.  My mother, father, and boyfriend went out for sushi and then my boyfriend and I went to see Atlas Shrugged part 1.   I was really impressed with the theater (Raleighwood) as well as the film. 

Now, onto class stuff:

The biggest con I've found so far with my Kodak EasyShare 2740 is that yesterday it was in Greensboro while I was in Raleigh.  

The result of being an hour and a half away from your camera.

Luckily I was able to check a camera out from the school.  It was a NIKON D70 which is a DSLR.  I'm fairly certain the camera which is in Greensboro is a point and shoot, so the challenges will be all different.  The camera I used is heavy and very large, and it was sometimes difficult to get a picture of Jeffery.  It must be even more difficult to use it in a kennel. 

This would be a really adorable photo if it were sharper.  Because of my ignorance with all cameras, I tend to run into problems like this where the photograph simply isn't sharp enough.  I wasn't watching the background in this picture either, and so the chair is in the way.  Another problem this photograph has is that the camera I was using doesn't like close pictures and I got close to my subject. 

I like this photo of Jeffery as it shows him as a happy dog.  Because the camera I was using is a DSLR I was able to see exactly what picture I was taking (unfortunately I still cut off his paw.)  The camera was set for the fastest speed possible and so even the wagging tail isn't too blurred. 

Hello World!

My name is Christina McDonald and I am currently a sophomore at Meredith College. After the summer, however, I should have enough credits to be considered a junior even if I’m not yet close to finishing my degree. I am a Computer Science major with minors in Public History, Professional Writing and Presentation Media, and Arts Management. 

My favorite things to do are to play video games, read, and make things on a computer from websites to little games. My life-goal is to digitize old documents to allow access to old documents by as many individuals as possible through the internet. I understand that if as a programmer I end up working with a graphic designer our communication will be much more effective if we are able to understand each other. Technology is something everyone uses every day and having tried to explain things to laypeople I understand the difficulties that can arise when people think RAM is a type of bovid. In short, I am taking this class to improve work I do individuality as well as increase my understanding of website aesthetics. 

What I am most looking forward to is the chance to learn how to improve my personal projects as well as help find homes for warm-fuzzies. I am sometimes afraid that I am out-of-my-league in this class, being a computer science major surrounded by artists. I also have a small phobia of dogs so this class is going to force me to work through some of my fears. Luckily my boyfriend has introduced me to some very nice (and very big!) dogs that have calmed me down around canines quite a bit.

I took two courses online during high school, one was an English class with awful participation from my fellow students and the other was a very remedial math course to fulfill graduation requirements. My expectations of this class are a world away from the four hours I spent finishing the math course. I am aware this class is going to require a lot of work every day which will help keep us on track. I appreciate the flexibility of the course in that I can do creative work late at night when I am at my best. I imagine this course is going to be VERY time consuming as it is an art course taught in just six weeks!

This is what my boyfriend thinks I'll look like in the coming zombie apocalypse.

You can visit this link to create your own zombie self.

 

 This is a picture of me also taken by my boyfriend after he made me his duct tape princess. Ah, geek love - so few will ever understand it. The photograph's resolution is 72ppi, and it has been cropped from its original size as this was taken in a convenience store and I don't desire to be pictured with alcohol and tobacco advertisements.

This a-DAW-able creature is my cat, Meowska. She came to us about two years ago from a neglectful household. She has only two teeth (both in the front on her bottom jaw) yet she is still capable of waking us two or more hours early because it's time for breakfast.