Sierra's Thoughts

Crazy Eights

2008-11-09T19:20:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by my Aunt Christi!

8 things I'm obsessed with right now:

1.writing

2.reading Inkheart

3.playing on the computer

4.practicing the violin, piano, and flute

5.forgetting things (not on purpose!)

6.not understanding things

7.scratching some lucky dog behind it's ears

8.playing scene it or hyper dash

8 words or phrases I use daily:

1."Good riddance."

2."Easy peasy, lemon sqeezey."

3."I have no idea what you mean."

4."KARSTEN!"

5."SKYLA!"

6."Mooooom!"

7.''Good dog, Aspen!"

8."ASPEN! NO EATING FROM THE TABLE!''

8 T.V. shows I love to watch:

1.I don't like watching T.V.

2.None.

3.Don't ask me.

4.Hmm.........

5.Me? Watch T.V.?

6.Not me.

7.Mm- NO!

8.In your dreams

8 Things I did yesterday

1. Drove to Utah

2. Read Inkheart

3. Worked on a story

4. Went to Max's birthday party

5. Ate a bean burrito at Taco Bell

6. Listened to mom's GPS

7. Saw mom's side of the family for the first time in a while

8.Stayed up extremely late

8 of my favorite places to eat:

1.Panda Express

2.Wendy's

3.Specialty Cookies

4.Baskin' Robins

5.Rubios

6.IHOP

7. Manpuku (Japanese restaurant)

8. Toot Sweets

8 Things I'm looking forward to:

1.Aunt Melissa's wedding

2.Eating more of the cookies Skyla, Karsten, mom, and I just baked

3.Seeing Grandma and Grandpa and the rest of dad's side of the family

4.Finishing Inkheart

5.Finishing the story I'm writing

6.Christmas

7.Seeing Aspen and Thimbletack again (not that I'm entirely excited to go home)

8.Going to the beach again

8 Things on my wish list

1.Pogo stick

2.Roller Blades

3.People to stop killing dolphins

4.More recycling

5.People to drive less

6.See wild dolphins

7.More good books

8.Doing well at my violin perforamance

8 People I tag

1. Jena

2. En-er-gy

3. Aunt Melissa

4. Rachel Y.

5. Aunt JaNece

6. Uncle Jared

7. Mom

8. Marianna

Huskies and Alasken Malamutes

2008-06-14T12:13:00.000-07:00

The Siberian Husky was born to run. Beautiful, stylish, and graceful, he is a dog with endless energy and needs a huge amount of exercise. He loves to race, pull sleds or carts, or go backpacking. When I lived in Alaska, our family went to see the start of the Iditorod. Huskies or Alaskan Malamutes were pulling the sleds. It was amazing! The dogs were so exited to start, they were yelping and pulling at the harness and people had to hold them back or else the sled would take off before it was supposed to. Back then, I was not able to tell the difference between Alaskan Malamutes or Huskies. It's hard, I'm not sure if I can now, though I know the difference. It's that Malamutes are bigger than Huskies. Anyway, I remember a time when I was reading about Balto (he's a famous sled dog) and it was also telling about the dog teams back then. There happened to be more dogs in one dog team back then. So, guess what? The dog teams back then could go faster than horses! However, these dogs are not very obedient. They were simply not bred for that. In fact, they are stubborn, headstrong, all of that stuff. I once met a beautiful husky that refused to go "down"! And, if these dogs bred to run many miles without tiring, try imagining how much exercise they would need. The Alaskan Malamute was (of course) orgined in Alaska, while (I think) Huskies were first bred in Siberia.

Weimaraner

2008-03-12T16:12:00.000-07:00

To: Tristen and Ken

The ''Gray Ghost'' is definitely one of the most striking gundog breeds. He has a beautiful metallic gray coat and light-colored eyes. A superb working dog, he is intelligent, keen, and devoted to his owner. He is also a high powered dog with endless energy and dominant character who needs extensive socialization, training, attention, and affection from an experienced and equally strong-willed handler. In the right hands, he is a marvelous dog, but he must have employment. An bored, under-exercised Weimaraner can be a nightmare-possessive, over protected, noisy, restless, and destructive.
German hunters employed dogs of Weimaraner type as early 17th century, but by the 19th century the Weimaraner was kept exclusively at the German court of Weimar. Introduced to the U.S. in 1929 and to the U.K. in 1952, it is now renowned worldwide as a working gundog. A long-haired variety appeared in 1973, but remains uncommon.

Dog...... NAMED!

2008-02-20T08:42:00.000-08:00

Now that news spread about me getting a dog, there has been one question that I could not answer. That was: 'What was her name?' I could not answer Fluffy, the name the peeople who sold to us had made up, because our family hated that name. (No offence people who like that name or people who sold the puppy to us.) We were definatly going to change it. We always had to say 'She doesn't have one.' I one day typed a e-mail to Dad saying that we would better name that dog. He said that we shoud look up maps of Alaska (we used to live there) and find some cool names on those. So, Dad, Uncle Geoff and I looked at cool names of cities and rivers and mountains. We found a looong list. Mom wanted Shasta. I wanted Aspen. So did Skyla. I decided to take a poll. 6 people wanted Aspen, 3 people wanted Shasta, and 1 person wanted Luciana. I sent Dad an e-mail about how the poll went. I still wanted Aspen. I told him that in my e-mail, too. In his e-mail he sent back, he needed a nickname to agree for the name. I sent him another e-mail saying probably Aspy or Asp. He sent back another e-mail saying that he would let Skyla and I decide what the puppy's name should be. We wanted Aspen. Hooray! The dog was named! Except we did a lot of hard work for nothing!

A Valentine's Day Dog

2008-02-15T21:10:00.000-08:00

For practicaly forever, I have wanted a dog. But there has always been an excuse. When we were in Alaska, we lived in an apartment. Then the excuse was that we didn't have a yard. We were there for three years. When we moved to California, when we had our own house with a backyard, my parents managed to make a new one, which was that we didn't have enough of a yard. Hee hee. They didn't get away with that one. Especially when our next-door neighbor's dogs had puppies. In that litter, the dogs only had two puppies. One boy and one girl. Skyla, my sister, and I really wanted the girl. That's because Dad said if we were getting a dog (and we might, once we moved. It's just that Skyla and I decided a long time ago that waiting till we moved was too long of a wait. And they might make another exuse. ) it would definitely be a girl. So we only had a slim chance with the girl. At least Dad wanted a girl dog when the time was right, because a few days later, the boy was sold. The girl, we found out, was going to be sold Sunday. Three people were thinking about buying her. We had three days to decide. It was on Valentine's Day when Skyla, Mom, sort of Karsten, my little brother, and I finally got a full chance to speak to Dad. By then, Karsten, Skyla, and I wanted the dog. Dad did not. Mom was deciding. You might think our chances were good. Or maybe okay. Wrong. Dad is one of the most stubburn people I have ever met. I knew we still had a chance, but not much of one. Anyways, we went to this Mexican resturant. Mom said Skyla and I had done good. I didn't feel like it. My heart was sinking by the time I got home. Dad had made up so many excuses about getting a dog, he could've used every every word in the dictionary. For instance, What about the poop, or the hair, and the money, plus it stinking up the house, ect. I noticed Dad typing a comment on the post Cocker Spaniel. I was too sad to notice. I went and brushed my teeth. When I was finished, Dad called to me because ''someone'' had typed a comment on my blog. I read the comment. It said: Wow, that sounds like a great dog. I can't wait for one to join our family. Thanks for all the useful information. And, YES, I would love for you to have the opportunity to have the same dog I first had when I was growing up. I love you both. Happy Valentine's Day! Love, Dad. I didn't understand that. I went and called Mom. She said to look at a word. It said YES. Skyla, who was looking over my shoulder, and I ran and hugged Dad. But by the look on our face, we were still somehow confused. Mom said, "I guess they don't really understand." Dad looked at us and grinned. "You better take care of that dog."

Cocker Spaniel

2008-02-12T18:31:00.000-08:00

To Dad

The nickname of the "Merry Cocker" is well deserved, for he is a happy, friendly, enthusiastic character whose tail never stops wagging. A keen worker, he is just as ready to pour his energy into the role as a family pet. This is a lively and loving dog that needs company. He is devoted to his owners, sociable with visitors, and good with children. Indeed, his kindness and working intelligence make him a great hearing ear dog, support for the disabled, and threapy dog. Outgoing yet gentle, he needs attention, exercise and grooming. Spaniels developed to assist falconers and later shooters by finding, flushing, and retrieveing game. The smallest of the land spaniels, the English Cocker was reckognized as a seperate breed in 1892.

Irish Wolfhound

2008-02-04T16:15:00.000-08:00

The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest breed of dog. Given a home that reaches his high scale needs, he is a loving companion. Despite his huge size, he is a gentle and friendly, good natured with children, and very affectionate toward his owners. With a dog this size, he may weigh as much as his owners, and, is very strong, so good training is essential. Although adult Wolfhounds are generally as mannerly as a dog can possibly be, puppies (up to two or three years old) are mischievous whirlwinds and are hard work.
The Wolfhound harks back to the great Celtic hounds of pre-Roman times, where they served as war dogs as well as hunters. However, the breed was almost extinct by the 17th century. The modern Wolfhound is mostly because of the 19th century reconstruction.

Dalmatian

2008-01-12T14:16:00.000-08:00

Instantly recognizable with his spotted coat, the Dalmatian is a dog for an energetic owner. In the 18th century, he was considered as a fashionable carriage dog, escorting horse-drawn carriages for 20 miles (30 km) or more. Today his outgoing, lively, friendly and entergetic character and eye-catching spot-ish coat has made him a popular family dog and companion but he still regains his love of exercise and affection with horses. This is a great dog for the right home, loving, intelligent, affectionate, good-natured, but not a dog for couch potatoes. The Dalmation's origins are unsure. There is no evidence to connect to Dalmatia (part of former Yugoslavia). Its present type was probably actually established in 18th-century England.

Saint Bernard

2007-12-29T07:29:00.000-08:00

To Mom

Saint Bernards take their name from Saint Bernard Hospice in the Swiss Alps, where Saint Bernards have been kept since the 17th century. There these massive dogs became famous for rescuing lost travelers or avalanche victims. Today the Saint is good natured, loves children, very protective, and a brilliant companion. But, his huge size can be a problem. This is a giant dog who simply just will not fit into very many peoples or families homes. He is expensive to feed, very messy (he sheds heavily and really knows how to drool), and like any other big-big dog, he needs plenty of training. The 1992 movie Beethoven, starring a cute Saint Bernard, tempted many families and people to buy a Saint without considering the commitment and jobs Saints need. This type of dog deserves better.
These dogs come in two coat varieties, rough and smooth. The first dogs had smooth coats, the rough coats were developed in the 19th century when a Newfoundland dog was introduced to combat in breeding.

Havanese

2007-12-28T08:06:00.000-08:00

To Skyla

Barely known outside the place he originated, Cuba, until the 1990s, the Havanese is a wonderful companion with a silky, soft, coat and a sweet nature. An automatic companion breed, he is bright, affectionate, playful, friendly, and devoted to his family. Although a toy breed, he is far from fragile but sturdy enough to make a children's playmate. Havanese are sociable and outgoing. They like humans and get along well with other pets. Gentle, responsive, and willing to please, they are very sweet little characters. The downside is the heavy grooming job: the soft, long, silky, flowing, coat that gave them the earlier name of Havanese Silk Dog needs everyday attention.

A member of the Bichon family, the Havanese was taken to Cuba by Spanish settlers and developed there as a distinct breed. By the 1950s they had become rare but are now enjoying a well earned revival.

Labrador Retriever

2007-12-27T13:50:00.000-08:00

To Christy, Chris, and Savannah

This amazing gundog is not only excellent in the shooting field but also as a guide dog, sniffer dog, life saving search and rescue dog, service dog,- and one of the most popular family dogs. However, those achievements depend upon good breeding and excellent training. Dependable breeders try to produce a good personality and shape. Even the best bred Labs can be real troublemakers left to make their own decisions. These are strong, active dogs whose intelligence needs training. Given sensible owners, Labs are great companions and reliable dogs, very trainable and adaptable.

This breed originated in Canada as a water dog. But it was in the 19th century in Britain that it's retrieving skills made it the sportsman's favorite.

Terrier, Gundog, or Herder?

2007-12-24T15:14:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered if a dog is a terrier, gundog , or herder? (and so on) You know, their original purpose? I have. Sometimes if you watch them closely, you can tell. Such as:

TERRIER: Lively, bossy, willful, fun dogs with lots of character, strong hunting drive, can be fiery with other dogs, often great diggers and escape artists.

SIGHTHOUNDS: Gentle, affectionate, strong hunting and chasing drive, need opportunities to run, not particularly obedient and may not be trustworthy off leash, often escape artists.

SCENTHOUND: Friendly, stubborn, strong hunting drive, needs lots of exercise, not usually very obedient and usually hard to recall from a scent, often strong "houndy" smell.

GUNDOG: Good-natured, intelligent, highly trainable,needs lots of exercise, generally good with children, European all-around breeds generally are stronger-willed.

HERDER: Highly intelligent and needs lots of mental as well physical exercise,very trainable, strong chasing drive, often very sensitive and needs early socialization.

GUARD: Strong willed and confident, needs experienced owner, highly trainable in the right hands, protective drive that needs to be controlled.

TOY: Needs lots of love and cuddles, despite small size generally more of a "real dog" than reputation suggests, most Toys enjoy long walks, opportunity for training.

SPITZ: Active, energetic, often noisy, tend to be stubborn and independent, not one for obedient enthusiosts, needs close relatinship with owner, dislike being left alone.

SLED BREEDS: Active, not geared to obedience, needs lots of exersize, strong prey drive, rarely to be trsted off leash, destructive if bored, great escapologists.

BULL BREEDS: Strong-minded dogs of fighting ancestry but nowadays not generally aggresive- although most will not back down if challened, smarter than reputation suggests.

There. Now, just maybe, you can tell if a dog is a terrier, gundog, or herder!

Golden Retriever

2007-12-24T13:31:00.000-08:00

To Christy, Chris, and Savannah

This beautiful and kind gundog is everywhere, a great working dog and a wonderful family pet, also used as a guide dog, service dog, therapy dog, and a sniffer dog. Intelligent, friendly, and cheerful, he is perfect for anyone who enjoys long walks and wants a loving companion to share in activities. He needs a lot of exercise. Owners should be prepared for an ecstatic dog with a sense of humour who loves retrieving, can't resist splashing about in water, and covers the house with mud and hairs.

The Goldie originated in Britain in the 1860s from yellow pups that cropped up accidentally in black retriever strains, receiving a breed standard in 1931. Since than he has become very popular.

Pugs

2007-12-24T11:56:00.000-08:00

To the Marshall family:

Pugs are quite proper on the outside and a true clown on the inside. They are a great companion for less active owners. Pugs are very energetic and often busy and curious. They are low-maintenance and need quite little exercise or grooming. They will adapt to most lifestyles as long as they have their owners' company. Pugs are full of personality and loves to play and enjoys attention. They sociable and affectionate. They do have some health problems and needs to be watched in hot weather. Pugs were created in China in ancient times and reached the West by trade in the 16th or 17th century to become great favorites in Holland and England, than becoming popular in the 18th century.

Did you Know.......?

2007-12-01T17:01:00.000-08:00

Did you know that..........................

1. The Keeshond will bark their heads off at suspicious sounds but is more likely to welcome a burglar in and show him around the house than to bite him.
2. The Greyhound is the fastest of dogs, with a top speed of 45 mph.
3. Confusingly, the Australian Shepherd is a American creation.
4. In the 17th century the Great Pyrenees imposing appearance attracted the attention of French nobility, and became known as "the Royal Dog of France".
5. Not just a sighthound,the Ibizan Hound was developed as an all-purpose hunting dog that works by sight, hearing, and smell.
6. The German Shepherd makes an ideal working companion, helping people in distress, assisting people with disabilities,working alongside the police and military, and proving itself as a vigilant guard dog.
Pretty cool stuff, huh?

Breeds of Dogs

2007-12-01T15:28:00.000-08:00

I love dogs. I know the breeds,what they look like, if they are good or bad, etc. Here are just some of the breeds I know.
1. Australian Shepherd. 2. Beagle. 3. German Shepherd. 4. Keeshond. 5. Basenji. 6. Ibizan Hound. 7. Lhasa Apso. 8. Bichon Frise. 9. Bloodhound. 10. Great Pyrenees. 11.Greyhound. 12. Dalmatian. 13. Saint Bernard. 14. Husky. 15. Alaskan Malamute. 16.English Springer Spaniel. 17. Brittany. 18. Great Dane. 19. Basset hound. 20. Mastiff.

There are so many more dogs in the world, I would never be able to write them all or name them all. At least I wrote 20.