In Class Rough Draft Editing

Emily Jernigan

11/24/15

English 101 - Paper #3

Spaying and Neutering

According to the American Humane Society, over 3.7 million adoptable cats and dogs are euthanized each year (“Spaying/Neutering”). By spaying and neutering pets, the number of homeless animals will decrease, the health and behavior of the animal will improve, and it will decrease the cost of pet care. Not only can th….. can help reduce overpopulation of homeless animals entering shelters each year. It can also benefit pet's health by increasing their lifespan, while decreasing chances for certain types of cancer.

Spaying and neutering is a simple and effective procedure. The purpose of spaying or neutering, also commonly referred to being “fixed” or ”altered,” is to be yours pets birth control. To spay a female animal, is to remove the reproductive organs so she is unable to get pregnant (“Spay/Neuter Services”). To neuter a male animal, is removing the testicles so he is unable to impregnate a female (“Spay/Neuter Services”). All surgeries are performed by experienced veterinarians, as this is a common procedure, under general anesthesia so the animals will not feel any pain. Some discomfort may be experienced after the surgery, but your veterinarian will provide directions on how to ease the pain for your pet.

Overpopulation has led overwhelming numbers of helpless animals to the streets to fend for themselves. Every year over 8 million homeless animals end up in shelters in the United States  (“Why You Should Spay and Neuter”). Most of the animals entering these shelters are not “street” or wild dogs, but the animals we have named as our pets. Backyard breeders, puppy mills, and the lack of loving homes, has caused an estimated 3.7 million animals to be euthanized because of the lack of space in animal shelters (“Spaying/Neutering”). Spaying or neutering your pet will decrease the number of unplanned litters, therefore decreasing the number of puppies in search of loving homes. Reducing the number of accidental births will make more room in shelters. Animals saved from the streets and cruelty will have a chance at adoption and a home if more animals are spayed and neutered. Spaying and neutering is the only continual, “100 percent effective method of birth control for dogs and cats” (“Why You Should Spay and Neuter”). Spaying and neuter is only one permanent solution to the large epidemic of homeless animals.  

Another reason to spay and neuter your animals is to improve their health. According to The Humane Society of the United States, “neutered male dogs live 18% longer than un-neutered male dogs and spayed female dogs live 23% longer than unspayed female dogs” (“Why You Should Spay and Neuter”). Spaying not only increases the life of your loved pet, but lowers, and sometimes eliminates, the odds of breast cancer and threatening uterine infections in females (“Why Spay and Neuter”). Neutering your male companion can “lessen the risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate gland) and testicular cancer,” as well as prostate cancer (“Spaying and Neutering”). Not only will your household pets health improve, but their behavior will improve also. While most behavioral changes will affect males, spaying can eliminate “messy heat cycles in females” and attention from undesirable males (“Why Spay and Neuter”). Neutering males can reduce many unwanted tendencies, such as the natural urge to mate; this will result in a “less distracted, more easily trained, and a more contented member of your family” (“Why Spay and Neuter”). PAWS, a local non-profit organization, states “spraying, wailing, marking territory, or making inappropriate sexual approaches toward people or objects” can be eliminated or reduced by the procedure (“Why Spay and Neuter”). Spaying and neutering will benefit not only you by reducing frustrating natural urges, but will benefit your beloved pet's health.

When decided whether to spay or neuter your companion, it is import to keep in mind all the benefits offered with a one time cost. The ASPCA even acknowledges that “the cost of your pet's spay/neuter surgery is far less than the cost of having and caring for a litter,” offering important and insight information (“Spay/Neuter Your Pet”). While the procedure can be expensive, depending on the size, weight, age, and gender of your pet, it should not be a major factor in your decision. There are many different options offered to spay and neuter your companion such as local shelters, mobile clinics, and veterinary clinics. A local non-profit organization, called PAWS, offers many locations including shelters in Lynnwood and Seattle, Washington. PAWS offers low-cost spay and neuter procedures to those who qualify, lowering the cost of a very beneficial surgery. Along with low-cost options PAWS organizes a community wide event in February, called “Spay Day” (“Why Spay and Neuter”). This event enables more options for people with low-incomes, as well as the ones who don’t. The large effort to create easier and more affordable ways to spay and neuter helps improve the community and spread the word on this important topic.

When it comes to provided the best for your animal friend, it's important to spay and neuter.

Works Cited

“Spaying and Neutering.” AVMA. 2015. 19 November 2015.

“Spaying/Neutering.” American Humane Association. 2013. 19 November 2015.  

“Spay/Neuter Services.” PAWS. 2015. 21 November 2015.

“Spay/Neuter Your Pet.” ASPCA. 2015. 21 November 2015.

“Why Spay and Neuter.” PAWS. 2015. 19 November 2015.

“Why You Should Spay and Neuter.” The Humane Society of the United States. 24 August

2014. 19 November 2015.

Paper #3 Outline

Thesis: I believe that spaying and neutering your pets will benefit your pet’s health, behavior and community.

Point One: Reduce the number of homeless pets killed

·       In the U.S., there are an estimated 6 - 8 million homeless animals entering animal shelters every year. (humanesociety.org)

• The animals on the street are not “street” dogs, but dogs we have bread
• Nationwide more than 3.7 million healthy, adoptable cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters annually. (americanhumane.org)
• Spay/neuter is the only permanent, 100 percent effective method of birth control for dogs and cats. (humanesociety.org)

Point Two: Improve your pet's health

• Extend the life of your pet. Neutered male dogs live 18% longer than un-neutered male dogs and spayed female dogs live 23% longer than unspayed female dogs. (humanesociety.org)
• Male pets that are neutered eliminate their chances of getting testicular cancer, and it is thought they have lowered rates of prostate cancer. (avma.org)
• The odds of breast cancer and dangerous uterine infections in females and prostate problems. (paws.org)
• Neutering your male pet can also lessen its risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate gland) and testicular cancer. (avma.org)

·       Messy heat cycles in females and attracting unwanted males. (paws.org)

Point Three: Reduce unruly behavior

·       Frustration in resisting the natural urge to mate. Your companion will be less distracted, more easily trained, and a more contented member of your family. (paws.org)

·       The animal's need to roam in search of a mate, decreasing the chances that your pet will become lost, get into fights with other animals or be hit by a car. (paws.org)

·       The tendency to bite. However, your pet will still be protective of his home and family even after being altered. Aggression is different from protectiveness. (paws.org)

·       Spraying, wailing, marking territory, or making inappropriate sexual approaches toward people or objects. (paws.org)

Point Four: Save on the cost of pet care - Spaying/Neutering doesn’t cost much

·       The cost of your pet's spay/neuter surgery is far less than the cost of having and caring for a litter. (aspca.org)

·       PAWS offers low-cost spay or neuter surgeries. (paws.org)

·       Low cost clinics in your area. (paws.org)

• Every February PAWS organizes a community-wide Spay Day where a number of veterinary clinics lower their fees to promote spaying and neutering. On Spay Day there are many options for people who do not qualify as low-income, as well as options for low-income individuals. (paws.org)

Conclusion:

Spriggs vs. Others

Similarities between texts:

• All took a stance/position on something
• Articles used facts and statistics to illustrate their point

• Facts cannot be argued with

• All acknowledge the opposition
• All texts provide crucial background information

• Most refute the counter arguments (show why they are wrong)
• All illustrate the main points in a very clear and direct manner
• Writings appeal to readers through Ethos, Pathos, Logos
• Most have quotes from a reputable source/person
• All use an authoritative tone

Differences between texts:

• Some have first person language, others do not
• Some have pictures/illustrations, others do not

• Pictures have captions

• Some have quotes directly from people, others quote sources or other persons writing

Spriggs #1-4

1. Spriggs advocates for buying locally, which is something I already agree with. She uses important statistics and first hand accounts of why buying locally is important, and why not doing so is harmful. She addresses the beneficial aspects buying locally fosters, such as supporting local economy and ecological ideals.
2. Spriggs considers many other positions other than her own to strengthen her cause. The first opposing view she addresses is from Alex Avery, he states that we should “buy locally from the world region where it grows best,” arguing that it is a waste of “time and energy” to grow crops where they would not be able to grow. Spriggs refutes this argument but comments on it is still important to buy as much as possible locally. She also addresses environmental misconceptions and positive global effects buying locally offers.
3. I think the first hand account of of the Lermio family is very persuasive. Spriggs provides  appropriate background information and explains why the topic matters. But the first hand account appeals more the reader values and emotions. WE learn that smaller farms are falling behind and it is causing negative effects.
4. The photos in Spriggs essay bring an insightful view into the message she is trying to convey. The photos break up the text into sections, and support the message in the passages near it.

Analyze a Short Piece of Writing

http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/facts/why_spay_neuter.html

Developing My Argument

1. I believe everyone should spay or neuter their pets. It would reduce the number of homeless animals, improve your pet's health, reduce unruly behavior, and you save on the costs of pet care.
2. I am writing to pet owners, future pet owners, and the community as a whole!
3. People will feel sad that there is so many homeless animals, that lots of animals are killed each year, and there is something they can do to change that.
4. They should believe me because I am knowledgeable of the topic, and I will show that this will affect them too.
5. Reduce the number of homeless animals, improve your pet's health, reduce unruly behavior, you save on the costs of pet care, the procedure isn’t that expensive.
6. It costs too much money, it will change my pet's personality, etc.
7. There is many options as to paying for the procedure, low cost clinics, and even a free spay and neuter day a local shelter offers. The surgery will not change your pet's personality, just stop unruly behavior.
8. Puppies and kittens are so cute!
9. Fixing your pet will prevent the number homeless pets. It will lower the number of pets euthanized each year. Reduce the number of unwanted animals.
10. Animals will benefit the most! The community will be safer from aggressive homeless dogs, children, etc.

Homework Response

One of us wrote about about the drunk driving, and two of us watched the texting while driving video. Both of our summaries were quite similar in that they both featured a personal account of a tragic accident that resulted of these two types of mistakes. They both had dramatic slow piano music, teary eyed interviewees, and dramatic texts. Both stories follow several stories, both talking about the victims, and the effects that this accident had on the families. For example, in the drinking and driving video, the parents of the deceased had a hard time after, but they worked to create an organization to help intoxicated kids. They both use pathos (emotion) as the most effective piece in each video. The sad music, and stories from victims is really sad, and is a strong persuasive tool for the viewer. It also uses ethos (ethics) to show logically what could happen to you if you drink and drive, or if you text and drive. The videos still have a big shock value showing real videos and pictures from the accidents, while avoiding any gory scenes. Even without the gore, the messages are very persuasive.

AT&T Texting and Driving Documentary

The AT&T Texting and Driving Documentary was made in 2010 to educate people the dangers of texting and driving. The video begins with a policeman sharing his story regarding a texting and driving accident and is followed with many testimonies from families and friends. The family and friends shared stores of the victim and expressed their emotions from what had happened. This story was clearly trying to appeal to our emotions. Next in the video a man who was in a car crash because of texting shares his story. The man had survived the crash, even after being declared dead three times, but he sustained several injuries and has become severely disabled. The story shared by the man himself not only appeals to our emotions, but appeals logically because it not only tells - but shows - the repercussions of texting and driving. Using multiply stories reiterates that crashes resulted from texting and driving are become common and horrific. At the end of the video they show the texts that changed the victims (and families) lives forever - comparing a life to a text. The video mainly relies on appealing to the audience's emotions to influence them not to text and drive.

How Things Mean

Peace Sign Buttons

1. What do they suggest?

The buttons suggest peace, and somewhat of an anti-war attitude.

2. How do do they suggest it?

Both buttons include the “peace” sign, one specifically says “peace” and the other says “make love, not war.”

3. Which elements of each image work on the viewer in various ways?

The image on the left, suggests a more playful, laid back attitude toward this notion of “peace,” versus the image on the right, is a more refined and professionally done organized logo/button. Both may appeal to differing audiences while still illustrating the same point.  

Rolex & Hello Kitty watches

1. What do they suggest?

Both suggest that the watch is somehow a fashionable and that the the consumer will be making a statement by wearing the product.

2. How do they suggest it?

They show off their features and their key feature (one being the Hello Kitty, the other being that it has diamonds and that it is a Rolex)

3. Which elements of each image work on the viewer in various ways?

Obviously the two audience's are significantly different, however toward their audience, both have the same point; to sell their watch.

Outline:

       Thesis: Each of the pairs of images illustrate the same point toward two different target audiences.

1. The watches have the same goal - to sell their product that do the same thing. The way they present each one is different.
1. The Rolex is more formal and sophisticated (aimed toward rich adults)
2. Hello Kitty is playful (aimed toward kids)
2. The buttons have the same goal - to advocate for peace and love. The way they present each one is different.
1. The “peace” button is more whimsical (aimed to more hippies)
2. The “make love - not war” button is more organized and simple (aimed at people advocate for peace and love but are not hippies)
3. The level of formality, style and appealing features differ depending on the audience, however within the pairs, the goal of the watch or button is consistent.

Reading Sources Critically

Tim Wise; “Use Of The N-Word”

1. What arguments does the author make?

The author makes all arguments toward the position of not verbally using the N-word. Multiple arguments are brought up from playground examples such as “I can talk about my mother, but you sure as hell better not talk about my mother!” Another example that Tim Wise used was about a particular comedian Jeff Foxworthy and his jokes regarding “rednecks.” He argues that because Jeff may somewhat fall into the category of group that he is making fun of, it is seen as acceptable. On the flip-side, if Jerry Seinfeld was to use these same jokes in a standup routine, it would be inappropriate. His main position is that white people should not use verbally the N-word, however it is at the discretion of black people to use freely.

2. How persuasive do you find the argument?

The argument is very persuasive. Tim Wise supports his stance on the topic with plenty of evidence. Wise is clear on why this issue is important, while giving his view of how it should be handled. He explains more than just the white man's point of view, and explains the point of view of a black man. The medium allows him to express his authority with a strong tone.

3. What is the author's stance?

The stance the author takes is that he believes it isn't his place to determine how and when it is acceptable to use the word due to him being a white person. Although he does take a firm stance that it’s not his place to determine the above points, he does voice very clearly that if you’re not black you shouldn't use the word.

4. Does the publisher bring a certain stance to the work?

His speech was part of Boston College’s FACES organization, which is designed to promote awareness about discrimination and racism. Boston College is interested in race relations and wants their community to be a part of discussions like this.

5. Do you recognize ideas you’ve run across in other sources?

To my limited knowledge on the subject, Tim Wise brought up some new original and very persuasive ideas to the table to help illustrate his point. Some of the more generic things he said about Mark Twain and his use of the N-word in his book Huckleberry Finn I had heard before.

6. Does this source support or challenge your own position - or does it do both?

I am in agreement with Tim Wise and his statements of when it is appropriate to use the word. As a white person, hearing other white people say the N-word sounds very inappropriate and out of place (being that this is not the 1950’s anymore). His examples only furthered my own belief/stance on the subject, and I think this was a very informative and explanatory video.

7. What can you tell about the intended audience and purpose?

The purpose of the piece is to educate and offer some solution on who/ how the “n-word” should be used. The intended audience is students and faculty members who attend Boston College. He also aims to further educate people like who are fans of his writing, take a particular stance on the subject, or raise awareness of his opinion on how the topic should be dealt with. Also, since Tim Wise’s video is on YouTube, it can be intended for the general public and anyone who is interested in being involved in the topic.

Think About Your Writing - Student Brag Sheet

Student Brag Sheet

Recently I filled out something called a “student brag sheet.” When applying to colleges the counseling office gives you forms to fill out in order for your counselor to recommend you to a school. In the sheet I am to follow a series of questions and respond to them in essay form. The questions are asking about my strengths and weaknesses as a student, my aspirations for college, etc. When responding to the questions I am quite serious - as the results go towards an essay going to my future college. I make sure to say positive qualities that I posse, what I have accomplished, and how I plan to do well.  I want to seem like a interested and motivated student who wants to succeed. When writing this I take a positive and selling position, as I am selling myself as a student.

I believe my position is very clear. I am clear and answer each question, making sure that I sound good as a student (while being truthful). I want to make sure that the counselor can vouch as to what kind of student I am.

Yes, We Can.

The purpose of the video is to promote Barack Obama. The video features many famous figures, such as singers and athletes. The voices are layered over each other to create an echo effect. The voices are a mixture of talking, singing, and a speech by Barack Obama. The video is shown in black and white, it creates feelings of simplicity and power. This also contributes to the multiple short clips of different people featured throughout the video, the performances seem more serious and meaningful because of the filter. The music in the background seems to highlight the words and clips that are playing. The film uses strong words such as “hope” to create a certain vibe that is representing Obama in the video. The phrase “Yes We Can” is repeatedly said, forming a name (in the case) phrase recognition that would be associated with Obama and what he wants to change in a positive light. A positive video combined with strong graphics creates an overall sense of power of unity. The purpose of providing all of the positivity and unity is to persuade people to vote for Obama. The use of famous figures also contributes to persuading an audience - if you saw someone you looked up to supporting a figure, you would be more likely to support the figure as well. The positivity, unity, and graphics all contribute to the power of the argument: vote for Obama.

In Class Lab Taking a Positon

How does it appeal to you - or why does it fail to appeal?

This opinion does not appeal to me in the slightest for many reasons. The fact that he feels like he has to say “NOT” being racist is absurd. The only reason people say “not being racist but” is so they can go ahead and be racist. Additionally, he spelled Asians wrong, and his grammar overall is horrendous.

What kinds of words, images, or sounds does it use as supports for its position?

It uses horrible grammar, ugly white people, and even more racist comments to “drive” his point. They are using their horrible opinions to bash on the statistically most intelligent demographic in the world, and further proving their ignorance. It’s posts like these that make me very pessimistic about the human race. Oh well.

If you were going to revise it for a different audience, what would you do?

I would revise it by burning it to the ground and giving this ignorant idiot a stern talking to. Opinions that denounce, degrade, or discriminate against any group or individual are not opinions, they are abuse. Although the internet is filled with things like this, ideally there is no place appropriate for content like this.

If you were going to create it in another medium, how would it be different?

I would burn it to the ground, then make a YouTube video of all the reasons this person is a racist A-hole.

How does it appeal to you - or why does it fail to appeal?

The ad appeals to me because I agree with the message it is promoting. The ad was created during World War II to promote women to join the workforce.

What kinds of words, images, or sounds does it use as supports for its position?

A powerful slogan is at the top of the page, “We Can Do It!” “Rosie” is the main focus of the poster, she is a working women flexing her arm to show her strength. A yellow background makes the poster pop.

If you were going to revise it for a different audience, what would you do?

If the poster was directed towards men, convincing them to persuade their spouses to join the workforce. I would change the color scheme to more patriotic colors of red, white and blue. Possibly have multiple women walking into the jobs as men was away from the jobs to symbolize the need for women to fill the empty jobs. As well as that women could work just as hard as men.

If you were going to create it in another medium, how would it be different?

If we were to turn the poster into a video, it might show multiple women working - showing strength in numbers. A patriotic song might be playing in the background since this was created in time of war.

How does it appeal to you - or why does it fail to appeal?

This poster I find very appealing because of it’s wit, satire, and bitter truth. This gay rights protester is using one of the anti-gay rights major arguments against them.

What kinds of words, images, or sounds does it use as supports for its position?

The quote directly from the bible is brilliantly chosen for the specific issue. I can say with confidence that many homophobes use the bible as an excuse for their intolerance, yet are sinning in many ways  similar to this ^ :)

If you were going to revise it for a different audience, what would you do?

I would not revise this sign at all. It is perfectly written, and the title above the quote is well placed and spot on with the issue.

If you were going to create it in another medium, how would it be different?

I would like to see many other quotes from the bible like these listed or made into a video. The bible argument for anti-gay protestors is absurd, and overused. Arguments like these help to dull that, and make them seem even more absurd. We need more brilliant minds and readers like this man in the fight for gay rights. BAM

How does it appeal to you - or why does it fail to appeal?

This political cartoon, like most, uses humor to illustrate (literally) a point or position on a particular issue. Generally the caricatures are given labels showing what aspect of government or politics they represent. Here the artist shows the difficulties for both the taxpayers and our future by supporting a large government. Two small children are dragging a cargo ship through the desert full of “out of hand” government activities.

What kinds of words, images, or sounds does it use as supports for its position?

The hot sun screaming down on the two small children attempting to drag the government (ship) through where it should not belong (desert).

If you were going to revise it for a different audience, what would you do?

I suppose for big government supporters you could potentially flip the positions of the ship and the kids. Aka the “big government” dragging the future and the taxpayers through the desert.

If you were going to create it in another medium, how would it be different?

If this image was to be say, a video, it would probably be much more informative, but a lot more work for an artist. It could include the loading of the ship and the heat waves of the desert to really give the full dramatic effect toward the issue.

Works Cited

"50 Funniest Protest Signs Ever - Funny Blog." 50 Funniest Protest Signs Ever - Funny Blog. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2015.

"I'm Not Racist, But..." I'm Not Racist, But... N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2015.

Miller, J. Howard. “We Can Do It!” Poster. Wikipedia. Wikipedia. 1942. Print.

Varvel, Gary. "Political Cartoons." Teach-Learn-Explore. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2015.