About the Dachshund

Imagine a little dog with a body so long that people often lovingly call them "wiener dogs." That's a Dachshund for you, hailing all the way from Germany where they were once fearless hunters, diving into burrows to chase out badgers with their sharp noses. But don't let their serious job fool you; these pups are bundles of joy and bravery wrapped in a small package. Picture them in your mind: not too tall, standing proud at about 8 to 9 inches if they're the standard kind, with a coat that might feel smooth like silk, flow like a gentle stream if they're long-haired, or be a bit wild and wiry.

From deep reds and creamy hues to the classic black and tan, and even some with spots and patches called dapple, they're a delight to draw and color. Dachshunds are the kind of friends who stick by you through thick and thin, always ready for a game or a cuddle, although they might give a new face a thorough once-over before deciding they're friend material. Despite their playful nature, these little dogs are quite the athletes and need to scamper and play to keep fit, especially to take care of their unique long backs. They're happiest when they're close to their families, making any place feel like home as long as they're together. When you draw a Dachshund, remember to capture their spirited essence and that unmistakable silhouette that's made them icons of the dog world. With their vibrant personalities and distinct looks, Dachshunds are truly a joy both to be around and to bring to life on paper.

About Sea Otters

As members of the weasel or mustelid family, southern sea otters are the smallest marine mammal. Like other members of this family, they have very thick fur. In fact, at 850,000 to 1 million hairs per square inch, sea otters have the thickest fur of any mammal.

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Their fur actually consists of two layers, an undercoat and longer guard hairs. As marine mammals without any blubber to keep them warm, otters need this double-layer system that traps air next to their skin, preventing it from getting wet and protecting them from chilly ocean waters.

Sea otters are usually dark brown, often with lighter guard hairs. In California, adult female southern sea otters weigh 35 to 60 pounds. The males reach up to 90 pounds.

About Oil Spills

Oil spills can happen anywhere oil is drilled, transported, or used, and they are more common than you might think. Thousands of oil spills occur in U.S. waters each year. Most of these spills are small, for example, oil may spill while refueling a ship. But these spills can still cause damage, especially if they happen in sensitive environments, like beaches, mangroves, and wetlands.

Accidents involving tankers, barges, pipelines, refineries, drilling rigs, and storage facilities are the most common cause of oil spills, but recreational boats can also release oil out on the water or in marinas.

Spills can be caused by:

• people making mistakes or being careless

• equipment breaking down

• natural disasters and severe weather such as hurricanes, storm surge, or high winds

• deliberate acts by terrorists, acts of war, vandalism, or illegal dumping