182. Many people have a close relationship with their pets. These
people treat their birds, cats, or other animals as members of their
family. In your opinion, are such relationships good? Why or why not?
Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
宠物饲养这个题材比较不好写,中国人都很少养宠物狗.对有关的英文词汇也不熟悉.不过,我在网上找到了一篇讲老人饲养宠物狗找回生活乐趣的文章,可以为大家写上述题材提供一点背景知识.
而且,这篇文章中提出论点和展开论述的方法很值得我们学习. 注意他怎么使用连接词的.另外,文中有不少词汇短语可以拿来就用,例如pet companionship, combat isolation by adopting a pet, pets can bring new meaning and purpose to the
life of a senior
我要是能写得有这位作者的十分之一好就不愁TWE会不过关了:-)
Senior Partners: Older Americans and Mature Pets
Marjorie Smith and Gus
By Rebecca Simmons
When Marjorie Smith walked into the Idaho Humane Society in Boise
two years ago, the 72-year-old was struggling with the recent loss of her son
and the 9-11 tragedy.
Like thousands of other seniors, Smith was battling a
problem that threatened to consume her. The retired secretary wasn't suffering
from cancer or heart disease, but from loneliness. Divorced and living alone,
Smith was looking for something, or someone, to help her.
Gus had been waiting patiently, but his family still hadn't
come back for him. A ten-year-old Scottish terrier, he had spent his entire
life with the same family. But once the children had grown up and moved away,
Gus was forced to spend his days alone. His family felt that they didn't have
the time to take care of him anymore and decided to relinquish Gus to the local
shelter.
It's a common scenario all across America.
Divorce ends marriages, children move, family and friends pass away and, as we
age, loneliness and depression become all too familiar. But many seniors have
found a way to combat isolation—by adopting a pet through their local shelter.
When Smith saw Gus walk into the Humane Society's waiting
room, she was impressed with his attitude. "He walked with dignity and
made me smile," she says. Smith adopted Gus on the spot, and they became
fast friends, spending their days taking walks around the neighborhood and
lounging in the rocking chair. "We bonded immediately, and I have never
been sorry for a moment that I went to the shelter that evening," says
Smith.
And It's Good for You, Too
"Emotionally, pets can bring new meaning and purpose to
the life of a senior who is living far away from friends or family," says
Kelly Connolly, HSUS issues specialist for companion animals. "The
unconditional love and commitment to their owners is almost like free therapy.
They can act as friends, entertainers, and warm, fuzzy bundles of joy. Having a
pet in an elderly person's life can offer them a sense of well being, a sense
of encouragement, and even a reason for living. Being responsible for another
life often gives new meaning to the lives of those who are living alone or far
from loved ones. Caring for and providing a loving home to a companion animal
also helps elderly people to remain active and stay healthy."
Gus has made Smith a believer in the power of pet
companionship. "He has changed [my life] completely. I'm sure he has added
years to my life. I have found that adopting a pet can help a person after a
death of a loved one or just being lonely. I can't imagine what it would be
like without him. I am lonely only if I have to leave him at the vet for a
short time."
In addition to easing loneliness, pets may also make seniors
healthier. Studies suggest that contact with animals can lower blood pressure.
Research also indicates a link between pet ownership and an increased survival
rate for cardiac patients. Other potential health benefits can include
decreased stress, reduced bone loss, lowered cholesterol levels, and improved
blood circulation.
"For years, it's been medically documented that
companion animals—such as dogs, cats and rabbits—help people live longer and
healthier lives," says Connolly.
Taking the Next Step
Although animals make great companions for people of any
age, pets can have important benefits for seniors. But before adopting a new
companion, seniors need to understand the amount of dedication that goes into
caring for an animal. Seniors need to be sure they have the time and the means
to care for a pet, both physically and financially.
It's also important to consider the kind of pet to adopt.
Animal care professionals often advise seniors to consider adopting an adult
dog or cat. An older animal may be a better fit for their lifestyle than a
puppy or kitten.
"Unlike a puppy or kitten, adult animals are more
likely to be calm, already housetrained and less susceptible to unpredictable
behavior," says Connolly. "Older pets are often more easily
physically managed by seniors than a stronger, more excitable younger
animal."
Ready, Set, Adopt
Once the decision to adopt a pet has been made there are
many programs out there to help. As more people discover the benefits of animal
companionship for older Americans, resources and programs have emerged to make
finding and keeping a new pet much easier.
The first place to which seniors should turn is their local
shelter. Adopting from a shelter has its advantages. Not only do they have a
great selection of adult animals for adoption, but they also have purebred
animals. In fact, on average, purebreds account for about 25% of a shelter's
dog population. If you have a specific breed in mind that's not available at
your local shelter, breed placement groups (often referred to as
"rescues") are also a reliable option.
Adopting from a shelter is not only a great way to help out
a homeless animal, but it's also cost-effective. Adoption fees, which are
extremely low compared with the cost of purchasing an animal from a pet store
or breeder, typically include vaccinations as well as spay or neuter
procedures.
Another advantage of shelters is that many of them offer
senior programs. The Idaho Humane Society, where Smith adopted Gus, has placed
thousands of pets with seniors through a program called Pets for People, which
waives the adoption fee, spay/neuter charge and initial vaccination when a
senior adopts an adult pet.
Check with your local shelter to see if it has a seniors
program. If not, shelters can still offer a wealth of information and support
to new pet owners.
"Was it fate that brought [Gus and I] together at the
shelter that day?" Smith wonders. Maybe the stars were aligned just right
or it was the pair's lucky day…or maybe seniors and pets are just meant to be
together.
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发表于 2006-2-24 18:13:00
