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狗历来就是人类的好朋友。在现代社会里人与狗的关系越来越亲密，甚至是有些家庭不可或缺的一员。狗可以做伴，可以看门；可以分担你的痛苦，可以分享你的快乐；可以陪你散步放松心情，可以陪你看电视消磨时光……如果你还没有养过狗，你永远无法知道与狗为伴的乐趣。快快来了解一下，带只可爱的狗狗回家。
准备阶段
养宠物是一件严肃的事情，正如雅各布说的“那是一份终身责任”。所以在把宠物带回家之前一定要仔仔细细的想清楚哦。
Lucy: Hey, what do you think about getting a dog?
Jacob: Oh, um, ①I haven’t given it much thought.
Lucy: Well I have. I really want to get one. Ever since I did dog-sitting for my parents last month, I can’t stop thinking about it.
Jacob: But ②it’s one thing to dog-sit and it’s another thing to have your own dog. Pets need a lot of TLC (tender loving care). You can’t just decide to get one on a 1)whim.
Lucy: No, I’ve really thought it through. A dog will be great for companionship and security too. I’ll feed him and take him for a walk every day.
Jacob: Okay, but let’s talk this over to make sure ③you are not biting off more than you can chew. There is more to owning a dog than just walking it and feeding it. You have to make sure you have enough money set aside to take care of it properly.
Lucy: I can’t think of any extra expenses that would ④pop up?
Jacob: Ah, but actually, even before you get the dog home, there are a lot of things you need to do.
Lucy: Yeah? Like what?
Jacob: A vet check, 2)vaccination, worming, grooming, chew toys, a collar and a leash and the list goes on.
Lucy: Whoa! I didn’t know you were such a pet expert.
Jacob: Ha. I had a summer job in a pet store. So ⑤I picked up a bit of useful information there. Do you know what breed you want?
Lucy: I thought a big dog would be better for protection, but a smaller dog would be more affectionate.
Jacob: That is generally true, but some of the bigger breeds are just as affectionate as the smaller ones. A big dog would need lots of space to run around. I don’t think your backyard is big enough, so you would be better off with a smaller breed.
Lucy: But I think even some of the smaller dogs are quite active?
Jacob: You are right. It’s best to check with the pet shop owner what each dog needs. Just as long as you realize it is not as simple as picking a dog and ⑥that is that. It’s a life-long commitment.
Lucy: Oh of course! I’ll be dedicated to this dog no matter what. Whatever it takes, I’m prepared to do it.
Jacob: Good! That’s the attitude of a responsible pet owner. You know, so many animals are abandoned by owners who just can’t take care of their pets. It’s really sad.
Lucy: Maybe we should adopt a puppy from the
animal 3)shelter?
Jacob: Yes! That’s a great idea, Lucy. There are so many adorable dogs there just waiting for someone to take them home.
Lucy: So you approve of me getting a dog?
Jacob: Well, if you are saving a homeless dog, how can I say “no”?
Lucy: Okay, let’s go and have a look!
露西：嗨，你觉得养一只狗怎么样？
雅各布：哦，嗯，我还没有很认真地想过这件事情。
露西：嗯，我想过了。我真的想养一只。自从我上个月帮我父母照看过狗以后，我一直在想这件事。
雅各布：但是照看狗和自己养狗完全是两码事。宠物需要很多温柔的呵护。你不能仅凭一时的兴致就决定养一只狗的。
露西：不，我真的仔细想过了。狗不但可以做伴，还可以看门。我会每天喂它，还带它去散步。
雅各布：好吧，但我们还是要仔细讨论一下，以防你会贪多嚼不烂。养一只狗远远不只是喂它和带它去散步那么简单。你必须保证自己留有足够多的钱来照顾好它。
露西：我想不到还有哪些额外费用是会突然发生的？
雅各布：呃，实际上，在你把一只狗带回家之前，就有很多事情需要去做。
露西：哦？比如？
雅各布：做体检，接种疫苗，驱虫，美容，买咀嚼器、项圈和系狗的皮带等等一系列事情。
露西：哇！我还不知道你居然是个宠物专家。
雅各布：哈，我曾经在一家宠物店做过暑期工。所以我在那里学到了一点（这方面）有用的知识。你知道自己要养什么品种的狗吗？
露西：我想大狗更能保护人，但是小一点的狗会更温柔可爱。
雅各布：基本上是这样的，但有一些大狗也像小狗那样温柔可爱。大狗需要更大的空间来活动。我觉得你的后院不够大，所以你最好还是养一些体型小的品种。
露西：但我觉得有些小狗也是很活泼好动的吧？
雅各布：没错。最好去向宠物店的主人请教一下每种狗的需求。只要你明白到养狗可不是单单选择养什么狗那么简单就对了，这是一份终身的责任。
露西：当然啦！无论怎样我都将会全心照料这只狗。不管要付出什么，我都准备好了。
雅各布：太好了！那才是一个负责任的狗主人应有的态度。你知道吧，有很多动物仅仅因为它们的主人不能照顾它们就遭到了遗弃。真是悲哀。
露西：或许我们可以到动物收容所领养一只小狗？
雅各布：对！那是个好主意，露西。那儿有很多可爱的狗正在等待着有人带它们回家。
露西：那么你是同意我养狗了？
雅各布：嗯，如果你真的要收养一只无家可归的小狗，我又怎么能反对呢？
露西：好的，那我们去看看吧。
Smart Sentences
① I haven’t given it much thought. 我还没有很认真地想过这件事情。
I haven’t given it much thought. = I haven’t thought of it a lot.
give sth. much thought: think about sth. quite a lot（对某事认真考虑），much也可用little或some代替。例如：
Since you mentioned the trip to Ikea last night, I have given it
some thought.
自从你昨晚说起去宜家家居的事情，我也想了一下。
② It’s one thing to dog-sit and it’s another thing to have your own dog. 照看狗和自己养狗是两码事。
it’s one thing to…and it’s another thing to…: used to emphasize the two things mentioned are very different（此句型用以强调句中提到的二事是非常不一样的），例如：
It’s one thing to cook for your family and it’s another thing to be a professional cook.
为家人下厨与当一名职业厨师是两码事。
③ You are not biting off more than you can chew. 以防你会贪多嚼不烂/你不会贪多嚼不烂。
bite off more than one can chew: trying to do sth. which is too much or too difficult for oneself（贪多嚼不烂，做自己不胜任的事），例如：
I think Mike is biting off more than he can chew by taking five courses this semester.
迈克这个学期选修五门课，我觉得他会贪多嚼不烂。
④ pop up 突然出现（发生）
pop up: sth./sb. appears unexpectedly（某事或某人意外出现），例如：
Every time you solve one problem, another will pop up.
每次你解决了一个问题，另一个问题就会出现。
⑤ I picked up a bit of useful information there. 我在那里学到了一点（这方面）有用的知识。
pick up: acquire a skill or information without effort over a period of time（在一个时间段内，轻易地学到一种技巧或了解某事），
例如：
Young people can pick up a language easily.
年轻人可以比较容易地学会一种语言。
⑥ That is that. 就对了/就那样。
that is that: used to indicate there is nothing more you can say or do about sth.（用以表明你已经不想就某事再说或做些什么），例如：
I’m going hiking tomorrow, rain or shine. And that’s that.
明天不管天气怎么样，我都会去远足，就这样定了。
正式领养
买宠物除了去宠物店之外，去动物收容所也可以。想想，那么多可爱又可怜的小动物正在等着你带它们回家呢。
Volunteer: Hello there, how are you guys today?
Jacob: Hey, good, thanks.
Volunteer: How can I help you? Are you looking for a lost pet? Or have you come to adopt?
Lucy: Yes, we are curious about adopting a puppy. Can we have a look at them?
Volunteer: Sure, right this way. This here is Starla. She’s a standard 1)poodle. Her owners dumped her here a few weeks ago. She’s beautiful, yeah?
Jacob: She sure is. She seems very timid.
Volunteer: Yeah, a lot of the dogs that come in aren’t treated very well by their former owners. ①It can shake them up a bit. All they need is some love and they come back to life again.
Lucy: Her coat is lovely. Does it take a lot of work to keep her looking good?
Volunteer: Actually, yes it does. Poodles and a few other breeds need to be groomed pretty often. Otherwise their fur can get 2)matted and all sorts of bugs and germs can get in there.
Jacob: Who’s that little guy over there?
Volunteer: That’s little Max.
Lucy: Oh, he’s cute. ②He’s the opposite of Starla in terms of temperament.
Volunteer: Yes, Max is a 3)terrier. These dogs are really, really active. They need to be walked at least twice a day. They were originally trained as hunting dogs in some countries to retrieve small birds and bring them back. So it’s in their nature to be curious and energetic.
Jacob: I’m not sure you could handle Max, Lucy.
Lucy: I think you are right. He is cute, but ③I think he would run rings around me.
Volunteer: That’s okay. ④You are best off being honest. ⑤There is no point getting a pet you can’t take care of. You have to find something that suits your needs and lifestyle. How about Penny? She is a German 4)shepherd. Would make a great guard dog.
Jacob: We are looking for something for security, but Lucy’s yard is too small for a big dog like Penny.
Volunteer: Ah, well, I may have just the dog for you. This guy showed up on our door last night. Looks like someone’s dog had puppies recently and they couldn’t find a home for one of the babies. This is little Jaxon.
Lucy: Oh! He’s perfect!
Jacob: Hey little fella.
Volunteer: He’ll be good for keeping you company and also makes a good
guard dog.
Lucy: Yes, I want him.
Volunteer: That’s what I like to see: some 5)genuine affection towards a pet. Most of these animals end up here because people make a spur-of-the-moment decision without thinking about what owning a pet involves.
Jacob: No, we had a good talk about it. This puppy is going to a good home.
志愿者：你们好，今天怎么样？
雅各布：嗨，不错，谢谢。
志愿者：有什么我可以帮你们的？你们是在找走丢的宠物吗？还是想来收养
一只？
露西：是的，我们正想知道如何收养一只小狗。你能让我们看看它们吗？
志愿者：没问题，这边来。这是斯达拉。它是一只标准的贵宾犬。几个星期前她的主人把它丢在了这儿。它很漂亮，对吧？
雅各布：没错。它看上去非常胆小
害羞。
志愿者：是的。到这儿来的很多狗，它们的前主人对它们不怎么好。这让它们心有余悸。不过只要给它们一些关爱，它们就能恢复往日的生机了。
露西：它的毛真可爱。是不是要花不少工夫才能让它一直这么好看？
志愿者：是的，确实如此。贵宾犬和其它一些品种需要经常梳洗打扮。否则它们的毛就会纠缠在一起，也有可能滋生各种虫子和细菌。
雅各布：那边那个小家伙是谁？
志愿者：那是小马克斯。
露西：哦，它真可爱。从性情看它和斯达拉正好相反。
志愿者：是的，马克斯是一只小猎犬。这些狗都非常非常活泼好动。它们每天需要至少散步两次。在一些国家，它们原先被训练成猎犬，去寻找（打猎时）击落的小鸟，并把它们取回来。所以它们天性好奇、精力充沛。
雅各布：我觉得你应付不了马克斯，露西。
露西：没错，它是很可爱，但是我想它会让我精疲力竭（累趴下）的。
志愿者：没关系。你最好坦诚点。养一只你照顾不了的宠物是没有意义的。你必须找一些适合你的需要和生活方式的。佩妮怎么样？它是一只德国牧羊犬，会是一只很好的护卫犬。
雅各布：我们正在找一只可以看门的狗，但是露西家的院子对于像佩妮那样的大狗来说又太小了。
志愿者：呃，嗯，我有一只狗正适合你们。这家伙是昨晚出现在我们门前的。看上去是谁家的狗最近生了小狗，而其中一只没有找到人家收养。这就是小贾森。
露西：噢！它正好！
雅各布：嗨，小家伙。
志愿者：它会是一个很好的伴，也可以是一只好的护卫犬。
露西：嗯，我想要这只。
志愿者：这正是我期望看到的：对一个宠物的真挚情感。之所以很多动物最后都来到我们这里，是因为人们没有仔细想清楚养一只宠物涉及到些什么（问题），而仅凭一时的冲动就做出（养宠物的）决定。
雅各布：不会的，我们仔细讨论过这个。这只小狗将会有一个幸福的家的。
Smart Sentences
① It can shake them up a bit. 这让它们心有余悸。
shake sb. up: unpleasant experience makes sb. feel shocked or insecure（不愉快的经历使某人震惊或不安），例如：
The accident had left her a bit shaken up, but she recovered quickly.
那场事故让她心有余悸，但她很快就回过神来了。
② He’s the opposite of Starla in terms of temperament. 从性情看它和斯达拉正好相反。
in terms of: used to specify which aspect of sth. you want to discuss or consider（从……方面看），例如：
In terms of product quality and reliability, ABC company has ranked at the top all these years.
这些年来，ABC公司在产品质量和可靠性方面都名列前茅。
③ I think he would run rings around me. 我想它会让我精疲力竭（累趴下）的。（文中释义）
run rings round/around sb.: a lot better or more successful than sb. at a particular activity（在某个方面比某人更胜一筹），例如：
Mentally, he can still run rings round men half his age.
从心智上看，他比那些只有他一半年龄的人更胜一筹。
④ You are best off being honest. 你最好坦诚点。
best off doing sth.: doing sth. is the best thing to do（做某事是最好的选择）。例如：
Amy is best off staying in bed if she wants to get better soon.
艾米如果想快点好起来，最好是卧床休息。
⑤ There is no point getting a pet you can’t take care of. 养一只你照顾不了的宠物是没有意义的。
there is no point doing sth.: to indicate that a particular action has no purpose or would not be useful（表明某种做法是没有用处的，或没有意义），例如：
There is no point in getting up this early.
这么早起来毫无意义。
体检时间
为您和家人以及宠物的健康，带新收养的宠物做一个全面的体检当然是十分之必要的。瞧瞧动物体检的场面……是不是趣味横生？
Vet: Hello there. Come right into my office.
Lucy: Hi. Thanks. I’m Lucy and this is Jacob.
Vet: And who do we have here?
Jacob: This is baby Jaxon.
Vet: Hello, Jaxon. How old is he?
Lucy: We are not sure exactly. We got him from the animal shelter. His owners left him there.
Jacob: But we think about eight weeks.
Vet: OK, that’s great. That’s the perfect time to get a vet check. OK, first we will just check his weight. Could you just put him on the scales there?
Jacob: Sure. Come on Jaxon, get on here. Good boy.
Lucy: Ha! It must be cold on there. He doesn’t seem to like it.
Vet: What is the reading on there, Jacob?
Jacob: Five kilos.
Vet: OK, great. Now we are going to test his temperature.
Jacob: What’s a healthy temperature?
Vet: Around 38 degrees is what we usually look for.
Lucy: What’s his temperature? 38.5. Oh great! You are a healthy boy!
Vet: Okay his pulse and breathing is fine too.
Jacob: What are you doing now doctor? Listening to
his lungs?
Vet: Yes, and his heart. Everything sounds normal.
Jacob: Hear that, boy? You have a healthy heart.
Lucy: Did you just 1)sniff his ear?
Vet: Ha, yes. It’s important to smell inside their ears. If there is a bad smell it could indicate a disease inside.
Jacob: How does it smell?
Vet: No problems here. You wanna smell?
Lucy: Ah, no thanks, ①I’ll leave that to the expert.
Jacob: And what’re you checking now…? Oh!
Vet: One, two. Yes, he’s definitely a boy. Everything is healthy down there too.
Lucy: Aww he’s crying. What’s wrong, Jaxon?
Jacob: I think he needs to go to the toilet.
Vet: Oh great! We need to collect a 2)stool sample. Just let him go over in the corner. Here are some gloves. ②Who wants to do the honor?
Lucy: ③Don’t look at me!
Jacob: ④What was that speech you gave me about doing everything to take care of him?
Lucy: Well, I’m still adjusting to that. Ha-ha.
Jacob: Okay, here you go, doctor. Where would you like it?
Vet: Just put it in this box. I’ll check it later for 3)parasites. OK, finally I’ll check his eyes and teeth. Again, ⑤he has a clean bill of health.
Jacob: Okay, time for your needle, pup.
Lucy: Oh, I can’t watch.
Vet: OK, stay still, little guy. You are going to feel a little
4)prick. OK, and it’s all over.
Jacob: That’s it? Hey Jaxon, you are so brave. You didn’t even yelp.
Vet: OK, after the 5)fecal examination I can tell you if he needs worming or any other medication. But that’s everything for today. Go home and enjoy life with your new puppy.
Lucy: Thanks, doctor.
Jacob: Come on boy, let’s go home. Thanks very much.
Vet: No problem. Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you too, Jaxon.
兽医：嗨。进来我办公室吧。
露西：嗨，谢谢。我叫露西，这是雅各布。
兽医：你们带谁来了？
雅各布：这是小贾森。
兽医：你好，贾森。它多大了？
露西：我们也不是很清楚。我们是在动物收容所里抱回它的。它的主人把它遗弃在那儿了。
雅各布：我们估计大约8周大了。
兽医：好的，很好。那正是应该来做体检的时间。好啦，首先我们要称一下它的体重。你能把它放到那个体重称上吗？
雅各布：好的。来吧，贾森，到这儿来。好样的。
露西：哈！那里一定有点冷。它看上去不是很喜欢那儿。
兽医：雅各布，那个读数是多少？
雅各布：5公斤。
兽医：很好。现在我们来量一下它的体温。
雅各布：正常（健康）的体温应该是多少？
兽医：我们通常说38度左右都是正常的。
露西：它的体温呢？38.5。太好了，我们有一只健康的小狗！
兽医：好的，它的脉搏和呼吸也很好。
雅各布：你现在在做什么，医生？在听它的肺部？
兽医：是的，还有它的心脏。听上去都很正常。
雅各布：听到没有，小家伙？你有一颗健康的心脏。
露西：你闻了它的耳朵？
兽医：哈，是的。闻它的耳朵非常重要。如果那里的气味很难闻，可能说明体内隐藏着某种疾病。
雅各布：怎么样？
兽医：没有问题。你要闻一下吗？
露西：噢，不，谢谢。我把那些留给专家去做。
雅各布：你现在在检查什么……？噢！
兽医：一，二。是的，它是一只公狗。这下面的都很健康。
露西：啊，它在叫。怎么了，贾森？
雅各布：我想它要去趟厕所了。
兽医：哦，太好了！我们正需要采集它的粪便样本。让它到那个角落去。这儿有手套。这项光荣的任务谁想做？
露西：别看着我（不要指望我）！
雅各布：谁跟我说过会竭尽全力照顾它，现在说话不算数了？
露西：呃，我正在努力适应嘛。哈哈。
雅各布：好吧，给你，医生。放在哪里？
兽医：放在这个盒子里吧。待会儿我会检查有没有寄生虫。好了，最后我还要检查它的眼睛和牙齿。再说一遍，它很健康。
雅各布：好了，要打针了，小东西。
露西：哦，我不敢看了。
兽医：好，小家伙，别动。你会觉得有一点点疼。好啦，打完了。
雅各布：这样就好了？嗨，贾森，你真勇敢。你都没有叫。
兽医：好了，检查完它的排泄物后，我会告诉你它是否需要驱虫或接受其它的治疗。今天就这样吧。可以回家和你的小狗享受生活了。
露西：谢谢医生。
雅各布：来吧，小家伙，我们回家。非常感谢。
兽医：没什么。很高兴认识你们。也很高兴认识你，贾森。
Smart Sentences
① I’ll leave that to the expert. 我把那些留给专家去做。
leave sth. to sb.: let sb. else deal with sth.（让某人处理某事），例如：
She left the rest of the job to me before taking her vacation.
她在去度假之前把剩下的工作交给了我。
② Who wants to do the honor? 这项光荣的任务谁想做？
do the honor: to perform some respectable function（做某些体面的事），例如：
John is going to do the honors and introduce the guests to the audience.
约翰将把嘉宾介绍给观众。
③ Don’t look at me! 别看着我（不要指望我）！
Don’t look at me. = Don’t expect me to do it.
don’t look at me: a strong statement to refuse to do sth.（用以拒绝做某事）
④ What was that speech you gave me about doing everything to take care of him? 谁跟我说过会竭尽全力照顾它，现在说话不算数了？
what was that speech… = what happened to the speech… = what about the speech…
what was that speech…: used to indicate disbelief or cynicism towards what sb. said（用以表达对某人说过的话表示不相信或嘲笑），例如：
What was that speech you said about studying hard and playing no video games?
你说过要努力学习，不玩电子游戏的话不算数了？
⑤ He has a clean bill of health. 它很健康。
a clean bill of health: indicate sb. is fit and healthy（健康证书），例如：
John Smith, 90, was given a clean bill of health by doctors.
九十岁的约翰·史密斯被医生认定身体健康。
准备阶段
养宠物是一件严肃的事情，正如雅各布说的“那是一份终身责任”。所以在把宠物带回家之前一定要仔仔细细的想清楚哦。
Lucy: Hey, what do you think about getting a dog?
Jacob: Oh, um, ①I haven’t given it much thought.
Lucy: Well I have. I really want to get one. Ever since I did dog-sitting for my parents last month, I can’t stop thinking about it.
Jacob: But ②it’s one thing to dog-sit and it’s another thing to have your own dog. Pets need a lot of TLC (tender loving care). You can’t just decide to get one on a 1)whim.
Lucy: No, I’ve really thought it through. A dog will be great for companionship and security too. I’ll feed him and take him for a walk every day.
Jacob: Okay, but let’s talk this over to make sure ③you are not biting off more than you can chew. There is more to owning a dog than just walking it and feeding it. You have to make sure you have enough money set aside to take care of it properly.
Lucy: I can’t think of any extra expenses that would ④pop up?
Jacob: Ah, but actually, even before you get the dog home, there are a lot of things you need to do.
Lucy: Yeah? Like what?
Jacob: A vet check, 2)vaccination, worming, grooming, chew toys, a collar and a leash and the list goes on.
Lucy: Whoa! I didn’t know you were such a pet expert.
Jacob: Ha. I had a summer job in a pet store. So ⑤I picked up a bit of useful information there. Do you know what breed you want?
Lucy: I thought a big dog would be better for protection, but a smaller dog would be more affectionate.
Jacob: That is generally true, but some of the bigger breeds are just as affectionate as the smaller ones. A big dog would need lots of space to run around. I don’t think your backyard is big enough, so you would be better off with a smaller breed.
Lucy: But I think even some of the smaller dogs are quite active?
Jacob: You are right. It’s best to check with the pet shop owner what each dog needs. Just as long as you realize it is not as simple as picking a dog and ⑥that is that. It’s a life-long commitment.
Lucy: Oh of course! I’ll be dedicated to this dog no matter what. Whatever it takes, I’m prepared to do it.
Jacob: Good! That’s the attitude of a responsible pet owner. You know, so many animals are abandoned by owners who just can’t take care of their pets. It’s really sad.
Lucy: Maybe we should adopt a puppy from the
animal 3)shelter?
Jacob: Yes! That’s a great idea, Lucy. There are so many adorable dogs there just waiting for someone to take them home.
Lucy: So you approve of me getting a dog?
Jacob: Well, if you are saving a homeless dog, how can I say “no”?
Lucy: Okay, let’s go and have a look!
露西：嗨，你觉得养一只狗怎么样？
雅各布：哦，嗯，我还没有很认真地想过这件事情。
露西：嗯，我想过了。我真的想养一只。自从我上个月帮我父母照看过狗以后，我一直在想这件事。
雅各布：但是照看狗和自己养狗完全是两码事。宠物需要很多温柔的呵护。你不能仅凭一时的兴致就决定养一只狗的。
露西：不，我真的仔细想过了。狗不但可以做伴，还可以看门。我会每天喂它，还带它去散步。
雅各布：好吧，但我们还是要仔细讨论一下，以防你会贪多嚼不烂。养一只狗远远不只是喂它和带它去散步那么简单。你必须保证自己留有足够多的钱来照顾好它。
露西：我想不到还有哪些额外费用是会突然发生的？
雅各布：呃，实际上，在你把一只狗带回家之前，就有很多事情需要去做。
露西：哦？比如？
雅各布：做体检，接种疫苗，驱虫，美容，买咀嚼器、项圈和系狗的皮带等等一系列事情。
露西：哇！我还不知道你居然是个宠物专家。
雅各布：哈，我曾经在一家宠物店做过暑期工。所以我在那里学到了一点（这方面）有用的知识。你知道自己要养什么品种的狗吗？
露西：我想大狗更能保护人，但是小一点的狗会更温柔可爱。
雅各布：基本上是这样的，但有一些大狗也像小狗那样温柔可爱。大狗需要更大的空间来活动。我觉得你的后院不够大，所以你最好还是养一些体型小的品种。
露西：但我觉得有些小狗也是很活泼好动的吧？
雅各布：没错。最好去向宠物店的主人请教一下每种狗的需求。只要你明白到养狗可不是单单选择养什么狗那么简单就对了，这是一份终身的责任。
露西：当然啦！无论怎样我都将会全心照料这只狗。不管要付出什么，我都准备好了。
雅各布：太好了！那才是一个负责任的狗主人应有的态度。你知道吧，有很多动物仅仅因为它们的主人不能照顾它们就遭到了遗弃。真是悲哀。
露西：或许我们可以到动物收容所领养一只小狗？
雅各布：对！那是个好主意，露西。那儿有很多可爱的狗正在等待着有人带它们回家。
露西：那么你是同意我养狗了？
雅各布：嗯，如果你真的要收养一只无家可归的小狗，我又怎么能反对呢？
露西：好的，那我们去看看吧。
Smart Sentences
① I haven’t given it much thought. 我还没有很认真地想过这件事情。
I haven’t given it much thought. = I haven’t thought of it a lot.
give sth. much thought: think about sth. quite a lot（对某事认真考虑），much也可用little或some代替。例如：
Since you mentioned the trip to Ikea last night, I have given it
some thought.
自从你昨晚说起去宜家家居的事情，我也想了一下。
② It’s one thing to dog-sit and it’s another thing to have your own dog. 照看狗和自己养狗是两码事。
it’s one thing to…and it’s another thing to…: used to emphasize the two things mentioned are very different（此句型用以强调句中提到的二事是非常不一样的），例如：
It’s one thing to cook for your family and it’s another thing to be a professional cook.
为家人下厨与当一名职业厨师是两码事。
③ You are not biting off more than you can chew. 以防你会贪多嚼不烂/你不会贪多嚼不烂。
bite off more than one can chew: trying to do sth. which is too much or too difficult for oneself（贪多嚼不烂，做自己不胜任的事），例如：
I think Mike is biting off more than he can chew by taking five courses this semester.
迈克这个学期选修五门课，我觉得他会贪多嚼不烂。
④ pop up 突然出现（发生）
pop up: sth./sb. appears unexpectedly（某事或某人意外出现），例如：
Every time you solve one problem, another will pop up.
每次你解决了一个问题，另一个问题就会出现。
⑤ I picked up a bit of useful information there. 我在那里学到了一点（这方面）有用的知识。
pick up: acquire a skill or information without effort over a period of time（在一个时间段内，轻易地学到一种技巧或了解某事），
例如：
Young people can pick up a language easily.
年轻人可以比较容易地学会一种语言。
⑥ That is that. 就对了/就那样。
that is that: used to indicate there is nothing more you can say or do about sth.（用以表明你已经不想就某事再说或做些什么），例如：
I’m going hiking tomorrow, rain or shine. And that’s that.
明天不管天气怎么样，我都会去远足，就这样定了。
正式领养
买宠物除了去宠物店之外，去动物收容所也可以。想想，那么多可爱又可怜的小动物正在等着你带它们回家呢。
Volunteer: Hello there, how are you guys today?
Jacob: Hey, good, thanks.
Volunteer: How can I help you? Are you looking for a lost pet? Or have you come to adopt?
Lucy: Yes, we are curious about adopting a puppy. Can we have a look at them?
Volunteer: Sure, right this way. This here is Starla. She’s a standard 1)poodle. Her owners dumped her here a few weeks ago. She’s beautiful, yeah?
Jacob: She sure is. She seems very timid.
Volunteer: Yeah, a lot of the dogs that come in aren’t treated very well by their former owners. ①It can shake them up a bit. All they need is some love and they come back to life again.
Lucy: Her coat is lovely. Does it take a lot of work to keep her looking good?
Volunteer: Actually, yes it does. Poodles and a few other breeds need to be groomed pretty often. Otherwise their fur can get 2)matted and all sorts of bugs and germs can get in there.
Jacob: Who’s that little guy over there?
Volunteer: That’s little Max.
Lucy: Oh, he’s cute. ②He’s the opposite of Starla in terms of temperament.
Volunteer: Yes, Max is a 3)terrier. These dogs are really, really active. They need to be walked at least twice a day. They were originally trained as hunting dogs in some countries to retrieve small birds and bring them back. So it’s in their nature to be curious and energetic.
Jacob: I’m not sure you could handle Max, Lucy.
Lucy: I think you are right. He is cute, but ③I think he would run rings around me.
Volunteer: That’s okay. ④You are best off being honest. ⑤There is no point getting a pet you can’t take care of. You have to find something that suits your needs and lifestyle. How about Penny? She is a German 4)shepherd. Would make a great guard dog.
Jacob: We are looking for something for security, but Lucy’s yard is too small for a big dog like Penny.
Volunteer: Ah, well, I may have just the dog for you. This guy showed up on our door last night. Looks like someone’s dog had puppies recently and they couldn’t find a home for one of the babies. This is little Jaxon.
Lucy: Oh! He’s perfect!
Jacob: Hey little fella.
Volunteer: He’ll be good for keeping you company and also makes a good
guard dog.
Lucy: Yes, I want him.
Volunteer: That’s what I like to see: some 5)genuine affection towards a pet. Most of these animals end up here because people make a spur-of-the-moment decision without thinking about what owning a pet involves.
Jacob: No, we had a good talk about it. This puppy is going to a good home.
志愿者：你们好，今天怎么样？
雅各布：嗨，不错，谢谢。
志愿者：有什么我可以帮你们的？你们是在找走丢的宠物吗？还是想来收养
一只？
露西：是的，我们正想知道如何收养一只小狗。你能让我们看看它们吗？
志愿者：没问题，这边来。这是斯达拉。它是一只标准的贵宾犬。几个星期前她的主人把它丢在了这儿。它很漂亮，对吧？
雅各布：没错。它看上去非常胆小
害羞。
志愿者：是的。到这儿来的很多狗，它们的前主人对它们不怎么好。这让它们心有余悸。不过只要给它们一些关爱，它们就能恢复往日的生机了。
露西：它的毛真可爱。是不是要花不少工夫才能让它一直这么好看？
志愿者：是的，确实如此。贵宾犬和其它一些品种需要经常梳洗打扮。否则它们的毛就会纠缠在一起，也有可能滋生各种虫子和细菌。
雅各布：那边那个小家伙是谁？
志愿者：那是小马克斯。
露西：哦，它真可爱。从性情看它和斯达拉正好相反。
志愿者：是的，马克斯是一只小猎犬。这些狗都非常非常活泼好动。它们每天需要至少散步两次。在一些国家，它们原先被训练成猎犬，去寻找（打猎时）击落的小鸟，并把它们取回来。所以它们天性好奇、精力充沛。
雅各布：我觉得你应付不了马克斯，露西。
露西：没错，它是很可爱，但是我想它会让我精疲力竭（累趴下）的。
志愿者：没关系。你最好坦诚点。养一只你照顾不了的宠物是没有意义的。你必须找一些适合你的需要和生活方式的。佩妮怎么样？它是一只德国牧羊犬，会是一只很好的护卫犬。
雅各布：我们正在找一只可以看门的狗，但是露西家的院子对于像佩妮那样的大狗来说又太小了。
志愿者：呃，嗯，我有一只狗正适合你们。这家伙是昨晚出现在我们门前的。看上去是谁家的狗最近生了小狗，而其中一只没有找到人家收养。这就是小贾森。
露西：噢！它正好！
雅各布：嗨，小家伙。
志愿者：它会是一个很好的伴，也可以是一只好的护卫犬。
露西：嗯，我想要这只。
志愿者：这正是我期望看到的：对一个宠物的真挚情感。之所以很多动物最后都来到我们这里，是因为人们没有仔细想清楚养一只宠物涉及到些什么（问题），而仅凭一时的冲动就做出（养宠物的）决定。
雅各布：不会的，我们仔细讨论过这个。这只小狗将会有一个幸福的家的。
Smart Sentences
① It can shake them up a bit. 这让它们心有余悸。
shake sb. up: unpleasant experience makes sb. feel shocked or insecure（不愉快的经历使某人震惊或不安），例如：
The accident had left her a bit shaken up, but she recovered quickly.
那场事故让她心有余悸，但她很快就回过神来了。
② He’s the opposite of Starla in terms of temperament. 从性情看它和斯达拉正好相反。
in terms of: used to specify which aspect of sth. you want to discuss or consider（从……方面看），例如：
In terms of product quality and reliability, ABC company has ranked at the top all these years.
这些年来，ABC公司在产品质量和可靠性方面都名列前茅。
③ I think he would run rings around me. 我想它会让我精疲力竭（累趴下）的。（文中释义）
run rings round/around sb.: a lot better or more successful than sb. at a particular activity（在某个方面比某人更胜一筹），例如：
Mentally, he can still run rings round men half his age.
从心智上看，他比那些只有他一半年龄的人更胜一筹。
④ You are best off being honest. 你最好坦诚点。
best off doing sth.: doing sth. is the best thing to do（做某事是最好的选择）。例如：
Amy is best off staying in bed if she wants to get better soon.
艾米如果想快点好起来，最好是卧床休息。
⑤ There is no point getting a pet you can’t take care of. 养一只你照顾不了的宠物是没有意义的。
there is no point doing sth.: to indicate that a particular action has no purpose or would not be useful（表明某种做法是没有用处的，或没有意义），例如：
There is no point in getting up this early.
这么早起来毫无意义。
体检时间
为您和家人以及宠物的健康，带新收养的宠物做一个全面的体检当然是十分之必要的。瞧瞧动物体检的场面……是不是趣味横生？
Vet: Hello there. Come right into my office.
Lucy: Hi. Thanks. I’m Lucy and this is Jacob.
Vet: And who do we have here?
Jacob: This is baby Jaxon.
Vet: Hello, Jaxon. How old is he?
Lucy: We are not sure exactly. We got him from the animal shelter. His owners left him there.
Jacob: But we think about eight weeks.
Vet: OK, that’s great. That’s the perfect time to get a vet check. OK, first we will just check his weight. Could you just put him on the scales there?
Jacob: Sure. Come on Jaxon, get on here. Good boy.
Lucy: Ha! It must be cold on there. He doesn’t seem to like it.
Vet: What is the reading on there, Jacob?
Jacob: Five kilos.
Vet: OK, great. Now we are going to test his temperature.
Jacob: What’s a healthy temperature?
Vet: Around 38 degrees is what we usually look for.
Lucy: What’s his temperature? 38.5. Oh great! You are a healthy boy!
Vet: Okay his pulse and breathing is fine too.
Jacob: What are you doing now doctor? Listening to
his lungs?
Vet: Yes, and his heart. Everything sounds normal.
Jacob: Hear that, boy? You have a healthy heart.
Lucy: Did you just 1)sniff his ear?
Vet: Ha, yes. It’s important to smell inside their ears. If there is a bad smell it could indicate a disease inside.
Jacob: How does it smell?
Vet: No problems here. You wanna smell?
Lucy: Ah, no thanks, ①I’ll leave that to the expert.
Jacob: And what’re you checking now…? Oh!
Vet: One, two. Yes, he’s definitely a boy. Everything is healthy down there too.
Lucy: Aww he’s crying. What’s wrong, Jaxon?
Jacob: I think he needs to go to the toilet.
Vet: Oh great! We need to collect a 2)stool sample. Just let him go over in the corner. Here are some gloves. ②Who wants to do the honor?
Lucy: ③Don’t look at me!
Jacob: ④What was that speech you gave me about doing everything to take care of him?
Lucy: Well, I’m still adjusting to that. Ha-ha.
Jacob: Okay, here you go, doctor. Where would you like it?
Vet: Just put it in this box. I’ll check it later for 3)parasites. OK, finally I’ll check his eyes and teeth. Again, ⑤he has a clean bill of health.
Jacob: Okay, time for your needle, pup.
Lucy: Oh, I can’t watch.
Vet: OK, stay still, little guy. You are going to feel a little
4)prick. OK, and it’s all over.
Jacob: That’s it? Hey Jaxon, you are so brave. You didn’t even yelp.
Vet: OK, after the 5)fecal examination I can tell you if he needs worming or any other medication. But that’s everything for today. Go home and enjoy life with your new puppy.
Lucy: Thanks, doctor.
Jacob: Come on boy, let’s go home. Thanks very much.
Vet: No problem. Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you too, Jaxon.
兽医：嗨。进来我办公室吧。
露西：嗨，谢谢。我叫露西，这是雅各布。
兽医：你们带谁来了？
雅各布：这是小贾森。
兽医：你好，贾森。它多大了？
露西：我们也不是很清楚。我们是在动物收容所里抱回它的。它的主人把它遗弃在那儿了。
雅各布：我们估计大约8周大了。
兽医：好的，很好。那正是应该来做体检的时间。好啦，首先我们要称一下它的体重。你能把它放到那个体重称上吗？
雅各布：好的。来吧，贾森，到这儿来。好样的。
露西：哈！那里一定有点冷。它看上去不是很喜欢那儿。
兽医：雅各布，那个读数是多少？
雅各布：5公斤。
兽医：很好。现在我们来量一下它的体温。
雅各布：正常（健康）的体温应该是多少？
兽医：我们通常说38度左右都是正常的。
露西：它的体温呢？38.5。太好了，我们有一只健康的小狗！
兽医：好的，它的脉搏和呼吸也很好。
雅各布：你现在在做什么，医生？在听它的肺部？
兽医：是的，还有它的心脏。听上去都很正常。
雅各布：听到没有，小家伙？你有一颗健康的心脏。
露西：你闻了它的耳朵？
兽医：哈，是的。闻它的耳朵非常重要。如果那里的气味很难闻，可能说明体内隐藏着某种疾病。
雅各布：怎么样？
兽医：没有问题。你要闻一下吗？
露西：噢，不，谢谢。我把那些留给专家去做。
雅各布：你现在在检查什么……？噢！
兽医：一，二。是的，它是一只公狗。这下面的都很健康。
露西：啊，它在叫。怎么了，贾森？
雅各布：我想它要去趟厕所了。
兽医：哦，太好了！我们正需要采集它的粪便样本。让它到那个角落去。这儿有手套。这项光荣的任务谁想做？
露西：别看着我（不要指望我）！
雅各布：谁跟我说过会竭尽全力照顾它，现在说话不算数了？
露西：呃，我正在努力适应嘛。哈哈。
雅各布：好吧，给你，医生。放在哪里？
兽医：放在这个盒子里吧。待会儿我会检查有没有寄生虫。好了，最后我还要检查它的眼睛和牙齿。再说一遍，它很健康。
雅各布：好了，要打针了，小东西。
露西：哦，我不敢看了。
兽医：好，小家伙，别动。你会觉得有一点点疼。好啦，打完了。
雅各布：这样就好了？嗨，贾森，你真勇敢。你都没有叫。
兽医：好了，检查完它的排泄物后，我会告诉你它是否需要驱虫或接受其它的治疗。今天就这样吧。可以回家和你的小狗享受生活了。
露西：谢谢医生。
雅各布：来吧，小家伙，我们回家。非常感谢。
兽医：没什么。很高兴认识你们。也很高兴认识你，贾森。
Smart Sentences
① I’ll leave that to the expert. 我把那些留给专家去做。
leave sth. to sb.: let sb. else deal with sth.（让某人处理某事），例如：
She left the rest of the job to me before taking her vacation.
她在去度假之前把剩下的工作交给了我。
② Who wants to do the honor? 这项光荣的任务谁想做？
do the honor: to perform some respectable function（做某些体面的事），例如：
John is going to do the honors and introduce the guests to the audience.
约翰将把嘉宾介绍给观众。
③ Don’t look at me! 别看着我（不要指望我）！
Don’t look at me. = Don’t expect me to do it.
don’t look at me: a strong statement to refuse to do sth.（用以拒绝做某事）
④ What was that speech you gave me about doing everything to take care of him? 谁跟我说过会竭尽全力照顾它，现在说话不算数了？
what was that speech… = what happened to the speech… = what about the speech…
what was that speech…: used to indicate disbelief or cynicism towards what sb. said（用以表达对某人说过的话表示不相信或嘲笑），例如：
What was that speech you said about studying hard and playing no video games?
你说过要努力学习，不玩电子游戏的话不算数了？
⑤ He has a clean bill of health. 它很健康。
a clean bill of health: indicate sb. is fit and healthy（健康证书），例如：
John Smith, 90, was given a clean bill of health by doctors.
九十岁的约翰·史密斯被医生认定身体健康。