英语博客：ESL Podcast 789 – Taking Care of Pets

 　　Magda: Oooh, he’s so cute. When did you get him?

 

　　Tony: Yesterday. I’m training him to do tricks.

 

　　Magda: Really? Are you having any luck?

 

　　Tony: No, not yet. So far, he just lies there, but maybe he’s hungry and doesn’t have any energy to play. I’m going to feed him a few treats and give him some water in his bowl.

 

　　Magda: Uh, okay.

 

　　Tony: And then later, I’m going to take him for a walk. Here are the new collar and leash¹ I bought for him. I’ll be sure to bring his carrier in case he gets too tired to walk.

 

　　Magda: Whatever you say. Are you sure you need to do all that?

 

　　Tony: Oh, sure. It’s important to keep pets healthy and happy, don’t you think? I’m going to groom² him later. I wouldn’t want him to get fleas³ or ticks. Maybe I should take him to see the vet⁴ for a checkup.

 

　　Magda: I really don’t think that’ll be necessary. Tony, you do know that that’s a pet rock, right?

 

　　Tony: Yeah, what’s your point?

 

　　Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

1 leash   

n.牵狗的皮带，束缚；v.用皮带系住

参考例句：

• I reached for the leash,but the dog got in between.我伸手去拿系狗绳，但被狗挡住了路。
• The dog strains at the leash,eager to be off.狗拼命地扯拉皮带，想挣脱开去。

2 groom   

vt.给（马、狗等）梳毛，照料，使...整洁

参考例句：

• His father was a groom.他父亲曾是个马夫。
• George was already being groomed for the top job.为承担这份高级工作，乔治已在接受专门的培训。

3 fleas   

n.跳蚤( flea的名词复数 )；爱财如命；没好气地（拒绝某人的要求）

参考例句：

• The dog has fleas. 这条狗有跳蚤。
• Nothing must be done hastily but killing of fleas. 除非要捉跳蚤，做事不可匆忙。 来自《简明英汉词典》

4 vet   

n.兽医，退役军人；vt.检查

参考例句：

• I took my dog to the vet.我把狗带到兽医诊所看病。
• Someone should vet this report before it goes out.这篇报道发表之前应该有人对它进行详查。