VOA英语2010年-Santa Claus Helps Raise Money for Animal She

The Washington Humane¹ Society got some help from a familiar figure this year, as the Christmas holidays approached. The Humane Society is the only open-access animal shelter in the Nation's Capital, and cares for nearly 30,000 animals a year. It recently invited Washingtonians to photograph their pets with Santa Claus, in exchange for a charitable contribution. Dozens of proud dog owners showed up to help animals and those who care for them in the shelters.

At first sight, this fashionable clothing store in Washington looks like any other retail² outlet³. But then, you notice its unusual customers. On any other day of the year this dog probably would not be allowed inside. But today Amy is a welcome guest here. She is on a special mission. She is meeting Santa Claus.

For the photo of Amy with Santa, Amy's owner will donate $20 to the Washington Humane Society. Tara de Nicolas organized the event, and says more than 180 people agreed to come and make a donation. The store, Vineyard Vines, will also donate 10 percent of its revenue from the event back to the Humane Society. The organizers hope to raise thousands of dollars to help fund the Society's programs.

"The Washington Humane Society is a tremendous organization," said Tara de Nicolas. "It's the only open-access shelter in the Nation's Capital and cares for 30,000 animals a year. Homeless, lost, abused, neglected, wild life. They do it all. They do a low-cost neutering program. We have a big center in the city. We have two shelters. We do all humane law enforcement. It's an incredibly vast organization that does a majority of the work in our community.

Once their owners fill out a form and make a donation, the dogs get to go and meet Santa. And in addition to the photo session, they get tasty treats and are allowed to socialize with the other guests.

One of the Humane Society's major efforts is an adoption⁴ program for homeless dogs and cats. And in fact, most of the dogs at this event have been adopted. Like this poodle, Whisper. Cindy Tsai, his new owner, adores him.

"He has friends in California, that's where we adopted him. So he is going to have his pictures sent to California too," said Tsai.

Cindy believes the story of Whisper will inspire other people to adopt pets from shelters. Santa Claus also wants people to help.

"At this season especially, a lot of these people are helping⁵ other and a lot of these people are giving love," said Santa. "But you know, as much as we give, we can give just a little bit to the animals, but we are going to get a lot of love, unconditional⁶ love."

As these Christmas pictures go around the globe as holiday greeting cards, it is clear these dogs are in good hands, and that their owners care about them. The Washington Humane Society believes the magic of Christmas will help other dogs that are in shelters to find new loving families.

1 humane   

adj.人道的，富有同情心的

参考例句：

• Is it humane to kill animals for food?宰杀牲畜来吃合乎人道吗？
• Their aim is for a more just and humane society.他们的目标是建立一个更加公正、博爱的社会。

2 retail   

v./n.零售；adv.以零售价格

参考例句：

• In this shop they retail tobacco and sweets.这家铺子零售香烟和糖果。
• These shoes retail at 10 yuan a pair.这些鞋子零卖10元一双。

3 outlet   

n.出口/路；销路；批发商店；通风口；发泄

参考例句：

• The outlet of a water pipe was blocked.水管的出水口堵住了。
• Running is a good outlet for his energy.跑步是他发泄过剩精力的好方法。

4 adoption   

n.采用，采纳，通过；收养

参考例句：

• An adoption agency had sent the boys to two different families.一个收养机构把他们送给两个不同的家庭。
• The adoption of this policy would relieve them of a tremendous burden.采取这一政策会给他们解除一个巨大的负担。

5 helping   

n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的

参考例句：

• The poor children regularly pony up for a second helping of my hamburger. 那些可怜的孩子们总是要求我把我的汉堡包再给他们一份。
• By doing this, they may at times be helping to restore competition. 这样一来, 他在某些时候,有助于竞争的加强。

6 unconditional   

adj.无条件的，无限制的，绝对的

参考例句：

• The victorious army demanded unconditional surrender.胜方要求敌人无条件投降。
• My love for all my children is unconditional.我对自己所有孩子的爱都是无条件的。