空中英语:亚洲宠物
CULTURE
MEDIUM 2006 JULY 26, 27
Asia’s PAMPERED PETS
Nothing is too good for some people’s pets
They eat only the best foods, go for regular beauty treatments, and wear designer fashions. No doubt about it: Life is good for pets in Taiwan and mainland China. These much-loved animals are being pampered as never before.
Taiwan residents keep 1.3 million dogs and 250,000 cats as pets. In the mainland, pet dogs now number over 150 million.
Pets provide friendship. A wagging tail or friendly purr makes an owner feel loved and appreciated. Most Taiwan pet owners are singles, couples with no children or the elderly.
Taiwan pet owners spend plenty of money on their pet companions – more than NT$20 billion a year!
Lots of new pet-related businesses have opened in Taiwan. Beauty salons wash, cut and style pets’ hair. Some even feature spas. In pet restaurants, patrons dine with their animals. People and pets order from special menus.
Photo studios for pets also do very good business. At Dog Photo Studios in Taipei, pets can have their pictures taken in a variety of costumes. The studio makes up to NT$1 million in busy months.
Talk About It
Do you have a pet? Tell about it. If you don’t, would you like one? Why or why not?
Word Bank
pamper (v) 娇养；宠爱
This luxury hotel really pampers people. Their service is excellent!
wag (v) 摇摆
The friendly dog wagged his tail at me.
salon (n) 沙龙
Judy is going to the beauty salon to get her hair colored red.
patron (n) 顾客
I am a regular patron at that restaurant. Their food is very good!
More Information
purr (n) （猫的）呼噜声
When I heard my cat’s soft purr, I knew he was happy.
spa (n) 三温暖；桑拿浴
Many people like to relax in a spa.
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