My favorite pets - Bau and Alan

 I have had two dogs in my life. The first dog my family owned was named "Bau". Her name came from an animation named “Heisei Dog Bau’s Story”. She was a female Shetland Sheepdog. Although this breed is known for being intelligent and elegant, she often gave us trouble, such as eating mice or running away during walks. She had long curly hair, which made her difficult to spend the hot summers.

The second dog was named "Einstein," but we called her "Allan" for short. She was a female Beagle. Her floppy ears would flap, and her tail would wag every time she moved, making her always look cheerful—but she was actually quite moody. Beagles are the kind of dogs that want to play with others but can't make the first move. "Allan" also sometimes ran away during walks, which caused us trouble. She lived a long life, and we spent 16 years together.

Through my experience of raising animals, I realized how important it is to think about others and to be kind to them. I am truly grateful to our dogs Bau and Allan. That’s why I feel concerned about animals being displayed and sold in pet shops. The small animals you see in such displays are undeniably adorable. Raising animals bring us many joyful moments, but we must take responsibility for their entire life.  At the end of their lives, we will need care. I hope people make the decision to become an pet owner only after seriously considering whether they can care / treat it with kindness until the end of their life.

"Agony aunt" column in a magazine

 [Column from Ruth]:

I’m in agony for “mother-in-law”. Maybe there are many people who are same situation as me. In my case, she interferes in my family too much! I feel that tightly overseen by her as well as her husband. My town is small, and the people are like family. In other words, they know a lot of things even though another person.

Recently, I was upset because she had given a chocolate to my kid before dinner. If he ate a chocolate, he could not want to eat dinner much, so I don’t give him any snacks before meal. I understand that grandmother loves to see smiley face of grandson, however, I think she should pay regard to parent policy.

[Reply]:

Hi,

I had agonized same trouble in a couple years ago and I understand your feeling well. As for me, I had discussed with my husband many times to solve a problem. As my husband didn’t know that my suffering firstly, I explained details to him. Also, I asked him to talk his mother to refrain to give snacks for my kid before dinner. This is important point that I talked with her not just husband and I expressed my gratitude for understanding. After that I kept a suitable distance with mother-in-law. I’ve made a good relationship with her. I recommend that you talk with your husband to find any solutions first. In my experience, it is better to have many allies to raise your child. There is a potential for your mother-in-law to become one of ally! Hope you can built good relationship with her😊

 

The first day at school

I met my best friend on the first day at my university.  

I entered the University in Aichi Prefecture in Japan.  It was my first time to live alone.  My flat was about 2km away from the University, so I went school by bicycle.  I don’t remember why, but I went through the farthest gate from my flat on the first day at my university.  There were several students walking towards the building and one of girls turned to me.  I was surprised to see her face because I knew her.  We went to the same high school.  I knew we took the entrance exam of the University, but I didn’t know she decided to enter the same University.  Neither she did.  If I went to the nearest gate from my flat, I couldn’t meet her in such a memorable way.

We soon became the closest friend and spent most of the time together during University.  Both of us came back to our hometown and we have been building our friendship further.  Sometimes we talked about the memorable day, how much we were surprised and how beautiful the moment was.  In our memory, it was like one of the movie scenes.

Hanno's life

Graded Reader - OUP Bookworm

From the beginning, Hanno did not want to come to the Zoo from Africa. He was disrobed of his family because of selfish human, and he was brought to the Zoo. It was safe for him when compared to African jungle. However, he was not lively to spend his life. I think he would like to go back to his home as well as he wanted to live freely outside the cage.

While he was escaping from the zoo, he enjoyed outside. He could choose something to eat, and he slept a bed made from leaves on tree just like he had lived in Africa.

Unfortunately, he was killed in the end, but I think it was better for him to die than going back to the Zoo because it would be hard for him to live rest of his life in the zoo.

What are people doing under extraordinary situation?

Due to COVID-19, people around the world are forced to stay home.

Under the extraordinary situation, people try to find how they can enjoy at home.  At the same time, there are new business opportunities which can offer solutions for people.

We couldn’t go out for dinner during lockdown.  As people tried to cook meals at home, the demand of kitchen appliance skyrocketed.  For those who don’t cook at home, online food delivery service becomes very popular.

As people couldn’t meet in person, people tried to meet on-line by using web camera.  Internet is the useful tool to enjoy the time with family and/or friends.

Animal crossing is a game soft which is well accepted around the world.  It is a peaceful game with no fighting.  The players have own island and do what they want, such as gathering fruits and fishing.  The players can meet their friends in the game.  People use this game as one of tools to meet their friends.  Here is an example.  In Japan, school was closed in March which is the month of school year end.  The graduation ceremony was canceled or conducted with the limited number of attendees.  I heard students got together and held a graduation party with friends in the game.

Under any circumstances, it is important to have good meals as well as connect with family or friends.