Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. splurge (v.) – to spend a large amount of money
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. splurge (v.) – to spend a large amount of money
Example: The woman splurged on clothes, shoes and jewelry after receiving her salary.
2. veterinary (adj.) – pertaining
to the medical care and treatment of animals
Example: I brought my sick dog to the veterinary clinic.
3. grooming (n.) – taking
care of one’s appearance
Example: Models keep their hair and nails healthy
by regular grooming.
4. insurance (n.) – a
form of financial protection in which a company pays for damage caused by death
or accident
Example: Company employees are provided with insurance for work-related emergencies
or accidents.
5. bionic (adj.) – (informal
use) having extraordinary strength; not easily damaged
Example: Bionic
toys can be used for strong dogs.
Article
Read the text below.
According to the American Pet
Products Association (APPA), Americans have been splurging on pets more than ever before.
Over $50 billion was spent on pets in
2011, with 65% of the total pet expenses spent on food and veterinary services.
But pet services such as grooming, boarding, pet hotels, and
pet-sitting have grown the fastest among this type of businesses. Clients’ expenses
on pet services have reached $3.79 billion last year. According to APPA
president Bob Vetere, spending on pet services will increase up to $4.11
billion in 2012. He says services like these have become popular because
people are often busy with work.
Jessica Vogelsang, a veterinarian in
San Diego, says people are becoming more interested in pets. Many pet owners
are also making sure their pets get the proper care. As a result, the pet
industry has taken this opportunity to provide for owners’ specific needs.
Meanwhile, pet insurance is proving to be another successful industry, with
customer spending up to an estimated $450 million.
Apart from pet services, new pet products
are showing more variety and creativity. The pet market is seeing a rise in
puzzle feeders, which boost the mental ability of pets. For dogs that like to
chew, bionic toys are also
available.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
·
Why
do you think some people like to have pets?
·
What
are the advantages and disadvantages of having pets?
Discussion B
·
What
do you think motivates pet owners to splurge on pet care?
·
Do
you find it reasonable to spend large amounts of money on pets? Why or why not?