©(AP Photo/Amanda Swinhart)
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- companionship /kuhm-PAN-yuhn-ship/
[noun] – the close friendship or company of another person or animal
Many elderly people enjoy the companionship of their neighbors during afternoon walks. - converge /kuhn-VURJ/
[verb] – to come together and meet in the same place or combine into one
At the festival, music, dance, and food converge to create a joyful atmosphere. - devotion /dih-VOH-shuhn/
[noun] – strong love, loyalty, or commitment to someone or something
The nurse showed great devotion to caring for her patients during the crisis. - pilgrimage /PIL-gruh-mij/
[noun] – a journey to a special or holy place for respect or spiritual reasons
The old temple has become a pilgrimage site for visitors from all over the country. - reverence /REV-er-uhns/
[noun] – deep respect and admiration for someone or something
The students stood in reverence during the national anthem.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, has attracted national attention as a sanctuary for pet lovers since its creation 25 years ago. The 150-acre hillside park was established by folk artist Stephen Huneck and his wife, Gwen, to honor the companionship of animals. The destination includes hiking trails, swimming ponds, an art gallery, and the well-known Dog Chapel. Inside the chapel, thousands of photographs and written notes cover the walls, each left as a tribute to pets that have passed away. Visitors have described the site as breathtaking, emphasizing the profound affection represented in every picture. Experts explain that the park has become a cultural landmark where art, nature, and remembrance converge, making it a distinctive space for community gathering.
The vision behind Dog Mountain was rooted in Huneck’s devotion to his dogs, which inspired him to craft sculptures, prints, and furniture displayed across the grounds. The chapel itself features intricate pews carved with black Labradors and golden retrievers, along with stained-glass windows showing his own dog, Sally. Gallery manager Pam McCann stated that Dog Mountain functions as both a pilgrimage site and a sanctuary. Recent visitors, including travelers who returned multiple times during nationwide tours, noted the rarity of such a location. The park has been praised for fostering appreciation of animals while offering emotional solace to their guardians. By combining natural beauty, artistic expression, and memorial practices, Dog Mountain continues to symbolize resilience, reverence, and the enduring bond between humans and animals.
The vision behind Dog Mountain was rooted in Huneck’s devotion to his dogs, which inspired him to craft sculptures, prints, and furniture displayed across the grounds. The chapel itself features intricate pews carved with black Labradors and golden retrievers, along with stained-glass windows showing his own dog, Sally. Gallery manager Pam McCann stated that Dog Mountain functions as both a pilgrimage site and a sanctuary. Recent visitors, including travelers who returned multiple times during nationwide tours, noted the rarity of such a location. The park has been praised for fostering appreciation of animals while offering emotional solace to their guardians. By combining natural beauty, artistic expression, and memorial practices, Dog Mountain continues to symbolize resilience, reverence, and the enduring bond between humans and animals.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever visited a special place for animals, like a park or shelter? If so, what did you see or do there? If not, what kind of place would you like to visit?
- Have you ever had a pet that was very important to you? If so, how did you spend time together? If not, what kind of pet would you like to have and why?
- Do you agree that a place like Dog Mountain is important for the community?
- Do you think other countries should create similar places for animals and their guardians? Why or why not?
- What are some other ways communities could honor the connection between humans and animals?
Summarization:
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- pet lover
- hiking trail
- swimming pond
- art gallery
- appreciation