1 . Dogs are often referred to as “man's best friend”. But MacKenzie, a four-pound Chihuahua (奇瓦瓦狗), who was named winner of the 2020 American Hero Dog competition, is making the world a better place for humans and animals alike. Often called the “Oscars for dogs”, the award recognizes dogs who make great contributions to society.
This year's competition attracted over 400 competitors from across the country. While all were impressive, it was tiny MacKenzie who won the judges' hearts. Born at a rescue shelter in Hilton, New York, in 2013, she had a cleft palate (腭裂) that required her to be tube fed for the first year of her life. A life-saving operation, performed in 2014, gave her the ability to eat and drink independently, enabling the tiny dog to focus on doing what she loved most: taking care of others.
The seven-year-old Chihuahua is now gainfully “employed” by the Mid Foundation, a Rochester, New York-based non-profit organization that shelters and cares for animals born with disabilities. MacKenzie's official job is “to provide love and care for baby rescue animals born with birth defects”. The Chihuahua is good at her job and has nurtured many different species-from puppies to kittens to turkeys, squirrels, birds and even a goat. She acts as their mother and teaches them how to socialize, play, and have good manners.
In addition to her role as an animal caretaker, MacKenzie also has the important job of greeting the foundation's volunteers and friends. The incredible dog, who has lost her ability to bark, also visits area schools to help children understand physical disabilities in both animals and people. Her heart-warming and inspiring story makes MacKenzie worthy of America's top dog honor!
1. What made MacKenzie American Hero Dog?| A．Being man's best friend. | B．Her struggle with disabilities. |
| C．Rescuing animals with disabilities. | D．Her contributions to a better world. |
| A．Her growth path was not easy. | B．She was deserted by her owner. |
| C．She was operated on at two years old. | D．She still needs taking care of by others. |
| A．Trained. | B．Comforted. | C．Tended. | D．Abused. |
| A．MacKenzie—The Most Hard-working Dog | B．MacKenzie—America's “Most Heroic Dog” |
| C．Chihuahua—Inspiration of Positive Energy | D．Chihuahua—Appeal for Animals' Protection |
2 . Henry, a rescue dog, came first. Cynthia Bennett and Andre Sibilsky, a new couple, wanted a high energy dog that they could take on long hikes and camping explorations from Colorado to California. With his playful air of confidence and active nature, Henry fit right in. The first time the couple took him hiking, he jumped up onto the large rocks like a moun-tain goat. His favorite activities are hiking outdoors and exploring mountains. But he's a big softy with severe separation anxiety, so eventually, the couple searched for a calm yet adven-turous cat that could keep Henry company-and keep up with him on the paths.
Rescued from a cat shelter after his mother abandoned him, the lovable and dependent cat, Baloo, bonded to Henry within hours. And Henry discovered that Baloo loved to explore as much as he did. Cynthia had already planned a camping trip with Henry to Telluride, Colo-rado, and took Baloo along. That, as they say, was the beginning of a beautiful animal friendship.
One day on the halfway Baloo was tired, and Cynthia took it into her head to place Baloo on Henry's neck. “Baloo just hung himself over Henry's head and neck. And Henry didn't mind at all.” How could you not take a photo of that?
Hundreds of photos later, Henry and Baloo are Internet celebrities. Cynthia and Andre started the Henry and Baloo Foundation, an official nonprofit organization with a mission to preserve 1,000 acres across the West and help reforest land that has been claimed by wildfires. They hike the land all the time, and it's a way for them to give back to future generations.
Cynthia and Andre hope that the adventures of Henry and Baloo will inspire others to discover, explore and treasure our country's natural beauty.
1. Why did the couple choose Henry?| A．He is strong and brave. |
| B．He is active and energetic. |
| C．He is anxious and cautious. |
| D．He is gentle and considerate. |
| A．They fight the moment they meet. |
| B．Henry hates carrying Baloo on his back. |
| C．Henry does not like to explore with Baloo. |
| D．They match each other in personality. |
| A．To protect the natural environment. |
| B．To enjoy the country's natural beauty. |
| C．To train pets to experience adventures. |
| D．To set up an official nonprofit organization. |
| A．Pet Adventure Trips. |
| B．True Brotherhood. |
| C．Henry and Baloo. |
| D．Pet Celebrities Online. |
