1 . Remember the TV show Green Acres? This story is a little like that, only with more animals and an even better ending.
“My wife of 24 years, AnnMarie Roberts, was raised in New York City, worked in the fashion industry, and never got her hands dirty,” wrote Keith Roberts in the magazine Country Woman. “Then, nine years ago, I wanted to move home to Florida and reconnect to my country roots, but how would I inspire the same feeling in, well, a city woman? I brought her a two-month-old potbellied pig.”
AnnMarie, then 46, was fascinated by it immediately. Soon she took in another potbellied pig that had been abandoned. And thus began Sugarloaf Mountain Ranch, her animal shelter in central Florida.
The ranch now has 300 rescues, each with its own story. “Once, we rescued two roosters that had been shot — one has brain injuries. Many vets tell me, ‘Euthanize them — it’s too much work.’ But I say if they can live, then I’m going to help them live.” said AnnMarie.
AnnMarie is not only saving animals; she’s giving their owners peace of mind. “A woman called from her hospital bed.” AnnMarie recalls. “Her pigs would be killed if she couldn’t find a suitable home. ‘I only have a few months, and I need to know that they’ll be safe,’ she said.” So AnnMarie drove three hours and got them.
Soon after, AnnMarie received a note from the woman’s daughter. “Dear AnnMarie,” she wrote. “My mom went peacefully, and I owe part of that to you. She agonized over Bailey and Smitten, but she went knowing that they are forever loved. Thank you for being Mom’s angel.”
“She is a ball of energy,” Keith wrote. “I often found her sitting in the coop with ten chicks nestled in her lap, which is exactly what you’d expect from a true mother hen.”
1. What kind of TV show may Green Acres be about?| A．Business women. | B．Modern city. | C．Fashion industry. | D．Country life. |
| A．To treat their injuries. | B．To put an end to their life. |
| C．To cut their feed cost. | D．To help them better live. |
| A．Because she knew her pigs would be in good hands. |
| B．Because her daughter called AnnMarie from hospital. |
| C．Because AnnMarie wrote a note to comfort her. |
| D．Because her pigs would be adopted by a vet. |
| A．Humorous and caring. | B．Energetic and helpful. |
| C．Ambitious and demanding. | D．Courageous and calm. |
