Learning objectives: develop skills in understanding vocabulary in context, reading for specific information, making inferences, and giving a personal reaction to a reading.
Do you believe pets reflect the personalities of their owners, or do they develop their own unique traits?
What's the most unexpected or amusing behavior your pet has ever exhibited?
If your pet could suddenly talk for one day, what's the first question you'd ask them?
What's the funniest thing your pet has ever done?
What do you think are some of the biggest joys and challenges of having pets?
Are there any specific pet breeds or species that you've always been fascinated by or curious about? Why?
🎧 Listening Focus Activity: The Unbreakable Bond
Instructions: As you listen to the vodcast reading of The Unbreakable Bond, pay close attention to the following points. Afterward, you’ll discuss or write about your reflections.
Focus Points:
🐶 Emotional Connection – How does the author describe the relationship between the pet and the owner?
🏥 Conflict and Concern – What challenge is the pet facing, and what decision must the owner make?
❤️ Message and Values – What is the main message the author wants to share about love, loyalty, and responsibility?
After Listening:
Share one sentence that touched you the most and explain why.
Write down one question you have about the story or its message.
Before reading the passage, reflect on your own experiences with pets or animals. Consider the role they play in your life and the emotions they evoke. Share a brief anecdote or memory about a pet or animal that has had a significant impact on you.
The Unbreakable Bond
A Reflection on the Furry Family
In the ethereal backdrop of time, in a home saturated with affection and an unbreakable union, your loyal four-legged companion has traversed a journey brimming with moments that will never fade. Together, you've shared adventures that defy oblivion, laughter that resonates through eternity, and a bond that transcends all adversities. With each walk, with each playful moment, with every instance of care, the connection between you has strengthened, weaving a tapestry of love and loyalty.
Yet now, as he faces the challenges of health fragility, yearning for human warmth and support like never before, the harsh reality looms. Will the affection you shared be replaced by the coldness of a cage? Will the care and dedication be relegated to the solitude of imprisonment?
Don't let the mere word "hospitalization" obscure the truth inherent in abandonment and desolation. Don't let financial greed or automated indifference dictate your choices. Your pet is more than just a mere pet; he is a beloved member of your family, an intrinsic part of your existence. He deserves all the love and affection, especially in the most arduous times.
Love him tirelessly. Stand by his side, offering the comfort and security he longs for. Don't let the prison (disguised as 'hospitalization') overshadow the freedom and warmth of the home he has always known. Honor the bond you've built together and let love be the foundation that sustains you, even in the darkest of times.
May this story lead us to reflect on the importance of cherishing the presence of our furry friends, granting them the love and dedication they so abundantly deserve. May it inspire us to reject the idea of abandonment, opting instead for the path of empathy and solicitude. After all, true love knows no bounds and transcends beyond time and circumstances.
P.S. This story serves as a poignant reminder to readers to remain vigilant against the unchecked greed of veterinary clinics that prioritize profit over the well-being of our beloved companions during their moments of fragility, agony, and pain. Let us advocate for ethical and compassionate care for all animals, ensuring that they receive the love and support they deserve in their time of need.
VOCABULARY
Ethereal Extremely delicate and light in a way that seems not to be of this world.
Defy To resist or challenge the concept of forgetting or being overlooked.
Oblivion The state of being forgotten or ignored.
Harsh Severe or unkind, often referring to a difficult reality or circumstance.
Looms To appear imminent or threatening, often in a large or overwhelming manner.
Greed Excessive desire for wealth or possessions, particularly when prioritized over the well-being of others.
Fragility The quality of being delicate or easily broken.
Adversities Difficulties or misfortune.
Unbridled Not controlled or restrained.
Solitude The state or situation of being alone.
Desolation A state of complete emptiness or destruction.
Abundantly In large quantities; plentifully.
Solicitude Care or concern for someone's well-being.
A Answer the following questions.
What kind of connection does the passage emphasize between the pet and its owner?
A) A connection based on fear and control.
B) A bond of love and loyalty that strengthens over time.
C) A relationship marked by indifference and neglect.
Why does the passage caution against the word "hospitalization"?
A) Because it suggests the pet needs medical attention.
B) Because it may lead to financial strain.
C) Because it may mask the reality of abandonment and isolation.
What is the main message conveyed in the passage?
A) Pets should be kept in cages for their safety.
B) Owners should prioritize their pet's well-being and not let greed dictate their decisions.
C) Pets are disposable and can be replaced easily.
B Check ✅ True or False. The passage suggests that pets should be treated as disposable and easily replaceable.
⬜ True ⬜ False The author encourages readers to prioritize their pet's well-being over financial considerations.
⬜ True ⬜ False According to the passage, the word "hospitalization" may hide the truth of abandonment and isolation.
⬜ True ⬜ False The passage implies that pets are solely responsible for their own well-being and do not require human care and affection.
⬜ True ⬜ False The main message conveyed in the passage is that financial greed should dictate decisions regarding a pet's care.
Check
B) A bond of love and loyalty that strengthens over time.
C) Because it may mask the reality of abandonment and isolation.
B) Owners should prioritize their pet's well-being and not let greed dictate their decisions.
✅False The passage suggests that pets should be treated as disposable and easily replaceable.
✅True The author encourages readers to prioritize their pet's well-being over financial considerations.
✅True According to the passage, the word "hospitalization" may hide the truth of abandonment and isolation.
✅False The passage implies that pets are solely responsible for their own well-being and do not require human care and affection.
✅False The main message conveyed in the passage is that financial greed should dictate decisions regarding a pet's care.
D Group work Discuss these questions. Then share your answers with the class.
Do you agree that pets should be considered as integral members of the family, deserving of love and care even during challenging times? Why or why not?
How can pet owners ensure that their furry companions receive the best possible care without succumbing to financial pressures or unscrupulous practices by veterinary clinics?
E Understanding Vocabulary in Context
Read the following sentences and determine the meaning of the bolded word based on the context of the passage.
1. "In the ethereal backdrop of time, in a home saturated with affection and an unbreakable union..."
- What does "ethereal" mean in this context?
2. "Will the affection you shared be replaced by the coldness of a cage?"
- What does "coldness" imply in this sentence?
F Reading for Specific Information
Read the passage again and answer the following questions.
1. What challenges is the loyal companion facing in the passage?
2. According to the passage, what does the author caution against regarding the word "hospitalization"?
G Making Inferences
Read the passage again and answer the following question.
1. Based on the passage, what do you think the author believes is the most important aspect of the relationship between a pet and its owner?
H Giving a Personal Reaction to the Passage
After reading the passage, reflect on your own experiences or feelings about pets and their role in families. Consider how the passage resonates with you personally. Write a brief paragraph expressing your thoughts, feelings, or reactions to the themes presented in the passage.
Sample writing
After reading the passage, I was reminded of the deep connection I share with my own pets. They truly are members of the family, offering unconditional love and companionship. The passage resonated with me because it highlighted the importance of prioritizing our pets' well-being, especially during times of fragility or illness. It also made me reflect on the significance of the bond we share with our pets, which goes beyond words and transcends any challenges we may face. Overall, it reinforced my commitment to providing love, care, and support to my furry friends, just as they do for me every day.
Check
E Understanding Vocabulary in Context
"Ethereal" means extremely delicate and light in a way that seems not to be of this world, suggesting a sense of otherworldly or transcendent atmosphere.
"Coldness" in this context implies a lack of warmth, care, or affection.
F Reading for Specific Information
The loyal companion is facing challenges related to health fragility and a need for human warmth and support.
The author cautions against allowing the word "hospitalization" to obscure the truth of abandonment and isolation.
G Making Inferences
Based on the passage, the author believes that the most important aspect of the relationship between a pet and its owner is the bond of love and loyalty that transcends all adversities.
"The White Fang" - Based on Jack London's classic novel, this film follows the journey of a wild wolfdog named White Fang and his gradual transformation as he forms a deep connection with a young gold prospector in the Yukon Territory during the Klondike Gold Rush. The story explores themes of survival, trust, and the enduring bond between humans and animals in the harsh wilderness.
Pixar Animation Studios’ “Dug Days” is a new collection of shorts that follows the humorous misadventures of Dug, the lovable dog from Disney and Pixar’s “Up.” Each short features everyday events that occur in and around Dug’s backyard, all through the exciting (and delightfully distorted) eyes of our favorite talking dog. Written and directed by Academy Award® nominee and Emmy® Award winner Bob Peterson and produced by Kim Collins, the shorts premiere exclusively on Disney+ in Fall 2021
"Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey" - This family-friendly adventure film follows the incredible journey of two dogs and a cat as they navigate their way back to their owners. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and dangers, highlighting the enduring bond between pets and their human companions.
FOLLOW UP
How do you think the passage might influence your future interactions with your pet, if at all?
Can you recall a specific moment or memory with your pet that resonated with the themes discussed in the passage?
In what ways do you believe society could improve its treatment and perception of animals, based on the messages conveyed in the passage?
Breeds