Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. canine
    • ex. Dogs are trained to become part of a canine unit that helps the police with their tasks.
  2. furry
    • ex. Winters in this region are so cold that most wild animals, like bears, grow a thick, furry coat.
  3. a caregiver
    • ex. My grandfather was sick and sad. So, his caregiver cooked hot soup and talked with him to make him feel better.
  4. a procedure
    • ex. The doctor completed the quick medical procedure in less than ten minutes.
  5. rapport
    • ex. The top sales staff member knows how to build rapport with customers.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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Facility dogs are helping children feel calmer and stronger in hospitals across the United States, according to health experts and recent research. At Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, 5-year-old Calvin Owens recently met his canine friend Hadley after spending more than a month indoors. Calvin stood beside his wheelchair and threw a ball for the furry dog. The moment brought smiles.

Hadley and other facility dogs are specially trained full-time working dogs in the hospital. These furry caregivers provide emotional support during stressful procedures and motivate young patients to move around and join activities. The hospital says each dog works closely with a hospital staff member and helps make treatment areas less frightening for families. These animals are different from visiting therapy dogs because they are part of daily care.

Research shows that even short interactions with facility dogs can reduce stress, pain, and blood pressure in children. A 2022 study of 17 children’s hospitals found that the animals offered comfort, built rapport, and created a more normal environment for patients and families. Experts say these programs are expanding, with more hospitals adding dogs to support children during medical care.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Furry Caregivers in Hospitals

  • Do you think having full-time facility dogs in children's hospitals is a good idea? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Experts say these animal programs are growing, and more hospitals are adding dogs to support children during medical care. Would you support a plan to bring facility dogs into hospitals or schools in your country? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • If you were feeling down or sick, do you think spending time with a furry caregiver would help you feel better? Why or why not? Discuss.

Working Dogs

  • In your opinion, is it okay to give dogs official work, such as being caregivers? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • These furry caregivers work closely with hospital staff to help patients get through stressful medical procedures. Have you ever seen a working dog or another animal doing an important job? Discuss.
  • The article focuses on facility dogs that work full-time to comfort and motivate people. Besides dogs, what other animals do you think are okay to work with and for people (ex. horses, cats)? Discuss.