Notes;
a stray kitten 迷子の子猫;
spit 〔唾を吐いて〕敵意を見せる;
meow ニャー (猫の鳴き声);

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My father picked up a stray kitten and brought it back home last winter. We decided to keep it, but it rejected our dog, another important member of our family. The kitten feared it and spat at the dog to protect itself, so our dog came to hate the kitten. Although they had a bad relationship with each other at first, they learned to accept each other as time passed. Now their relationship is like that of a sister and brother. They lie side by side and sometimes play together. When our dog is out, the cat goes meow, meow, and seems to miss the dog. The cat really relies on the dog. I am very surprised at how flexible animals are in adapting themselves to a new environment. At first, I had little hope in them having a good relationship, but they have built a good relationship, so we cannot say that dogs and cats never get along with each other. I am also very happy because our family has gotten bigger. I feel that the more family members there are, the more fun we have. (written by student Mr. K, edited by Prof. Douglas Jarrell)
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Note:
ugly 醜い;
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New York City is famous for its yellow taxis. Until recently these taxis have been sedans, but now the city government has chosen a van as the “Taxi of Tomorrow.” The Nissan NV200 taxi will still be yellow, but it will be more comfortable: passengers will have more leg room, and they will be able to look at the city above them through the roof. They will also be able to recharge their cell phones in the car. The drivers will have more comfortable seats, too. Some people don’t like the van because they think it’s ugly, but most passengers are probably happy with the greater comfort. (by Prof. Douglas Jarrell)
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