ACT 3-1 “人类最好的朋友就是他的狗。”

【故事梗概】

动物收容所的Linda在为Robbie和Alexandra进一步解释领养一只狗所必需的各种条件，那是相当的繁琐啊~~

Linda: OK. If you want to adopt an animal, first we need to know some references.
Robbie: References? People we know?
Linda: Friends, teachers...We need to talk to some people about you. We want to be sure that you're responsible and that you can take good care of an animal. Then you have to fill out this form about your family background.
Robbie: Is that it?
Linda: No, there's more. We need to know about your history with animals. Have you ever owned an animal?
Robbie: Yes. We had a cat when I was eight years old. I love cats.
Linda: Do you have any animals now?
Robbie: Unfortunately, no.
Alexandra: Anything else?
Linda: We also like to know your reasons for wanting an animal.
Alexandra: Just to hold it and cuddle with it. Just to have as a pet. I love animals.
Robbie: To have a friend - a pal. You know, man's best friend is his dog.
Linda: And one thing more. If you're under twenty-one years of age…
Robbie: That's me.
Linda: Then an adult must sign for you.
Alexandra: Uh-oh.
Robbie: No problem. My parents will think it's a good idea. I'll be back with them.
Alexandra: If the real owners don't come to claim Gemma
Linda: After forty-eight hours. But please call first.
Robbie: Thanks for your information and for being so helpful.
Linda: It's my pleasure. Nice talking to both of you.

【语言点精讲】

1. If you want to adopt an animal, first we need to know some references.
如果你想领养一个动物，我们首先需要知道一些旁证材料。
reference: 证明人；证明人所提供的资料（有关某人人品、能力等情况）。

2. Then you have to fill out this form about your family background.
然后你得填写这张有关你家庭背景的表格。
fill out : 等同于fill in，填表。
family background: 家庭背景情况。

3. Is that it?
就这些吗？就这些手续啦？完了吗？
it 在这里表示“一切必要的手续”。

4. Have you ever owned an animal?
你曾经养过动物没有？
Have you ever done...? 可以用来询问对方是否有过做某事某种经验。ever: 曾经。

5. Unfortunately, no.
很遗憾，没有。
unfortunately: 很不幸，很遗憾。在表达遗憾的心情时的常用语。

6. To have a friend - a pal. You know, man's best friend is his dog.
我想要有个朋友，—个伙伴。你知道，人的最好的朋友就是他的狗。
pal: 好友，伙伴。
man's best friend: 人类最好的朋友。这一句是指狗可以成为一个人最亲密的伙伴。

7. And one thing more.
还有一件事。这句话可以用来补充前面说过的话，追加信息。

8. I'll be back with them.
我会和他们一起来。be back: 回来，再过来。