Learning English Podcast - December 25, 2024
VOA Learning English Podcast - VOA Learning English
Deep Dive
What is the purpose of the miniature horses used by Gentle Carousel Greece?
The miniature horses provide pet therapy to sick and disabled people, offering comfort and joy to children, older adults, and those with physical limitations. They are specially trained to work in confined environments and have completed at least two years of training.
Why is Gentle Carousel Greece facing financial difficulties?
The organization has struggled financially due to the pandemic, which caused restrictions and reduced operations. Additionally, the founder, Mina Karagianni, faced a medical issue that impacted her ability to run the group. Despite efforts to seek financial help from businesses and non-profits, the group continues to face challenges.
What makes Hartsdale Pet Cemetery unique in America?
Hartsdale Pet Cemetery is the oldest pet cemetery in operation in America, established in 1896. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012 and has buried around 70,000 animals, including cats, dogs, reptiles, a lion cub, and even a Bengal tiger. It also features a War Dog Memorial and allows human cremains to be buried with pets.
How did Christmas traditions evolve in America during the 19th century?
In the 19th century, Americans combined ancient Christmas traditions from various cultures with modern influences. German immigrants introduced Christmas trees, and the practice of gift-giving became popular. By mid-century, Christmas became a unifying national holiday, with states like Louisiana declaring it a state holiday in 1837. President Ulysses Grant made it a federal holiday in 1870.
What role did Washington Irving play in shaping American Christmas traditions?
Washington Irving, through his 1819 book 'The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.,' promoted the idea of reviving ancient Christmas traditions. He described a wealthy landowner inviting farm workers to celebrate Christmas together, emphasizing unity and festive peace. His work influenced Americans to adopt more communal and traditional celebrations.
What is the significance of the War Dog Memorial at Hartsdale Pet Cemetery?
The War Dog Memorial, established in 1923, originally honored World War I service dogs. Today, it commemorates all service dogs, recognizing their contributions and sacrifices. It serves as a centerpiece of the cemetery, reflecting the deep bond between humans and animals.
How does Hartsdale Pet Cemetery manage its limited space?
Hartsdale Pet Cemetery offers both permanent and non-permanent burial sites. For non-permanent sites, families can make a one-time payment of $3,500 or yearly payments of $105. If yearly payments stop, the grave site is offered for sale, and the pet's remains are cremated and scattered over the cemetery grounds.
What are some examples of animals buried at Hartsdale Pet Cemetery?
Hartsdale Pet Cemetery has buried a variety of animals, including cats, dogs, reptiles, mice, a lion cub from 1912, a Bengal tiger named Ming, monkeys, a horse named Hudson, birds, and even singer Mariah Carey's cat, Clarence.
How did Mina Karagianni start Gentle Carousel Greece?
Mina Karagianni was inspired by the Florida-based organization Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses, which she discovered online while researching a pony she had rescued. She transformed her property into a 'magic garden' to care for the horses and launched the Greek group in 2014, serving over 12,000 children before the pandemic.
What impact do the miniature horses have on children with special needs?
The miniature horses have a profound impact on children with special needs, often eliciting unexpected positive reactions. Teachers report that children with autism or fear of animals become more open and interactive, making progress that surpasses other therapy methods. The horses awaken their senses and provide valuable social interactions.
Shownotes Transcript