美国人的宠物情结

Americans love pets. And its not just puppy love， either. Many pet owners treat their furry friends as part of the family. Sometimes they spice up their pets lives with entertaining videos and amusing toys. If they have an eye for fashion， pet owners can dress their pets in stylish clothes. For special occasions， they can use canine perfume to make their dogs smell， well， less beastly. You might say Americans treat their pets like they treat their children—sometimes even better.

美国人很爱宠物，而且还不是一时的激情。很多宠物的主人把这些毛茸茸的朋友当作家庭的一员，有时候还为它们准备有趣的录像带和玩具让它们过得有滋有味。如果主人时髦的话，他们还会给自己的宠物穿上时髦的衣服。在一些特殊场合，他们甚至为狗喷上专用香水，这样它们闻起来就香喷喷的，香水减少了一些动物身上的味道。可以这样说，美国人待他们的宠物如同待自己的孩子——有时有过之而无不及。

In America， there are more households with pets than those with children. At least 43 percent of US homes have pets of some sort. Exotic creatures， such as monkeys， snakes and even wolves， find a home with some Americans. More common pets include tropical fish， mice and birds. But the all-time favorites are cats and dogs. Americans sometimes have strong feelings about whether dogs or cats make better pets. “Dog people” and “cat people” often enjoy friendly rivalries.

在美国，有宠物的家庭比有孩子的家庭还多。至少43%的美国家庭养有不同种类的宠物，有些还饲养外来品种，例如猴子、蛇甚至狼；更常见的宠物有热带鱼、老鼠和鸟。不过，猫和狗一直是最有人气的。最好的宠物到底是猫还是狗？美国人有时候被这个问题弄得牵肠挂肚的。“爱狗的人”和“爱猫的人”也经常喜欢彼此调侃一番。

Leading a dogs life in America isnt such a bad thing. Many grocery stores sell gourmet pet foods to owners eager to please their pets. In Houston， Texas， dogs can have their dinner delivered to their homes， just like pizza. Well-to-do canines can attend doggy daycare centers while their owners work. Pets can even accompany their owners on vacation. Fancy hotels are beginning to accommodate both man and beast. Furry guests at Four Seasons Hotels can enjoy gourmet meals served on fine china and sleep in soft beds.

在美国，狗过的日子还是不错的。宠物美食在很多杂货店都有售，心情迫切的主人可以借此讨好他们的宠物。在德克萨斯州的休斯敦，狗狗还能享受送上门的晚餐，就跟比萨饼一样。富人家的狗在主人上班的时候可以去狗狗托管中心。宠物甚至可以和主人一同度假。一些别出心裁的饭店已经开始同时留宿人和宠物。这些毛茸茸的客人在四季饭店可以尽情享受盛在精致瓷器里的美食，并在柔软的床上睡觉。

The average American enjoys having pets around， and for good reason. Researchers have discovered that interacting with animals lowers a persons blood pressure. Dogs can offer protection from burglars and unwelcome visitors. Cats can help rid the home of unwanted pests. Little creatures of all shapes and sizes can provide companionship and love. In many cases， having a pet prepares a young couple for the responsibilities of parenthood. Pets even encourage social relationships： They give their owners an appearance of friendliness， and they provide a good topic of conversation.

普通美国人喜欢养宠物，且有充分的理由。研究人员发现，与动物为伴能够降低人的血压。狗能保护主人免受窃贼的侵犯，并能将不受欢迎的访客拒之门外。猫能帮忙清除家里讨人厌的害虫。任何形状及大小的宠物都能给人们带来友情与爱。很多时候，拥有一只宠物能帮助年轻夫妻培养为人父母的责任。宠物甚至有助于改善人际关系：它们使主人看起来更友善，并且也带给人们一个交谈的好话题。

Pets are as basic to American culture as hot dogs or apple pie. To Americans， pets are not just property， but a part of the family. After all， pets are people， too.

宠物是美国文化中很基本的一部分，就如热狗和苹果派一样。对美国人而言，宠物不仅仅是私人财产，而且还是家庭的一部分。毕竟，宠物也是“人”啊！