Sports can be one way to get attention, but cute puppies are always a sure bet. What could be better than combining the two? Animal Planet decided to connect the two ideas by creating The Puppy Bowl. The series imitates the Super Bowl and features puppies as contestants. The experience also includes a half-time show put on by kittens, who are fueled by catnip to inspire the reluctant ones. The puppies that compete, or rather play in the games, all come from animal shelters. The show enables viewers, who number in the millions, to fall in love with these furry friends and gives them an opportunity to provide the animals with permanent homes.
In fact, adoption is the aim of the show, and success stories are part of another show called Adoption Tales. Numerous adoptions have taken place, and Animal Planet airs these stories to encourage more pet adoptions. Various animal rescue groups and shelters participate, increasing people's chances of finding the perfect pal for all their furry needs.
imitate vt. 模仿
The comedian likes to imitate politicians to entertain the audience.
這位喜劇演員喜歡模仿政治人物來娛樂觀眾。
inspire vt. 鼓舞，激勵
Nina was inspired to be a conservationist after she watched the documentary.
看完那部紀錄片後，妮娜受到啟發，想成為一位環境保育工作者。
* conservationist n. 動物／環境保育者
reluctant a. 不情願的，勉強的
The movie star was reluctant to talk about her personal life at the press conference.
那位電影明星不願意在記者會上談論她的私生活。
compete vi. 競爭
The travel agency launches various package tours to compete for customers during big holidays.
這家旅行社在重大節日期間都會推出各種不同的套裝行程來爭取顧客。
shelter n. 收容所；避難所
The charity provided the victims with food and shelter after the flood.
該慈善團體在水災過後提供災民食物和避難處。
enable vt. 使能夠
The Internet enables people from different countries to exchange thoughts and ideas with each other.
網路使來自不同國家的人能夠交換彼此的想法和意見。
permanent a. 永久的
The burns scarred Patrick's skin, leaving a permanent mark.
灼傷在派翠克的皮膚上留下永久的烙印。
adoption n. 收養，領養
The couple couldn't have children of their own, so they chose to go with adoption.
那對夫婦因為不能生育，所以選擇收養。
contestant n. 競爭者；選手
fuel vt. 給……加燃料
catnip n. 貓薄荷
pal n.（口語）夥伴；好友
air 的相關用法
本文中 "......and Animal Planet airs these stories to encourage more pet adoptions." 中的 air 作動詞用，表『播出』之意。另外，air 作名詞使用時，表『空氣』，與之相關的片語有 be up in the air 和 be walking on air，表『尚未決定，懸而未決』及『欣喜若狂』。
The team's future is still up in the air.
（那支隊伍的未來仍是個未知數。）
I was walking on air when I learned I got the award.
（我知道我得到了這個獎項時，我簡直欣喜若狂。）
