by rory cowlam how hascovid affected dogs?

Article Analysis FirstNews Issue 755 4 – 10 December 2020

Firstly, I’m sorry. You’re probably sick to the back teeth, hearing everyone from politicians to your aunt Noreen talking about COVID-19 for the past ten months! Well, hopefully this will be less doom and gloom because, yes, we are talking about dogs.

This year has been topsy-turvy for all of us humans, but how about for our four-legged pals? As a vet working in south London, I thought I would give you an insight into what it’s been like for our dogs in 2020.

CHANGE ISN’T ALWAYS GOOD!

Imagine having your normal routine ripped away from you. Usually you get fed nice and early, then a bit of a walk around the block, and then back inside for another few hours in bed. You have the house to yourself for a bit as mum and dad are at work and the little humans are at that thing called ‘school’.

But wait, no-one has left for the last few days… it’s not even a weekend… THIS IS AWESOME! Our dogs initially loved the lockdown that came with COVID-19, as they got to be with their favourite people 24/7.

But has it all been a good thing? Well, not exactly… Because our dogs have been with their humans more, some have developed separation anxiety. This means that they get extremely anxious when left alone. They often howl, bark and can become destructive, chewing things they shouldn’t, like furniture, and even pooping on the carpet in extreme cases.

TOO MANY TREATS

Spending more time with their owners means we are also seeing more, how should I put it… FAT dogs! If you’re guilty of giving extra titbits over the last few months while you’ve been at home, then it’s time to get your pooch to shed those extra pounds!

PRICEY PUPPIES

Unfortunately, we have also seen some really concerning trends over the pandemic. As so many people have been at home, it seems everyone has decided now is the best time to get a dog. This not only means that we have many dogs in homes that might not necessarily be the best fit, but we have also seen a huge increase in demand for dogs around the UK. We are therefore seeing a massive spike in prices for puppies, some reaching three or four times what they were being sold for before March. We have seen a big increase in the number of dog thefts too. Not just that, but we are also seeing puppies being bred less responsibly and more puppies coming from puppy farms. These are, clearly, big problems.

So, all in all, COVID-19 has brought a mixed bag for our canine companions. A bit like us, really. All I know is, after we are through the worst of this pandemic, we are going to need animal lovers to come together to help our four-legged friends.

1. Make sure the breed is right for you. For example, if you live in London and only have an hour a day to walk your dog, don’t go getting yourself a working breed that needs much more exercise!2. Make sure now REALLY is the right time. Think, what do the next few years hold for you and those you live with? Will you be able to look after your dog well enough with all that’s on your plate?3. Can you afford it? I know it’s a horrible thing to think about, but dogs really do cost a fair bit of money. So make sure you’re clued up on all the costs, such as vet bills, insurance and food.4. Adopt, don’t shop! Please check all your local rescues first to see if your perfect pooch is waiting for a second chance.

If you and your family are thinking about getting a dog, then have a read through these tips first!

TOP TIPS TOP TIPS FOR GETTING A DOG

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ANIMAL NEWS by Rory Cowlam

THE COVID-19 pandemic has affected the whole world, but it may surprise you to learn that it has also affected our canine friends! Rory the vet, who stars on CBBC’s The Pet Factor, told us more…

HOW HAS

COVID COVID AFFECTED DOGS?


Questions on: Animal News – How has COVID affected dogs?

GLOSSARY

CBBC’s The Pet Factor — A British children’s television documentary series that follows the work of four vets. It is aired on Children’s BBC

Puppy farms — Where multiple dogs are continually bred and the puppies sold. The emphasis is on making a profit, so the dogs are often kept in poor conditions

Part A: Find and explain the factsA1. Why did dogs initially love the lockdown that came with COVID-19?A2. What is separation anxiety?

A3. Fill the gaps in the sentences to outline some of the worrying trends concerning dogs over the pandemic.

• Some owners have been giving their dogs too many __________ and this has caused them to become __________!• The huge __________ in demand for dogs around the UK has led to a massive __________ in prices for puppies.• Some puppies are being bred less __________ and more puppies are coming from puppy __________• There has been a big increase in the number of dog __________

A4. Number Rory’s top tips for getting a dog 1-4 to reflect the order in which they appear in the article.

Make sure now REALLY is the right time.

Adopt, don’t shop!

Make sure you can afford it.

Make sure the breed is right for you.

A5. List the words and phrases in the article that are synonymous with dog(s)/puppies.

Part B: Deduce and infer informationB1. Why have so many people decided that now is the best time to get a dog, and why is Rory the vet urging people to consider whether now REALLY is the right time?

B2. Why are some puppies being sold for three or four times what they were being sold for before March?

B3. If you do get a dog, why is your choice of breed important?

B4. Why is Rory asking people to: “Adopt, don’t shop”?

B5. Why does Rory say that, “after we are through the worst of this pandemic, we are going to need animal lovers to come together to help our four-legged friends”?

Part C: Analyse the writing and presentationC1. Look at the start of the section “Change isn’t always good!” Comment on the perspective it is written from.

C2. What is the effect of the use of the verb “ripped” in the sentence: “Imagine having your normal routine ripped away from you”?

Part D: Writing taskD1. Write a tweet in which you try to persuade people of the benefits of adopting a dog rather than buying one.

thefts increase responsibly fat spike treats farms


Questions on: Animal News – How has COVID affected dogs?

GLOSSARY

CBBC’s The Pet Factor — A British children’s television documentary series that follows the work of four vets. It is aired on Children’s BBC

Puppy farms — Where multiple dogs are continually bred and the puppies sold. The emphasis is on making a profit, so the dogs are often kept in poor conditions

Part A: Find and explain the factsA1. Why did dogs initially love the lockdown that came with COVID-19?

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A2. What is separation anxiety?

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A3. Fill the gaps in the sentences to outline some of the worrying trends concerning dogs over the pandemic.

• Some owners have been giving their dogs too many __________ and this has caused them to become __________!

• The huge __________ in demand for dogs around the UK has led to a massive __________ in prices for puppies.

• Some puppies are being bred less __________ and more puppies are coming from puppy __________

• There has been a big increase in the number of dog __________

A4. Number Rory’s top tips for getting a dog 1-4 to reflect the order in which they appear in the article.

Make sure now REALLY is the right time.

Adopt, don’t shop!

Make sure you can afford it.

Make sure the breed is right for you.

A5. List the words and phrases in the article that are synonymous with dog(s)/puppies.

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Part B: Deduce and infer informationB1. Why have so many people decided that now is the best time to get a dog, and why is Rory the vet urging people to consider whether now REALLY is the right time?

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B2. Why are some puppies being sold for three or four times what they were being sold for before March?

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B3. If you do get a dog, why is your choice of breed important?

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B4. Why is Rory asking people to: “Adopt, don’t shop”?

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B5. Why does Rory say that, “after we are through the worst of this pandemic, we are going to need animal lovers to come together to help our four-legged friends”?

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Part C: Analyse the writing and presentationC1. Look at the start of the section “Change isn’t always good!” Comment on the perspective it is written from.

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C2. What is the effect of the use of the verb “ripped” in the sentence: “Imagine having your normal routine ripped away from you”?

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Part D: Writing taskD1. Write a tweet in which you try to persuade people of the benefits of adopting a dog rather than buying one.

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Teacher Answers

AIM OF THE NEWS COMPREHENSIONS: News reports are unique non-fiction texts. Being real, they naturally engage students, and with the range of topics that are covered, help to develop pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the wider world outside the classroom. The reports are ideal for short, focused comprehension or discussion activities. Along with the opportunity to find fascinating facts and appreciate the opinions of those involved, there is plenty to be inferred and deduced to understand in more depth what is being reported. Like authors, journalists play with language, so news ‘stories’ are rich nuggets of text to investigate and provide the opportunity for literacy programmes.

TEACHER ANSWER GUIDE: The teacher answers are intended to provide a guide to the reading skill each question is practising. Suggestions are given for a starting point for responses that students would be expected to give at the start of KS3. Further suggestions then give fuller, more developed responses that students will work towards by the end of KS3, in preparation for the non-fiction elements of GCSE English language.

Part AA1. Why did dogs initially love the lockdown that came with COVID-19?READING SKILL — Find and explain informationPossible answerStarting point

● Initially, dogs loved lockdown because their owners were at home more.Development

● However, some dogs then got too dependent on their humans being around and developed separation anxiety.

A2. What is separation anxiety?READING SKILL — Find and explain informationPossible answerStarting point

● Separation anxiety is when dogs get extremely anxious when left alone.Development

● This can cause dogs to howl, bark and become destructive. They may chew things they shouldn’t, like furniture and, even poop on the carpet in extreme cases.

A3. Fill the gaps in the sentences to outline some of the worrying trends concerning dogs over the pandemic.READING SKILL — Find and explain informationPossible answerExpected response

● Some owners have been giving their dogs too many treats and this has caused them to become fat! ● The huge increase in demand for dogs around the UK has led to a massive spike in prices for puppies. ● Some puppies are being bred less responsibly and more puppies are coming from puppy farms. ● There has been a big increase in the number of dog thefts.

A4. Number Rory’s top tips for getting a dog 1-4 to reflect the order in which they appear in the article.READING SKILL — Find and explain informationPossible answerExpected response

Make sure now REALLY is the right time. ● 2Adopt, don’t shop! ● 4Make sure you can afford it. ● 3Make sure the breed is right for you. ● 1

A5. List the words and phrases in the article that are synonymous with dog(s)/puppies.READING SKILL — Find and explain informationPossible answerExpected response

● Dogs are referred to in this article as: “canine friends”, “four-legged pals”, “pooch”, “canine companions”, “four-legged friends”



Part B

B1. Why have so many people decided that now is the best time to get a dog, and why is Rory the vet urging people to consider whether now REALLY is the right time?READING SKILL — Infer information and justify with evidence from the textPossible answerStarting point

● Many people have decided that now is the best time to get a dog because, due to the coronavirus pandemic, lots of people are working at home or are at home more than they used to be. There needs to be someone at home a lot when you get a puppy because they can easily get into mischief if they are left alone for too long, but it would be cruel to lock them in their crate. Puppies also need someone around to help with their toilet training. Therefore, many people committed to getting a dog during lockdown because they could be at home to settle their new pet.

Development ● However, Rory the vet is urging people to think about whether now is REALLY the right time to get a dog because it is a

long-term commitment and people need to consider what their lives will look like in a few years. People need to think about what will happen if they are required to go back to their offices to work because even adult dogs don’t like being left alone for too long. Also, the coronavirus pandemic has led to financial difficulties for many people, and dogs cost a lot of money in food, insurance and vet bills.

B2. Why are some puppies being sold for three or four times what they were being sold for before March?READING SKILL — Infer information and justify with evidence from the textPossible answerStarting point

● Some puppies are being sold for three or four times what they were being sold for before March because of the increase in demand for them during lockdown.

Development ● People are willing to pay more for a puppy because so many people are wanting them, but there aren’t as many

available. Less responsible breeders, who are solely concerned with making money, take advantage of this and charge inflated prices.

B3. If you do get a dog, why is your choice of breed important?READING SKILL — Infer information and justify with evidence from the textPossible answerStarting point

● When you get a dog, the choice of breed is important because the dog needs to fit into your lifestyle in order for the dog and the household to be happy and have a positive relationship.

Development ● Dog breeds come in different sizes, with different personality traits and different food and exercise requirements. If you

don’t have a lot of space, then you shouldn’t get a large breed of dog. If you are short of time, then you shouldn’t get a working dog that needs hours of exercise. If there are young children in the household then you need a tolerant, gentle breed of dog. Therefore, it is very important to do your research in order to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

B4. Why is Rory asking people to: “Adopt, don’t shop”?READING SKILL — Infer information and justify with evidence from the textPossible answerStarting point

● Rory is asking people to consider adopting instead of buying a dog because dogs in rescue centres need a good home and a second chance.

Development ● Furthermore, if more people were open to adopting and there was less demand for bred dogs, then it might help to stop

ruthless breeders and puppy farms because it would be harder for them to make a profit.


B5. Why does Rory say that, “after we are through the worst of this pandemic, we are going to need animal lovers to come together to help our four-legged friends”?READING SKILL — Infer information and justify with evidence from the textPossible answerStarting point

● It is likely that Rory makes this statement because he fears that after the pandemic, animal lovers will be needed to help address some of the concerning trends that he has highlighted.

Development ● For example, if people have rushed into getting a dog during the pandemic and have got a dog that doesn’t really fit into

their lifestyle or that they can’t afford, then it is likely that the novelty will wear off. This means that once we are through the worst of the pandemic and some sense of normality returns, people could decide that they can’t keep a dog after all. This may mean that rescue centres get very busy and need extra volunteers or people who can offer homes to the unwanted dogs.

● Animal lovers will also need to highlight concerns about puppy farms and dog thefts in order to persuade those in positions of authority to enforce stricter regulations.

Part CC1. Look at the start of the section “Change isn’t always good!” Comment on the perspective it is written from. READING SKILL — Explain methods used by the writer with appropriate use of terminologyPossible answerStarting point

● The start of this section is written from the perspective of a dog. Development

● The use of a dog’s perspective adds interest. Indeed, the reference to the “little humans” being at “that thing called ‘school’” is amusing. By mimicking a dog’s voice, Rory the vet also makes them seem more human and this emphasises how important it is that they are treated well despite the pandemic.

C2. What is the effect of the use of the verb “ripped” in the sentence: “Imagine having your normal routine ripped away from you”?READING SKILL — Recognise effect of language choicesPossible answerStarting point

● The verb “ripped” means to pull something forcibly away, and there is the implication that the process is quite unpleasant.

Developed response ● The use of the verb highlights how distressing it is for a dog to suddenly have its routine changed. The alliteration on

“routine” and “ripped” heightens this emphasis. The sentence creates tension because of the negative connotations of the word “ripped,” and the article does mention some “concerning trends” regarding dogs and the pandemic. However, the use of the dog’s perspective in the same section ensures that it is not all “doom and gloom” because dogs have also really enjoyed being able to spend more time with their owners.

Part DD1. Write a tweet in which you try to persuade people of the benefits of adopting a dog rather than buying one. READING SKILL — Develop personal ideas from reading news storiesPossible answer

● Rescuing is rewarding! An adopted dog will be your forever grateful friend for life. So, before you buy a dog, have a look at your local rescue centre in case your perfect pup is waiting there. Save your money and save a dog! You’d be barking mad not to!

by rory cowlam how hascovid affected dogs?

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