Question 12: Describe an interesting animal you’ve encountered. You should say:

      – What type of animal was it?

      – Where did you encounter it?

      – What made it interesting?

      – How did you feel about the encounter?

I was never particularly fond of dogs growing up. In fact, I always considered myself more of a cat person, preferring their independent nature over the constant attention that dogs seemed to demand. However, my perspective completely changed when I met a Siberian Husky at my friend’s place in Bangalore.

I had visited my friend on a cool evening, as Bangalore’s weather is known to be relatively chilly, which was perfect for meeting a dog like a Husky. My friend had recently adopted a Siberian Husky named Shadow, and I was curious but cautious about how I would feel around him. Huskies are known for their striking appearance, with their thick, double-layered coats and piercing blue eyes that give them a majestic, wolf-like look. I remember feeling a little intimidated at first by his size and energy, but that soon faded as Shadow greeted me with enthusiasm and curiosity.

What truly surprised me was how affectionate and intelligent Shadow was. Unlike the aloof dogs I had encountered in the past, Shadow was friendly, well-trained, and very responsive to commands. He knew several tricks, including “sit,” “stay,” and even “roll over,” all of which he executed effortlessly. His playful nature and the bond he shared with my friend made me realise that my perception of dogs had been quite narrow.

However, I also quickly learned that owning a Siberian Husky is not a simple task. Huskies are bred for colder climates, and despite Bangalore’s generally cool weather, Shadow needed to be kept in air-conditioned rooms most of the time. The maintenance of such a dog, with the constant need for climate control and the high cost of proper care, was something I hadn’t considered before. My friend mentioned that keeping Shadow comfortable, especially during warmer months, was expensive and required a lot of attention to ensure he was in the best health.

Despite these challenges, my encounter with Shadow made me realise that I would love to own a Siberian Husky in the future. The idea of having such a loyal, intelligent, and playful companion is something that now excites me. Of course, I would need to ensure I could provide the right environment for the dog, including an air-conditioned space and the necessary resources to care for such an active breed.

In conclusion, my encounter with Shadow, the Siberian Husky, completely changed my view on dogs. It made me appreciate the companionship and joy they can bring, especially a breed as unique and intelligent as a Husky. While owning one in the future would require careful consideration and investment, I now look forward to the possibility of having a Husky as part of my family.

List of vocabulary used:

1. Fond – Liking or having affection for something.
2. Independent – Not reliant on others; self-sufficient.
3. Perspective – A particular attitude or point of view.
4. Chilly – Cold or cool in temperature.
5. Cautious – Careful to avoid danger or mistakes.
6. Striking – Very noticeable or impressive.
7. Piercing – Intense or sharp, often referring to eyes.
8. Majestic – Grand or impressive in appearance.
9. Aloof – Distant or reserved in manner.
10. Well-trained – Taught to behave in a disciplined way.
11. Effortlessly – Without difficulty or exertion.
12. Perception – A way of understanding or interpreting something.
13. Bred – Brought into being through reproduction, especially for specific qualities.
14. Maintenance – The process of keeping something in good condition.
15. Comfortable – Providing physical ease or well-being.
16. Loyal – Showing strong support or allegiance.
17. Excites – Causes strong feelings of enthusiasm or eagerness.
18. Companion – A person or animal with whom one spends a lot of time.
19. Investment – The action or process of putting resources into something for future benefit.
20. Consideration – Thoughtful attention or regard for something.

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