National Adult Literacy Database

November 15, 2004

This week, we have a story written by Showna Kitzul, from Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Showna moved to Canada from Ukraine in October, 2000 with her husband and her small daughter. She was well educated in the Ukraine. She majored in Accounting at University, and worked in a bank for two years. Showna understands, speaks and reads English well, but she wanted to improve her writing ability, so she attended the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada classes at Parkland Regional College in Yorkton. Her story below is her written response to the question, «What Is Your Favorite Pet?»

What Is Your Favorite Pet?

by Showna Kitzul

I do like fish and horses, but my favorite pet is a dog or even a puppy, because dogs are very smart, helpful and friendly pets. Trained dogs are used everywhere. For example, they help in the army and in the police department. Some dogs are trained to help people with disabilities.

Some people like to go hunting with a dog. At night our dog always lets us know when someone comes in the yard. Dogs are a big help on the farm. They can chase in the cows, calves and sheep.

I think they can understand us and they can feel in what position we're at. You can talk to them when it's hard for you and nobody is by your side.

If your day was bad for you, you can come home and start smiling because your best friend is waiting for you. He waves his tail and wants you to pet him. And you start playing with him and your day is not sad anymore.

A dog is a very smart animal, but it needs a lot of attention, care and love.

[This story was taken with permission, from Parkland Regional College Literacy Newsletter, October 2004.]