Reader 17
The Dog at the Park
Carla was walking through a park with her friend Victor when a large dog suddenly ran toward them. The dog’s leash had slipped out of its owner’s hand.
“He’s friendly!” the owner, Denise, called from across the path.
Carla quickly stepped behind Victor. “Please hold on to him,” she said. “I’m not comfortable when dogs come too close.”
Denise caught up with the dog and picked up the leash. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t think he would run that far.”
Victor looked at her. “It’s important to look out for people who may not be comfortable around dogs. They don’t know how your dog will behave.”
Denise nodded. “You’re right. I shouldn’t brush off someone’s concern just because I know he’s friendly.”
Carla relaxed a little. “Thank you. I just needed some distance.”
Denise shortened the dog’s leash and moved him to the other side of the path. “We’ll give you more room,” she said.
Carla and Victor continued their walk. A few minutes later, Carla said, “I’m glad she listened instead of becoming defensive.”
Victor agreed. “She understood once you explained what you needed.”
VOCABULARY
Write the words or expressions from the story that are new to you or that you want to review.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Share your thoughts. Use details from the story to support your answers.
Why doesn’t Denise’s statement, “He’s friendly,” resolve Carla’s concern? Explain how their different perspectives affect the way they understand the situation.
How does Victor help Denise understand Carla’s reaction? Explain what his comment adds to Carla’s request for distance.
What shows that Denise changes both her thinking and her behavior? Use details from the story to explain why Carla feels heard by the end.
LISTEN
Listen to the recording and respond in complete sentences.
What did the speaker say?
Do you agree or disagree with the speaker? Why?
