VOA常速英语2015--美国组织呼吁关爱军犬（在线收听）

US Group Calls for Greater Care for Military Dogs

Animal rights advocates in the United States say the country not only needs to take care of its veterans but also the military dogs that have risked their lives on the battlefield.  Some members of Congress have also joined the call to honor America's canine heroes.

At an event on Capitol Hill organized by the American Humane Association, Democratic congressman Henry Cuellar said it is important to strengthen the bond between soldiers and military dogs.

美国动物权益保护协会在国会山举行了活动，美国众议院议员亨利·库勒表示称，我们需要加强士兵与军犬之间的纽带，这非常重要。

"When you have the connection between a soldier and one of the dogs he has been with that actually has saved lives, it's making sure, it's not only when they are in the battle ground, but when they come back [we] give them the opportunity if they want to adopt that particular dog," said Cuellar.

如果士兵能够与救人无数的军犬产生良好关系，那么不仅在战场上，军人也有可能来领养它们。

A majority in Congress wants retiring military dogs returned to US soil and reunited with their former handlers. So does the American Humane Association, an animal welfare group.

国会绝大多数人都支持将退休军犬带回美国，并让它们重新回到驯兽员的身边。而美国动物权益保护协会就是这么一个动物福利团体。

"These guys right here are life-saving and life-changing.  So for somebody who abuses animals, you are stopping somebody from changing their lives," said Robin Ganzert, from the American Humane Society.

Every year, the American Humane Association selects military dogs, law enforcement dogs, rescue dogs and others for their annual Hero Dog awards.

每年，美国动物权益保护协会将会从军犬、执法犬、搜救犬以及其他犬种中进行挑选，并授予它们年度“英雄奖”的称号。

The Military Dog of the Year, a German shepherd named Sgt. Rambo, served as an explosive detection dog with the Marine Corps and had a front leg amputated.  

本年度的军犬获得者为名叫“Sgt. Rambo”的德国牧羊犬，它在海军陆战队检测炸弹，前腿遭到了截肢。如今，他是“Gizmo’s Gift”非盈利组织的吉祥物，也是美军K-9成员大使。

Now he is the mascot of Gizmo’s Gift, a non-profit organization, and serves as an ambassador for K-9 members of the Armed Forces.

The American Hero Dog of the Year, a chihuahua named Harley, was abused in a puppy mill for 10 years and lost one of his eyes.

今年的年度“英雄”称号授予一个名叫“哈利”的吉娃娃，他在“繁殖工厂”遭到了10年的虐待，并失去了一只眼睛。

Now he has become a symbol of saving abused pets.

如今，他成为了“拯救受虐动物”的一枚符号。

Axel, another German shepherd, won the Service Hero Dog award. His owner, retired Marine captain Jason Haag, was diagnosed with brain injuries and stress after two combat tours.

另一只德国牧羊犬阿克塞尔获得了服务犬“英雄”称号。他的主人曾是退役的海军上校杰森·哈格，在经历两次战争之后，哈格的头部遭到了损伤。

He credits Axel with helping him return to normal life.

他认为是阿克塞尔让他重新过上了正常人的生活。

"These guys here are life-saving and life-changing.  For somebody who abuses animals, they are stopping somebody else from changing their lives," said Haag.

它们拯救了别人的生命，改变了别人的生活。如果还有人虐待动物，那么他们就是在阻止其他人改变命运。

The American Humane Association's Robin Ganzert says every hero dog has a unique and inspiring story.

美国动物权益保护协会的罗宾·干泽特称，每只“英雄”狗都有着极为励志的故事。

"These animals make us humans better," said Ganzert.

这些动物让人类变得更加美好。