Animals, Birds, and Dr. Dolittle

4. knows more about animals than the local veterinarians

Doctor Dolittle reacts to Polynesia’s information about animal languages with both excitement and curiosity. He rushes to write the bird words she provides and is interested in learning more.

Yes, he would be famous. He can learn the language of animals. So, animals can tell him where the pain is. He will understand their problems and cure them easily. Happy animals will also tell others about him.

2. Farm animals wearing glasses

Challenges: He may not have enough time, space or medicines for so many animals. He may get very tired. Different animals may also fight with each other while waiting.

Solutions: He can make separate waiting areas and doors for each kind of animal. He can give each patient a fixed time. He can train helpers like Polynesia and Jip to assist him.

Compound words: fun-loving high-flying never-ending early risers songbirds overhead treetops

After being treated by Doctor Dolittle, the A. fun-loving dolphins danced playfully in his sanctuary. The B. never-ending chatter of monkeys echoed through the C. treetops, their ailments cured. D. High-flying eagles soared gracefully E. overhead, their health restored. F. Early risers among the G. songbirds chirped joyfully from the branches. All creatures were happy with Doctor Dolittle’s care.

1. Dr. Dolittle was eating oatmeal for his breakfast. – goat
2. Old ladies began to bring him their pets. – ant
3. The author sees the connection between humans and animals. – horse
4. The three baby dinosaurs are from ice age. – mice
5. The patients who came late didn’t know where to go. – camel

1. Step on no pets. – whole sentence
2. Naman saw a race car at the show. – Naman race car
3. Nitin speaks in Malayalam. – Nitin Malayalam
4. The engineer used a rotator to check the surface level. – rotator level
5. The pilot relied on the radar to navigate safely. – radar
6. Eva, can I see bees in a cave? – whole sentence

My own palindromes: Never odd or even. / Mom saw a kayak at noon.

1. He is asking you a question. – present continuous
2. Oh, there are plenty of animal doctors. – simple present
3. I am going blind in one eye. – present continuous
4. … the trouble is that anybody thinks he can doctor animals. – simple present

Since becoming an animal doctor, Doctor Dolittle 1. has learnt to communicate with all animals and birds. He 2. has treated countless farm animals and pets with care. The parrot, Polynesia, 3. has taught him bird-language, and he 4. has written books about his adventures. Many people 5. have brought their sick animals to his door. Over the years, Dolittle 6. has become renowned worldwide for his unique abilities.

False

1. The new clinic is located in the town of Woodstock.
2. The address is 12, Rose Lane.
3. The clinic is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
4. Special timings for birds are on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
5. Dr. Dolittle will ensure that animals get the best care.
6. All animals—horses, cows, pets, wild animals, and others are welcome.

Sample (Problem 3: Sore throat)

Doctor: Good morning! Please sit down. What is the problem?

Patient: Good morning, Doctor. I have a sore throat.

Doctor: Do you have pain while swallowing?

Patient: Yes, it hurts when I eat or drink. What should I do?

Doctor: Gargle with warm salt water three times a day. Drink herbal tea and avoid cold drinks.

Patient: Thank you. When should I come again?

Doctor: Come again after three days.

Patient: Sure, Doctor. Thank you very much.

• Animal Welfare Board of India
• Blue Cross of India
• People for Animals (PFA)
• Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
• Wildlife SOS

We can give food and water to stray animals, as they often stay hungry. A sick or injured animal should be taken to an animal shelter, where it gets proper treatment. If we have space and time, adopting an animal is the best way, as it gets a safe and loving home.