Pet therapy, Oldest pet cemetery, Christmas in America, Dreams

On today’s Christmas Day program, Caty Weaver and Mario Ritter, Jr. host the show.
Caty tells listeners what they are going to hear.
(:53)First, Bryan Lynn has a story about a group that brings horses and people together. A non-profit group in Greece uses small horses to provide treatment for sick and disabled people. But the organization is now considering its future after facing financial difficulties. The horses provide a form of therapy that offers valuable social interactions and new learning experiences for people. The treatment is sometimes called “pet therapy.” learningenglis...
(7:22) Then, Caty has a story about a place where animals who were beloved pets are buried. Hartsdale Pet Cemetery was established in 1896 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. It is the oldest place of its kind in America. The burials can cost up to $7000. Patrons like Mark Lindenberg say it is worth it. learningenglis...
(14:28) After that, Caty introduces a program about Christmas in America long ago in the first half of the 19th century. Shirley Griffith talks about a nostalgic story from Washington Irving. Steve Ember also talks about how Christmas traditions formed around the holiday that celebrated the birth of Jeses, including trees, gifts and candy. By the middle of the 1800s, American Christian groups began to ignore their religious differences over the meaning of Christmas and honored the day in special ways. Shirley and Steve, then discuss how Christmas became an official holiday and some of the music that makes the observance very special. They also hint at the beginning of Santa Claus. learningenglis...
(22:15) Finally, Andrew Smith and Jill Robbins present Lesson of the Day. This episode is based on Lesson 30 of Level 2 of Let’s Learn English. The episode is the final one in the series and it’s main idea is dreams. Andrew and Jill describe how the characters, including Anna Matteo, discuss their dreams for the future. They also share some wisdom about life and ask listeners about their own dreams. learningenglis...
Then Caty and Mario sign off.
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