My love for dogs goes as far back as my first memory. As a little girl, I collected dog toys. At 5 years old, I was ready and willing to run away with the family dog after the threat of giving him away when he chewed up the sofa. Luckily he stayed and my affection for man's best friend continued. As an adult, my reasons for wanting to adopt a dog were purely selfish. I wanted a companion. I wanted a young, energetic dog that would need long walks or runs to help keep me active to stick to an exercise routine.
Little did I know that my four-legged friend and love for dogs would help me feel more at home in and fall in love with my Shanghai community. It seemed to me that being a tall blonde didn't already attract a lot of curious stares; add a 12-kilogram black dog that believes everyone is his best friend to the picture and locals seem even more intrigued. The decision to adopt Xiao Hei definitely fulfilled those early selfish desires, but the experience has also brought me closer to my neighbors and made me feel more at home,.
A few months after I first brought Xiao Hei home, I spotted the group of elderly Chinese people who gather at the park. After realizing they go there most weeknights, I decided it would be a good way to help Xiao Hei socialize with other dogs. After a few visits, it was not only an opportunity for him to play but also a chance for me to practice my Chinese. "Most Chinese give their dogs English names, but you've given him a Chinese name. Very interesting," they laughed. With that simple laugh, it seemed that barriers were broken and with each visit I felt more a part of the community.
28. Why did the author want to adopt a dog?
A. To practice Chinese. B. To understand Chinese culture.
C. To find a companion. D. To feel at home.
29. Who is likely to be the author of the text?
A. A Shanghai native. B. A Chinese dog lover.
C. A researcher on Chinese culture. D. A foreigner in Shanghai.
30. The underlined word “intrigued” in Paragraph 2 probably means ________.
A. excited B. interested C. satisfied D. frightened
31. What can be inferred from the text?
A. The author gets along well with her neighbors.
B. The author once left home with her dog.
C. The author is good at the Chinese language.
D. The author will settle in Shanghai forever.