Facing relentless flooding and rising expenses, Dumble Farm in England has stopped selling milk and started an unexpected but therapeutic venture: cow cuddles. In 2022, the owners sold most of their dairy cows and began letting visitors spend time brushing, petting, and even hugging specially trained Highland cows for 95 pounds per session.
This unusual shift reflects the rise of the so-called healing economy, a sector where animal-assisted experiences are marketed as emotional remedies for stress and burnout. While dogs and cats remain the most common therapy animals, cows are gaining popularity for their calm nature.
At Dumble Farm, only cows that are genuinely comfortable with human contact are selected. According to the owners, the cows have been gently trained for these sessions and seem to enjoy the interaction. To ensure the animals’ well-being, all sessions are suspended during extreme heat.
Photo: AdobeStock 照片：AdobeStock
面對持續不斷的洪水與日益增加的開銷，英國的鄧布農場已停止販售牛奶，轉而展開一項意想不到、卻具有療癒效果的業務：抱抱牛的服務。2022年，農場主人賣掉了大部分乳牛，並開始讓遊客以每場九十五英鎊的價格，與經過特別訓練的高地牛共度時光，包括梳理、撫摸，甚至擁抱牠們。
這項非比尋常的轉型反映了所謂療癒經濟的興起 ── 此行業將動物輔助體驗行銷為緩解壓力與倦怠的情感療法。雖然狗與貓仍是最常見的治療動物，但因為牛天性溫和，牠們的受歡迎程度正逐漸上升。
在鄧布農場，只有真正對人類接觸感到自在的牛才會被挑選參與活動。據農場主人表示，這些牛已經過溫和訓練來參與這些活動，且似乎很享受與人互動。為了確保這些動物的福祉，遇到極端高溫時，所有場次都會暫停舉行。
Photo: AdobeStock 照片：AdobeStock
What Did You Learn?
What are visitors allowed to do with the cows at Dumble Farm?
參考答案:
They can brush, pet, and even hug them.
What Did You Learn?
1. relentless a. 持續的，不間斷的
The desert’s relentless heat drained the energy of the explorers.
沙漠持續不斷的高溫消耗了探險者們的體力。
2. venture n. （有風險的）事業
Amy started a bakery venture that specialized in vegan desserts.
艾咪創立了一家專做純素甜點的烘焙事業。
3. session n. （某活動）一段時間
Daniel booked a private guitar session to improve his fingerpicking skills.
丹尼爾預約了一堂私人吉他課來提升他的指彈技巧。
4. sector n. 行業
The fashion sector is adapting to changing consumer demands for sustainable products.
時尚業正在適應消費者對永續產品需求的變化。
5. burnout n. （因拼命工作導致的）過勞
Taking vacations regularly can reduce the chance of burnout.
定期去度假可以降低過勞的機率。
6. genuinely adv. 真正地
The children were genuinely excited to see snow for the first time.
孩子們第一次看到雪時真的非常興奮。
7. suspend vt. 暫停
Construction work was suspended following the discovery of ancient artifacts
發現古文物後，施工暫停了。
Practical Phrases
1. market A as B 把A作為B來行銷∕推廣
The company decided to market its new drink as a healthy alternative to soda.
該公司決定將新飲料當作汽水的健康替代品來行銷。
2. gain popularity 受歡迎
The app gained popularity for its easy-to-use interface and helpful features.
這款應用程式因介面簡單好用、功能實用而受歡迎。
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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