近日，一项针对1000位55岁以上的英国“铲屎官”的研究发现，那些养猫猫狗狗的人往往更快乐、运动得更多，而且跟宠物之间的纽带促进了大脑中产生“感觉良好”的化学物质的分泌。他们甚至比不养宠物的人每年平均多挣5200美元。 (燕北新媒体)
The perks[0] of having a pet: Study finds people who have animals at home are happier, wealthier, and get more exercise
[0]perk: 一般用复数，指的是“特殊待遇；（工资以外的）额外收入”，英文解释为“Perks are special benefits that are given to people who have a particular job or belong to a particular group.”
a company car, health insurance and other perks
一辆公司配车、健康保险以及其他特殊待遇
· Researchers surveyed 1,000dog and cat owners over the age of 55 in new study
· They found that pet owners get nearlytwice as much exercise as those without
· They also found pet owners tend tobe happier and see themselves as successful
- ◆ -
Having pets really is good for your well-being.
A new study of dog and cat owners over the age of 55 found that those who have an animal companion tend to be happier, more successful, and exercise more.
Experts say the seemingly minor physical aspects of pet ownership, from taking walks to cleaning up after[2] them, can go a long way[3] – and, these bonds boost the ‘feel good’ chemicals in the brain.
遛遛猫狗？给猫猫狗狗清理？看似没什么运动量的活，还是很有用的！
[2]clean up after:后面跟sb.可以表示“打扫…弄脏的地方；解决…制造的问题”
I'm fed up with cleaning up after you all the time.
你弄脏了东西老是我来打扫，我真是受够了。”
[3]go a long way: 字面意思是“走了很大一段路”，也可以表示“对…大有作用，大有效果，大有影响，大有帮助”等价于go far“有远大的前程”to be very successful in the future
She's a very talented writer - I'm sure she'll go far.
她是一位天赋很高的作家——我肯定她将来会大有成就。
The study commissioned[4] by UK retirement home builder McCarthy & Stone surveyed 1,000 British dog and cat owners.
[4]commission 这里作为动词，表示“委托”，英文解释为“If you commission something or commission someone to do something, you formally arrange for someone to do a piece of work for you.”
The Department of Agriculture commissioned a study into organic farming.
农业部委托了一项有机耕作的研究。
And, they found a number of trends among those with pets.
Pet owners reported nearly twice as much exercise as those without, at five times per week versus three.
‘The many benefits of pet ownership also include the cardio-vascular[心血管的] exercise of dog-walking, and even the light housework associate with feeding and cleaning up after our beloved animals,’ says psychologist and author Corinne Sweet.
Pet owners were also more likely to be married, have a child, and be happy with their job.
养宠物的人，还更有可能结婚? 生孩子?? 对工作感到开心满意???
For many, this also did away with[5] feelings of loneliness.
消除孤独感，没毛病。
[5]do away with: To do away with something means to remove it completely or put an end to it. 消除; 终结; 摆脱; 抛弃
The long-range goal must be to do away with nuclear weapons altogether.
长远目标一定是销毁所有的核武器。
‘The psychological and emotional benefits of pet ownership are well-known among mental health professionals,’ Sweet said.
‘Having a close bond with a domestic animal can boost “feel food” biochemicals such as endorphins[6] and oxytocin[7]; which can make owners feel more relaxed, calmer and happier at home.’
[6]endorphin /en'dɔːfɪn/ a chemical produced by your body that reduces pain and can make you feel happier 内啡肽〔一种体内生成的化学物质，能止痛并让人产生快感〕
[7]oxytocin: 催产素
‘Owners may also talk to their furry friends and gain a friendly, comforting ear and warm welcome when they are feeling unwell, sad, or lonely.’
[8]furry: covered with fur or short threads 覆盖着毛皮的；毛茸茸的；柔软的
furry kittens 毛茸茸的小猫
来源：Daily Mail