An avid duck hunter was in the market for a new bird dog。His search ended when he found a dog that could actually walk on water to retrieve a duck。Shocked by his find，he was sure none of his friends would ever believe him。He decided to try to break the news to a friend of his，a pessimist by nature，and invited him to hunt with him and his new dog。
As they waited by the shore，a flock of ducks flew by。They fired and a duck fell。The dog responded and jumped into the water。The dog，however，did not sink but instead walked across the water to retrieve the bird，never getting more than his paws wet。The friend saw everything but did not say a single word。
On the driving home the hunter asked his friend，“Did you notice anything unusual about my new dog？”“I'm sure。”responded his friend，“He can't swim。”
一位贪婪的猎鸭人想在市场上买一只新的可以捕鸟的猎犬。他找到了一只可以在水上行走并能叼回鸭子的狗。找到这样的一只狗让他很吃惊，他肯定朋友们都不会相信。他决定向一位天性悲观的朋友公布这一消息，并邀请他一起带着这只狗去打猎。
他们在岸上等着，一群野鸭飞了过去。他们开火，一只鸭子被击中掉了下来。狗随即就跳入了水中。它没沉入水里，而是一直在水面上走去把野鸭叼回来，只有爪子湿了。朋友都看见了，但是什么也没说。
他们开车回家的途中猎人问朋友：“你发现我的狗有什么不寻常的地方吗？”他回答说：“当然。它不会游泳。”
1.avid adj。渴望的，贪婪的；热心的
He is an avid amateur astronomer。（他是个狂热的业余天文学家。）
2.retrieve v。取回，找回，找回猎物
I intend to retrieve my power from my family and each family member therein。（我愿意从我家庭和家庭成员那里重新要回我的力量。）
3.pessimist n。悲观主义者
An optimist sees the rose；a pessimist sees the thorn。（乐观的人看到玫瑰，悲观的人只能看到刺。）
4.sink v。下沉，消沉，渗透
A small leak will sink a great ship。（一个小漏洞可能弄沉一艘大船。）
1.break the news to 把消息告诉……
I don't know how to break the news to him。（我不知道该怎样告诉他这个消息。）
2.by nature 生性，天生地
He is an adventurer by nature。（他生来是一位冒险家。）
3.a flock of 一群（鸟，羊等）
The boy keeps a flock of sheep。（这个男孩子看守著一群羊。）