129 Dog Days Off  p.390

　　Have you ever made an excuse for not going to work？ I guess most people have. But have you ever called in for a day off because your dog is sick？ I bet you haven't. Most people wouldn't have the guts¹.

　　However， some companies in New Zealand find this as an acceptable² reason for taking a day off. It is counted as paid sick leave. The reason， they say， is simple： “A sick dog is as much a dependant³ as a sick child.” That makes plenty of sense， doesn't it？  This is now known in New Zealand as “dog days off.” I wonder what the bosses in China will say if someone calls in for a dog day off.

　　I have three days off. 有空

　　Mary made an excuse for not doing her homework； she said she had a headache.

　　I can tell you for sure that you'll going to fail if you don't study hard.

　　Bill didn't have the guts to break up with his girlfriend. 勇气

　　to keep mug company 陪伴

　　take sick leave 请病假    take personal leave 请事假

　　rascal 小霸王   thug 真流氓