I know I must sound like a doting parent, but we do have a very clever dog! She’s currently learning English. Okay, she doesn’t speak it, but she understands an amazing amount of words already. Must be because I’m always talking to her. Somehow that makes me feel less crazy than talking to myself . . .
Mention (even in conversation to another human) the words “rope”, “ball”, “walk”, “milk” etc and you have a hard time calming down a very excited and expectant dog. So we have had to resort to using descriptions of things, when we don’t want to say the words out loud. So “rope” becomes “the long, twisty thing”, “ball” becomes “the round blue thing” etc. Of course when she’s figured out those phrases, we are going to have to resort to spelling out the words!
Rosie (©2010 LB)
Notes from Africa 
I think we’re allowed to dote on our pet/s!
Gosh, what phrase do you use to replace “walk”? 🙂 At first, I thought to say that spelling the words should be easier (on you), but then I thought – she’d probably learn the alphabet a lot faster than picking out the words used in the phrases 😉
She looks adorable!
Thanks for thinking she’s adorable too. I loved the photo, so had to find a way of using it!
Walk = “going for a stroll/hike”. Said quickly and in monotone so that she doesn’t latch onto any particular word. 🙂
She looks like she’s thinking…I’ve never said before in my life that a dog looks smart. But, I believe yours actually does. You do have a clever girl!
Thanks for indulging me!
It’s the frown that makes it look like she’s thinking. Less impressive once you realize that she frowns 90% of the time!
Hysterical post–and I TOTALLY understand what you’re saying. I’m reduced to doting-parent-status on a daily basis!
But let me dote with you, allbeit from a distance. She is really cute (and probably knows it)!
Finally, I KNOW–
–god-forbid you actually utter “the words!.” –Yikes! Danger!
Thanks! And yes, she does know she’s cute. She’s been hearing that on a daily basis from almost everybody she meets. Am sure that “pretty”, “cute” and “sweet” are on the list of words she understands.
Yes, she is a clever girl. And very cute indeed!
Hugs from London xx
Ah, you’re too kind! 😉
She is beautiful and clever and family. I am a lucky girl.
Thanks “Aunt” Estie – she feels the same way about you! 🙂