The smallest things

When we're out playing, and it's time to come in for the day, I'll say "Ok, let's go inside now". The dogs are always happy when I'll say "let's go outside and play" or "let's go outside for a walk". I've never thought they understood the words, just saw the direction I was traveling and knew what came next.

Today a neighbor had come over to see the new floors and we were drinking a cup of coffee in my kitchen. We watched a squirrel run along the side fence with a walnut in his mouth through my glass french doors. Tau jumped up and headed for the doggie door. I said, conversationally, "You know Tau, if you are going to go chase squirrels, you should probably just stay inside".

Tau looked at me, looked at our neighbor, harrumphed loudly and lay down.

My neighbor about choked on his coffee, he was laughing so hard. He is now sure Tau understands conversational English!

So I showed him the new trick I'm teaching Tau. When I say the word "Chloe" (he's got a crush on the Skoor's beautiful Shiloh) I've taught Tau to moan. He's about 60%, but he did it for the neighbor. "Tau, are you thinking about Chloe?" "hmmmmmmmhhhhh!!!!!" My neighbor will be grinning all day.

These dogs are sooo much fun!