Like Pinocchio’s maker, Geppetto, I often wish that Sammy were a real boy. As such, he could communicate with words rather than barks.

As it is, his barking could be a demand for attention or a warning of danger or a request for food, water, or a walk. I always have to guess; and we both are frustrated.

Geppetto actually prayed on his knees that his wooden marionette would become a real boy. I haven’t done that. After all a dog is a dog, a human is a human. No amount of wishing of kneeling prayer will change the reality.

I know that; so, I alter the desire a bit to think, Wouldn’t it be nice if Sammy could speak just ten words?

So, which ten words would they be?

For starters, NO. He has heard that word 1000’s of times, and I am confident that he knows its meaning. He has also heard good and love innumerable times. Surely, he knows that GOOD is positive thing, as in good is a good thing to be told. And LOVE is that gentle sound made by his human when he’s being stroked at bed time.

Beyond those simple, profound words, the following verbs would be much more effective than barks: EAT. DRINK. SLEEP. URINATE. DEFECATE. WALK. STOP.

If only he could speak those words, I wouldn’t have to guess what he wants. Both his needs and desires could be attained more quickly, and neither he nor I would be frustrated.

Which ten words do you wish that your pet could speak to you? It’s rather fun to think about.

Actually, “Ten Word Vocabulary” could be the name for a ice-breaker game at the Thanksgiving table. The instructions can be given in one sentence. If your pet were given the gift of speech for only ten words, which words should be? Or to make it more personal. If you were given only ten words by which to live and survive, what would they be?