In which I study Jake, my Border Collie

Whenever we said the word, “Walk,” Jake would jump up in unbearable excitement, wagging his tail.

Now however, I have taken up jogging (I call it running though!) Fortunately, he does not know the word “run,” so remains passively ensconced at the foot of my bed, as I go through the repeated cycle of observing to Roy, “I really should go on my run.”

I read that dogs have the cognitive and emotional capacity of a two year old. And the average dog can learn 100-200 words.

Just as a pampered baby is healthier and more intelligent than a neglected one, the abilities of dogs, on the whole, reflect the love their owners shower on them.