If you have lived with a dog or cat, you probably feel that they “speak”to you. We assume what they are thinking based on their behavior or expression. These are a few assumptions you may be familiar with.

Running the vacuum:
DOG: Run for your life!
CAT: How annoying, you’re blocking my view.

Taking medicine in peanut butter/cream cheese or other food:
DOG: Yum! Seconds please!
CAT: Really? Nice try. (as they are walking away)

Fireworks or thunder:
DOG: Danger! Please make it stop.
CAT: Meh. I am trying to nap.

Car ride:
DOG: Oh boy! I love to go with you and hang out the window.
CAT: Go without me. I’ll just be here under the bed.

On their breath:
DOG: Pretty spiffy huh? Guess what dead matter I have eaten.
CAT: Maybe a mildly tuna odor. What’s your point?

It is a joy to live with a stinky, hyper dog and a snobby, indifferent cat, but probably just as well we can’t know what they are really thinking about us.