I wonder if dogs ever are amazed
At how their owners can communicate
Whether they should be scolded or be praised
And if it means their supper should be late.

For while they exercise precise olfaction,
Anatomy their vocal skills impedes.
Domestication increased their attraction
To humans and the skill to guess their needs.

Are whines a dog’s attempted conversation,
Or simply treats and dinner to beseech,
Or possibly a puerile imitation
Of what’s perceived when they hear human speech?

Regardless of how we say what we say,
We understand each other anyway.