I try to use people words in my stories. I learn them from my mother.
At first I didn’t understand what she said. I only knew the words she taught me. You know, words like Come, Sit, Stay, and of course, No.
But then she started talking to me in sentences – during walks, in the car, around the house, and especially when she was dragging me to the vet.
I don’t think she cared if I understood her or that I couldn’t talk back. I listened carefully and tried to learn more words.
Conversations by typing
Soon we started having whole conversations. It was pretty easy. She talked and I typed.
Like this:
My mother (talking): The internet is down.
She sounded pretty miffed about it.
Me (typing): What’s an internet?
It seemed like something I should know. It was definitely a people word.
Her (talking): It’s how people explore things, like when you sniff around the yard trying to find something good.
Me (typing): Okay, thanks.
I often hear her say that when she’s finished talking to someone.
Conversations without typing
Here’s a conversation we had in the car without my keyboard.
My mother: You’re out of canned food. We need to go to the pet store.
Me: Standing in the car, my tail wagging, and a little drooling.
Her: Maybe we’ll get you another stuffed toy, but this time you can’t rip it up and get stuffing all over the place.
Me: A little less wagging and some whining.
Her: Or we could get you a rubber ball.
Me: One loud bark plus some panting.
Her: I’m not going to drive any faster. Lie down.
Me: No wagging.
I couldn’t wait to get home and start typing again.
Now I have what my mother calls a large vocabulary. I use a lot more people words in my stories. Usually, I get them right.
