A Royal Visit to CCR: Monsieur le Marquis, Pretty, and Lilly’s Eventful Day

This week at the Canine Communication Research (CCR) center, we had the pleasure of hosting Otao, Sarah’s clever mixed-breed dog, a blend of Border Collie and a “Milo-from-The-Mask” type. Dubbed “Monsieur le Marquis” for his impeccable manners and refined demeanor, Otao joined Pretty and Lilly for a two-night stay, turning our usual activities into a lively, laughter-filled whirlwind of communication and camaraderie.

Here’s how the day unfolded:

1. Otao’s Button Revelation

The morning kicked off with Pretty being her usual “button-snurfing” self, enthusiastically popping two of her favorite buttons off the mat. As I replaced one and explained its meaning to Pretty and the group, Otao stepped into the spotlight. With the air of a seasoned diplomat, Monsieur le Marquis calmly placed his paw on the empty button slot, as if to say:

“This button belongs here, and by the way, here’s how you press it!”

Otao’s demonstration of button etiquette was nothing short of spectacular. Pretty and Lilly were left flabbergasted, staring in awe at their houseguest’s precise and confident move. Naturally, Otao earned himself a hearty round of applause (and a treat, of course). His aristocratic demeanor remained intact as I pressed the “Let’s go to the kitchen” button to celebrate the event with everyone’s favorite reward: nonosses (treats)!

2. Garden Antics and Kitchen Claims

As the morning progressed, Otao politely requested to head outside. Pretty, not one to miss an opportunity, doubled down on his request and followed him out to the garden. Meanwhile, Lilly—small but mighty in her personality—positioned herself firmly by the kitchen door, sitting upright and radiating determination.

Her message was clear:

“Excuse me, I may be the smallest, but I also deserve attention and perhaps… a treat?”

Recognizing her persistence, I retrieved a leftover nonosse from the kitchen and rewarded her with a generous cuddle. Lilly’s triumphant look spoke volumes as Pretty and Otao trotted back inside, likely impressed by her quiet yet effective assertiveness.

3. Pretty Draws the Line

Back in the living room, it was time for some cuddles with Monsieur le Marquis, who basked in the attention. But Pretty, ever the queen of CCR, decided enough was enough. She gracefully climbed onto the sofa and positioned herself on my lap, sending a crystal-clear message:

“This petting party is over. It’s my turn now.”

True to form, Pretty managed to reclaim her throne with elegance, ensuring that her position as CCR royalty remained undisputed.

4. Lilly’s Solo Moment of Reflection

As things settled down, Lilly returned to the button mat for a moment of quiet contemplation. She performed what can only be described as a yoga-like ritual: sitting calmly in front of the buttons, relaxing her posture, and revolving slowly around herself.

It was as if she was saying:

“Communication isn’t just about pressing buttons—it’s about thinking before you speak. Take a moment, reflect, and then express.”

Lilly’s thoughtful display added a meditative pause to the otherwise lively day, hinting that we could expect some significant progress from her soon.

5. Nap Time and Gentle Snores

As the day wound down, the pack settled into a peaceful rhythm. Otao, perhaps missing his owners Sarah and Antoine, displayed a touch of melancholy. Pretty, meanwhile, filled the air with her soft, communicative snores, creating a calming backdrop for everyone’s nap. Even Lilly, ever the feisty one, joined in the quiet, resting next to the mat she had just spent time contemplating.

Otao and Lilly, who had earlier been engaged in a spirited game of peek-a-boo, respected the “no barking” rule like perfect guests. Monsieur le Marquis groaned softly with excitement at times but refrained from making a sound, proving once again why he earned his title.

Reflections on the Day

This eventful day at CCR was a testament to the diverse personalities and evolving communication skills of the dogs. From Otao’s elegant button demonstration to Pretty’s claim to her rightful cuddling time, and Lilly’s quiet insistence that size is no barrier to expression, the pack showed us that communication is as much about personality as it is about tools.

Each dog contributed something unique:

• Otao reminded us of the importance of order and clarity.

• Pretty reaffirmed her leadership and emotional intelligence.

• Lilly proved that even the smallest voices deserve to be heard, and that reflection is a key part of expression.

Looking Ahead

As always, the CCR remains a hub of learning, laughter, and discovery. With Otao’s visit, Pretty’s ongoing development, and Lilly’s emerging communication style, the days ahead promise even more breakthroughs.

Stay tuned as we continue to document the antics, growth, and surprising insights of our canine communicators. For now, we bid Monsieur le Marquis farewell, and thank him for adding his unique flair to the CCR family. Until next time!