Pretty’s Statement: Love, Justice, and a Call for a Button Board Overhaul

Today, at the CCR, we witnessed Pretty take her communication skills to an entirely new level of sophistication, delivering a precise and emotionally charged sequence that left us both impressed and thoroughly entertained. Our 9-year-old Springer Spaniel isn’t just using buttons anymore—she’s wielding them with intent, nuance, and a flair for making a point.

This morning’s saga revolved around something as simple, and yet as profound, as fairness. Pretty, as it turns out, has a keen sense of justice—and she knows how to make it known.

The Slight Injustice: Breakfast Treats

The story begins with breakfast. Pretty and her temporary housemate, Lily the dwarf teckel, both watched as I enjoyed my morning routine. At one point, Lily received a small treat—a moment of innocent indulgence—but Pretty didn’t. There was no immediate reaction from Pretty, just one of those contemplative looks that dog owners know all too well. You could almost see the gears turning in her mind.

Fast forward to after breakfast. Partner leaves for work, and Pretty and I settle into the living room. She comes to me for a cuddle, soaking up the affection as usual. But after a brief moment of petting, she moved to her button pad. And that’s where the magic began.

The Sequence: Precision, Protest, and a Nuance of Love

First, Pretty pressed the “I love you, Dad” button. It was a warm, familiar sentiment, but what followed added layers of meaning. She deliberately truffled the button off the pad with her nose, sending it tumbling until it landed upside down. I congratulated her for her precision and intent—this wasn’t a random action. It felt like Pretty was punctuating her statement, as if to say, “I’ve expressed my love, now it’s your turn.”

But Pretty wasn’t done. She became visibly excited, her energy palpable, and then she truffled the “Let’s go to the kitchen” button. This time, the button ended up under the table—a deliberate move that, when decoded, delivered a strikingly clear message:

“Dad, I love you, but now you need to show it by giving me a treat in the kitchen, just like you did for Lily!”

It was an incredible moment of clarity and expression, demonstrating Pretty’s ability to communicate not just actions, but emotions and fairness.

A Call for Change: Pretty’s Push for a Button Overhaul

This sequence of events wasn’t just a protest or a demand—it was a statement. Pretty is showing us that her current button mat isn’t sufficient to capture the full range of her thoughts and feelings. By using the “I love you, Dad” button and following it with the “Let’s go to the kitchen” button, Pretty composed a message that required interpretation, but the intent was unmistakable.

Her actions are a clear indication that Pretty is ready for a button board overhaul. Her ability to sequence buttons and create nuanced messages suggests that she’s ready for more buttons, more complexity, and a setup that allows her to express herself more fully.

What This Means for Pretty (and Dogs Like Her)

Pretty’s behavior highlights the incredible potential of button communication for dogs, even those in their senior years. It also underscores their emotional intelligence, their understanding of fairness, and their ability to advocate for themselves.

Her actions remind us that dogs aren’t just reacting to their environment—they’re thinking, feeling, and expressing their needs in ways we’re only beginning to understand. Pretty’s journey isn’t just about teaching her to press buttons; it’s about learning from her how dogs see the world and how they wish to interact with us.

Next Steps: Answering Pretty’s Call

It’s time to give Pretty what she’s asking for—a button mat that reflects her growing vocabulary and her desire for more nuanced communication. Here’s what we’re planning:

1. Adding Buttons for New Concepts: Buttons like “Fairness”, “Treat please”, or “Explain this” could help her express even more of her thoughts.

2. Reorganizing the Mat: To make sequencing easier, we’ll group related buttons together (e.g., actions, emotions, and requests).

3. Encouraging Sentence Building: With her clear ability to combine concepts, we’ll start modeling longer phrases to help her build sentences of her own.

   
   

Final Thoughts

Pretty’s journey continues to amaze us, showing that even at 9 years old, she’s still learning, growing, and making her voice heard—literally. Her latest protest wasn’t just about getting a treat; it was about fairness, love, and her unyielding desire to connect with us on her terms.

Pretty, we hear you loud and clear: it’s time for a button mat revolution! Stay tuned as we document her next steps and the evolution of her communication journey. With Pretty leading the way, we’re learning that dogs don’t just want to be understood—they want to make a stand for what matters to them. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.