Pretty the Philosopher: The Day She Delivered a Triple Truth

On this Shabbat afternoon, something extraordinary happened at CCR. And we’re not just talking about a clever button combo, a joyful dance, or a request for cuddles and treats. No. Today, Pretty may have just given her first lecture at Pet University.

Yes, you read that right. Our 9-year-old Springer Spaniel didn’t just press buttons—she delivered a philosophical triad, worthy of a Socratic paw-stroll through the meadows of thought and canine culture. And it all happened without a single misplaced truffle-push.

Act I – The Button Trifecta: A Triple Non-Truffaut

Pretty’s opening move was bold.

She pressed not one, not two, but three buttons in perfect sequence, with no detour, no confusion, no nose-dragging misfires. The message? Crystal clear:

• “Papa y’a bobo” (Dad, there’s hurt)

• “Y’a un problème” (There’s a problem)

• “On va chercher les bibiches” (Let’s go hunt the bibiches)

Not only was this executed flawlessly—it was intentional. A perfect canine thesis, awaiting interpretation.

At first, like a good ‘shtroumpf à lunettes’ (yes, we’re referencing The Smurfs), I began to explain that—“usually, Pretty, we press one button at a time…”

But suddenly, like a thunderbolt of tail-wagging clarity—I knew I was wrong.

This wasn’t a mistake. This was a message.

And Pretty’s eyes sparkled like a rabbinical student who just saw their professor finally connect the Talmudic dots.

Act II – Understanding the Lecture

I paused. Reframed. Looked back into those wise eyes.

“Okay Pretty, let me try this again…”

• ‘Papa y’a bobo’ — because I am not moving, I stay in the armchair.

• ‘On va chercher les bibiches’ — but she wants to go, and bibiches must be pursued!

• ‘Y’a un problème’ — because if we’re not in sync, we’re not in a pack. And that, to Pretty, is a problem.

That was it.

Not a command. Not a complaint. A reflection.

The philosophy of joyful mutual engagement, of shared purpose. She wasn’t just requesting a garden trip. She was saying:

“If you’re not with me in this hunt, Dad, then something’s off. And I want to talk about that.”

Act III – Street Dance, Soul Lift

What followed was not just approval—it was joy incarnate.

Pretty did a body-wave, paw-hop, tail-swirl combo, straight from the Street Dance school of expressive movement.

Her joy wasn’t just about being understood—it was about seeing me arrive where she was already waiting.

She was proud. I was humbled.

The teacher had become the student.

Pretty the Professor

This was no longer an ordinary interaction. This was Pretty, stepping into her new role: not just communicator, not just learner, but guide.

A four-pawed professor of emotional intelligence, team dynamics, and what it means to act in harmony.

And isn’t that what Pet University is truly about?

Not just giving animals a voice—but recognizing when they’re already leading the conversation.

Today, Pretty demonstrated:

✅ Multi-button sequencing with emotional nuance

✅ Social-emotional commentary on teamwork and presence

✅ Symbolic communication of disappointment and expectation

✅ Celebratory body language that marks the joy of mutual understanding

And What Do We Take from This?

We humans talk a lot about mindfulness, team spirit, shared goals.

Pretty reminded us—gently, lovingly, and quite sassily—that she knows these things too.

So here at CCR, we mark today as a milestone in interspecies communication history.

Today, Pretty gave her first lecture. And it was brilliant.

Want to Join the Class?

Enroll (spiritually or literally) at Pet University, where dogs like Pretty don’t just learn—they teach.

Visit our latest blog entries and Pretty’s published book to follow this expanding journey into canine cognition and emotional intelligence.

And remember:

Sometimes, all it takes is three buttons, a knowing glance, and a tail-wagging dance to change how we see our place in the pack.

Thank you, Professor Pretty. Your class is always in session. 🐾🎓