"I have always felt a close
kinship with dogs. As a young child, my inner ear canals were blocked
due to environmental allergies. This condition went undected for quite
some time causing me to miss hearing beginning language sounds. The
result was that I wouldn't try to talk with people.
The speech therapist advised
my parents to obtain a dog that would sit and listen to me babble all
day. The dog would have undying interest in my attempts to talk (in
return for non-stop petting). The allergist, of course, recommended
against the dog. Allergies were what caused the ear blockage in the
first place.
Fortunately, my parents
listened to the speech therapist. They brought home a mixed
Beagle/Terrier, named Princess that sat patiently each and every day,
listening to me make beginning speech sounds as I petted my special
friend.
So that is how a dog taught me to talk. I have enjoyed a special bond with dogs ever since.".....Michael
