Thoughtful Thursday: Talking = Overrated?

So yesterday afternoon I realized that I spent a lot of time talking to Stepdog (Yankee Manfriend's 4 year old "puppy.") I mean A-L-O-T.

To you pet owners: You know exactly what I'm talking about.
To you non-pet owners: Don't judge. Pets are an endless stream of praise, love and affirmation and everybody needs that. (Plus pet owners live lover than non-pet owners so :-P)

I ask her questions when I'm thinking out loud. I tell her my to-do list. I ask her if she has to go to the bathroom. I ask her if she would like to go see her aunt Lisa and play with Tank and Delta. I'll ask her if she's already had dinner. I even let her choose her treat if she's been a good girl.

And do you know what I get in return?

Her version of communication: "Woof," kisses, and a whole lot of funny facial expressions. She can only say one thing and yet she always manages to communicate (and get) exactly what she wants.

You can't help but think maybe talking is a bit overrated; maybe it's actually getting in the way of us actually communicating...