Outskirts Press, INC.

Smart Dog Learns to “Talk”

“Out!”

Who said that?

Einstein, a brilliant Border Collie (aren’t all of them very smart?), has told his family he wants to go outside. He hit a large button with his paw and triggered this recorded message. The button is one of many buttons on a board that he can use to communicate, to talk. “Food,” “water,” “come,” “dog,” “cat,” “fire,” “yes,” “no,” “help!” and many more are in different sizes and shapes, giving him a limited, but valuable vocabulary after laborious training, as described by Christine Hunger in her ground-breaking documentary, How Stella Learned to Talk.

Einstein becomes a working dog --- a Therapy Dog --- having an important job and a knack for making himself understood even in a crisis. A crisis does arise. No romance for Einstein, but some humans seem likely to pair off once they get over some initial misunderstandings. A firebug generates too much warmth. Much happens in Riverview!

This Helen A. Bemis saga brings to nearly 20 her total of Riverview Animal Shelter novels that combine dog-training insight, a respect for family values, and some cozy mysteries.