Most dogs readily understand the word “walk” as an indication that they are going outside, which fills them with joy. However, our German shepherd, Reba, went beyond that. She had learned that several other words were associated with going outside as well. Words like “garden,” “salad,” “lettuce,” “vegetable,” “tomato,” “potato,” “compost,” “beans,” “boots,” and “clogs” would instantly grab her attention. We could be comfortably settled in the living room, engrossed in any other conversation, without evoking any response from her. But the moment we mentioned something like, “Would you like green beans with the chicken tonight?” Reba would spring up, heading straight for the door, as if exclaiming, “Green beans! Green beans! I know exactly where you keep them! Let’s go!” Reba’s previous owner had subjected her to severe abuse, but despite her past, she brought immense joy to our lives.