h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

People could eventually communicate with animals as there is much more to understand regarding their behaviour and communication, although research studies must respect the needs and welfare for the animals under observation in their natural environment (only using captivity when there is no option). Such studies require substantial funding and sadly, this usually appears only when there is something to be gained in return (e.g. power and money), which then leads one to think that perhaps barriers should be maintained between humans and other species in order to protect them from us.

On a lighter note, and although this is quite mundane when contrasted to scientific studies into animal communications, I feel I have a small level of communication with my menagerie. My four s and seven s all have their own ways of communicating what they want, which usually involves food, walks and cuddles. My dog Jess, who is sadly dead, had a huge 'vocabulary' of words and phrases, which included the names of individual humans, the other pets, places and actions and this was not the result of intentional training on my part. We were very close and sometimes I only had to look at her and raise an eyebrow or tilt my head for Jess to respond! I usually greet my s with "'Ello, ello, ello!" and Zoe always responds with an attempted doggy mimic. The pets are also able to pick up on my ‘unspoken’ moods and are quick to get out of my way when I’m in full blow grumpy old mode or join in the fun when I’m playful.

Brilliant observations Gwennie on your menagerie of pets there!

I'd like to add that in reality I'm their human rather than them belonging to me...