Perhaps being free of language is a blessing for dogs.

“Why do you say that, why do you always have to hurt me?”

Since dogs are continually surprised when

those soft and easily broken tools called words

fail them time and again. 

“I love you.”

Words, those simple clumsy clay blocks

that one hopes will support such enormous walls.

“I do, I love you.”

Words, those small weak things

that come tumbling out of men.

          —  from Toby Barlow’s “Sharp Teeth”