Meet Stella, the dog that 'talks'

Speech-language pathologist Christina Hunger, who helps toddlers behind in their language development by teaching them to use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices to express themselves non-verbally, decided to teach her puppy, a Catahoula and Australian Cattle Dog mix, to use the device. And the results have been astonishing. Correspondent Nancy Giles reports the fascinating story of Stella, a dog with a lot to say, and is the subject of Hunger’s new book, “How Stella Learned to Talk.”

"CBS Sunday Morning" features stories on the arts, music, nature, entertainment, sports, history, science and Americana, and highlights unique human accomplishments and achievements. Check local listings for CBS Sunday Morning broadcast times.

[meg]

"i knew she was an independent thinker and i wanted her to express herself" ....that's maybe the most thoughtful and loving thing i've ever heard anyone say about their dog. that rly got to me ! so sweet :)

[cremebrulee]

Some people are doing this with their cats, too. It's pretty amazing.

[risacat]

This woman has a beautiful mind.! It’s inspiring to see a person use their gifts and talents to enhance others. I like how she wanted to enhance Stella’s communication.

[Phoenixishot]

Some companies owe this wonderful woman a check

[deb]

Years ago I had a Sheltie that had an unbelievable vocabulary, with understanding of words. I wish I could have used the pushbuttons/words interaction with my dog. What a concept!

[nancysanders]

This person is a Very, Very, good speech therapist, without a doubt!!

[norathefish]

Absolutely brilliant! Just imagine how far we could go by collaborating with dogs and special need individuals? Wonderful human being this woman is 🏆🐕🧡

[BuzzyStreet]

Thank you to CBS for an interview that was more than a few sound bites!

I pre-ordered "How Stella Learned to Talk" earlier this year. It arrived Friday and I couldn't put it down. The book is entertaining and informative and a must for anyone who calls themselves a dog person.

Christina Hunger makes a convincing case for both receptive and expressive language skills in dogs. The parallels between language acquisition in dogs and humans should not come as a surprise; dogs co-evolved with humans over (recent estimates) 30, 000 years and their success as a species depends on their being able to communicate with humans. Stella is a rather adorable case in point.

Thank you, Christina and Stella, for providing such a clear example of what can be accomplished when you give a dog a chance to speak her mind!

[ladydeerheart]

Don't forget ALL the animals we share our environment with. Get to know ALL the characters in your neighborhood. They all have something to say. You just need to pay attention.

[kangarookids]

This is a great step in communicating.

[SteviiLove]

I genuinely think this is a force of good for those that don't normally have the ability to vocalize their needs the way humans do.
Stella is amazing ❤

[shuffleaccount]

I LOVE THIS !!!! MY LITTLE CHI IS SO EXPRESSIVE, JUST LIKE A HUMAN !

[susanhauck]

We have a Jack Russell/ Australia cattle dog mix, and I know he could dont his!!
He communicates so clearly with us. More than any other dog we have had.

[blissfuldw]

People are even using this button board to train their cats to talk (and curse). It's amazing!

[gregwest]

It's been said that dogs can have a vocabulary of up to 250 words :-)

[amandat]

OH How amazing! This is the best video. I have been talking about wanting my dogs to be able to for years! THANK YOU for your love and patience for Stella. Simply amazing and shows how smart our best friends really are!!!

[rtorano]

I wish my dog could tell me when he's not feeling good he's 14, and sometimes he curls in a ball and I know something is wrong not knowing is very difficult.

[MarkMach]

Thank you thank you Christina, you have inadvertently started a movement. Only people who are close to their pets know that we can really communicate with our pets. There is so much our pets are communicating with us only these loving parents would know. Now this tool would bridge the gap between humans and their pet kids! This is super commendable. I can't wait to teach my puppy these tricks or should I say these words!

[LahainaStrong]

OMG how incredibly sweet, sincere, and beautiful 😍💕

[myloso]

reminds me of the dog with the talking collar from UP