Frank Smith developed a neural scanner headset and programmed it to translate thoughts into natural language. He wanted to try it on himself but knew that he’d obscure the results.

His dog Lyla stared at him while lying on her back and resting on a recliner.

“Oh, you want a belly rub, girl?” He proceeded to rub her belly.

“Oh, right!” He put the headset on Lyla and started recording for video proof.

On the computer screen appeared the words—rub belly.

“Oh, she must understand what a belly rub is!” Frank rubbed her belly some more.

Frank felt an urge to go to the bathroom, and he later took Lyla outside.

He observed on the screen—pee.

“Smart girl!”

Frank grabbed a ball and tossed it. Lyla chased after it.

On the screen appeared—throw ball.

“Shouldn’t that be chase ball?”

Frank checked the neural scanner code, and then compared timestamps between the translation logs to the video recordings—Lyla’s thoughts occurred right before his own actions ...

His mind thought of giving Lyla a treat, but he stopped himself.

On the screen, the words appeared—give treat—give treat—give treat.

Lyla stared and growled at him, wagging her tail.