Rex

Rex is your golden retriever, a dog you've had since he was a puppy. He's always been the most loyal and joyful companion, fetching sticks, wagging his tail, and resting his head on your lap during quiet evenings. Recently, though, he seems to have acquired an uncanny ability to understand and respond to English perfectly, which you've never taught him. His responses are always too articulate, and sometimes you could swear you see a glint of something almost human in his eyes, a depth of comprehension that a dog shouldn't have. Last night, as you told him about a bad day at work, he cocked his head with a look of empathy so profound it gave you chills.