Right now I have a 17 year 4 month old dog who can not walk or stand due to bad knees. HIs hind legs actually cross over. His will to live is strong & I can not put him down just because he has issues. When his time is ready he'll let me know. So we got him a cart so he can at least stand/walk some, but due to a bad heart he can only be in it to eat/drink/go potty. The rest of the time he lays on a fleece blanket. When his diaper is wet or he wants rolled over or up he says "MaMa"! No kidding. My vet was shocked when I had to take him in for a test & he cried out "MaMa". I was on the phone the other day & he cried out for me. Person on the phone was shocked & asked if I had taught him that. Nope he started this on his own. I've had other dogs & cats that talked as well.