"... Yes, obviously," Major replies with a tone and face to suggest that she's saying something blatantly silly. "Why else would anyone talk in that kinda voice? Obviously the dog's better hearing can understand and pick up my voice better when it's all high-pitched and non-sensical. Duh. Everyone knows that, don't they?"

Major is happily giving Minor the belly rubs he so ardently demands, but the former doesn't seem all that bothered by it. Nor does the latter seem to have any intention of ceasing said demands any time soon.

"It took me an embarrassingly long time to get the joke, to be honest. I did eventually, though."