How Stella Learned to Talk
by Christina Hunger
First Line: “Bye, Stella,” I said while I ate breakfast at the dining table.
Summary: Speech-language pathologist, Christina Hunger, had recently received her degree. She was nearly done with her first year working with children when she decided to try something new. Her and her boyfriend, Jake, brought home an 8 week old puppy named Stella. As they were working on training, Christina wanted to see if some of the same techniques she used with children would work to teach Stella to communicate. By introducing programed buttons with words that would be important in Stella’s life she was able to communicate her needs, wants and feelings to Christina and Jake.
My Thoughts: I was first introduced to Stella and Christina about a year ago. My sister had seen one of the interviews Christina did where she discussed using buttons (AAC device) to train her dog, Stella, to talk about her wants and needs. I instantly followed her on Instagram. I love to see new videos of Stella talking. It is amazing how much she can express with these buttons.
I was moved by the first story Christina shares about one of her clients. She showed how using devices can help a child who is struggling with language can still get their thoughts known by people around them. I found the idea fascinating. Christina laid out the book chronologically showing Stella’s progress, any setbacks, and gives advice at the end of each chapter on how to try this at home.
I cannot wait to try this with my puppy, Dudley. He already knows how to use a bell to tell us when he needs to go outside. And he already seems to understand lots of words. I have the buttons already in my Amazon wish list for when I can bring him home and start working on his language skills.
Check out @hunger4words on Instagram for videos of Christina and Stella.
Release date: May 4, 2021
Ashley's rating:  
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June 2021 
Issue 410
