The media is all abuzz about new science findings regarding dogs who "are much smarter than scientists have thought." Thousands of dollars of research might have been saved, had they spent anytime at my home, or observing the lives of many of my friends who also have dogs. Here's what I could have told scientists, for free:
- Dogs know when you are happy, sad, busy, angry, worried, ill, and in love.
- They know when you mean it, don't mean it, aren't sure if you mean it, and are consulting dog behavior books to find out if you should mean it.
- Dogs know that exercise is good for you.
- Dogs know that high-protein diets make them happier.
- They can find their way around the neighborhood and communicate with the neighbors.
- They understand that mail comes six days a week and sometimes what's in the mail is worth yelling about it.
- Dogs realize that fashion isn't important.
- Dogs are comfortable with all their body parts and the body parts of those they love.
- Dogs are not afraid of other dogs bigger than themselves. In fact, the smaller the dog, I've found, the more emphatic they are to express their bravery.
- Dogs can tell who is naughty and who is nice.
Those of us who love animals are glad they are finally getting the respect they deserve.