[gusunsuth]

I don't, actually, talk to my dog. At all. He doesn't understand me. He can't respond back, and I don't enjoy hearing myself drone on and on like I'm talking to a wall. I cuddle with him, and I say things like "good boy!" when he's being good, but I don't sit there and actually converse with him. I don't tell him how my day went, I don't ask him to help me study, I simply do not talk to my dog - or any other animal I own. The furthest I'll take it is saying things like, "oh, does Dylan want some water?" when the bowl is empty, or etc, but that's it. And through classical conditioning, he'll actually respond to me asking that, because he's learned the words "water" and "bowl" = fresh water for him to drink.

I'm not saying my dog isn't smart - he's damn smart. But he doesn't understand the words I'm speaking, which is a completely different subject at hand.
Did I say somebody who speaks Spanish, compared to somebody who speaks English, is stupid? No, I did not. I stated he *doesn't understand*.

Don't ask for opinions if all you want is sunshine and butterflies. I have every right to state what I think of astrology, and no, I'm not going to sugar coat it just because you prefer something "nice" as opposed to something "not nice", which in itself is subjective. Saying something is bullshit doesn't have to be negative unless you take it that way, in which it's a personal issue that none of us can help you with, anyway.

I believe this all comes down to differences in maturity. I can call Christianity bullshit all I want, but would I ever say that to my mother in law, who is a devout Christian? No. The simple fact is, it doesn't get anywhere! Other than people wondering, "wow that the hell is this guy's problem?" If you were to write about your dog, say, competing in strength competition or whatever, I wouldn't run into the thread talking about how those are just bullshit, mindless macho shows. You can have a form of respect for the speaker but also reply in your full right, with your opinion. I, also, don't walk around talking to my dog all day but when she won't potty I might say, "God Mimi, *go potty* it's freezing out here." Rather than, "Potty!" Because I feel I have a bond with my dog other than owner/pet...she is a family member. I also have a two-year-old who I talk to a bit above her level, rather than "yum yum food! yay!" all the time. I wouldn't even tell you I think it's b.s. you don't look into other methods of fullfilling your dogs life whether it be physical, mental or emotional...because that's your choice. I can only assume that my replies on my own thread really won't get anywhere with you because it's hard to get through to someone who is already close-minded in some ways, trying to defend their "right" to be flat out rude on someone else comments, questions or concerns. I'm sure this isn't a first for you, but hopefully you have a little more self-restraint in public when perhaps someone says something you disagree with