Response II to Anthropomorphism Question

I've been lectured to extensively on the limited memory of canines and their inability to recall given circumstances--such as urinating on the carpet.

I've been told that efforts to scold a dog for the release of its bladder is pointless--particularly if it doesn't occur immediately after the incident as they would not recognize their wrong-doing.

Personally, I do not believe this is true. Nor do I believe that they cannot experience similar emotions to that of man--though obviously not to the same extent.

Dog-lovers and cat-lovers alike appreciate their pets for the perceived emotion that we believe they translate. How many time have you heard about how much character a pet has, or how embarrassed they were after being scolded, or how sad they get when left alone? Are we imagining that emotion, or is it real? If you've ever bonded with a canine, lived with them and looked tehm in the eyes on a daily basis as you would your child, there is no question they experience emotion.

If one is going to argue that a canine has neither emotion nor memory of any substance, why then do we see animals get excited upon our arrival at home? Why then do they jump on us and lick our face? ---because they love us and are happy to see us! Why and how could they do this, if they have no memory or ability to express emotion? How then do they differentiate their owners from strangers or right from wrong?

To argue that a canine has no memory about urinating on the rug just 30 mins. ago, yet at the same time also acknowledge their ability to recognize and recall people seems a bit contradictory to me. What does the process we use in training our pets implement? Memory training, right? Much like in the rearing of our children. So how then can we say they have limited or no memory? How then can we lose our dogs for a month, then be reuinited with them and have immediate recollection of who you are? How then can a cat be completely removed from its environment yet find its way back?

Animals have a significant ability to remember as well as display emotion. Is it limited? Yes, but the levels of memory and emotion can and is limited in humans too!

To claim these attributes as non-existence in house pets seems a bit rediculous to me...