cathy, i agree with you, my dog too is very smart. When i ask my son to take him out he looks at my son and then goes to the door. He loves to go fishing with my husband and son and when they get out their poles he is by the door waiting for them. When i am giving my children hugs and kisses he always tries to nuzzle up and get some too. I think dogs understand a lot more about us then we do about them. He knows when were upset or in pain and tries to comfort us. I think they are angels. dorinda