Oh definitely - I agree with that. Mine even laugh when they are having fun! (in a doggy way, of course).

If I have been away for the day, the big one talks to me when I get home and I swear it sounds like "hello". The little one is jealous of the big one, and "plays" every time I give the big one a pat.

Yesterday when we got home from work, they greeted us as normal and then had a staring competition (the big one is part Border Collie - my avatar in fact). They were still at it 5 minutes later - neither had moved.

The big one worked out how to open both our front gates (entrance gate and car gate) by lifting latches with her nose and paw. I have had to install locks to stop her getting out. She also knows how to open our sliding screen door with her paws and usually does this when there is a storm.

Dogs are wonderful things. Just wonderful. I believe they possess basically every emotion we do.

James.