Great articles!
Of course they can understand but I often wonder why they still put up with us humans and our shenanigans. Human beings are flawed but yet we are loved by these wonderful creatures without hesitation and unconditionally. Having that kind of affection from a pet, to me, is the closest to perfection I'll ever get because pets are perfect.

i had wondered about this before myself
what if they are the smart ones trying to teach us ?

I have my own Japanese Spitz girl for over than 12 years. She used to wake me up daily when i was working. For being a diabetes as well. She was the one who wake me up for sensing my sugar is low as well. She used to lick my face and wiggle her tail to force me get awake. I just would say that she shared a lot of crazy moments with me. She understand all of my speech and i understand her stares and when need food or any help.

They teach us all kinds of things if you think about it...patience, understanding, unconditional love, getting happiness from the little things in life. Pets are essentially just four-legged angels looking out for us...we just can't see their wings.

Milo.. seems to know his name... I can be talking to someone.. and say milo.. and milo looks right at me.. so he obviously understands his name..
and more to the point. he understands .. that it is his name.....
. he knows if he can't find you downstairs.. then he should look for you upstairs...lol.. he knows what no means.... although he doesn't listen to Thomas when he says it...lol... that's probably because they're roughly the same age... but when I say no he knows it means no.... I can say go find Thomas.. and he goes and finds Thomas... so he obviously knows the difference between Thomas and my other son Justin..... yes dogs are smart.. and they understand.. they just lack the vocal ability to speak.... well except.. For scooby Doo

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i diss agree they can speak we are just to dumb to understand
cause i have seen 2 dogs speak to each other many times before
as well as seen packs call to the other packs to come get food
but the rest i agree with : )

very good point