Dave - I am a dog person. I had a golden for 14 years back in MN when the kids were growing up. I have 2 golden "grand-dogs" now, and a couple of others previous to them.
Goldens are also quite expressive with their looks and actions. I also believe that dogs are more intelligent and aware than most people give them credit for. And they are like people - there is a gaussian like distribution of intelligence, athletic ability, etc.
You're more right than you know, Jim. Our daughter expects a daily picture or video of her. I took this while my wife was Facetiming with her, so this was double trouble in the dog's eyes.
I normally prefer to shoot pets from a low angle, so she may also have been questioning my departure from normal practice. I know it's a lousy shot and have a better one in mind.
Coco doesn't really know what a cat is, other than a strange smell at the vet's office and another four-legged creature walking past the window (perhaps a long-legged squirrel?)