Do dogs ever get really sad?
 

I mean like really blue or depressed like people? Sometimes my doggies look dispirited if my son or my wife are gone for a while. They get that real hound dog look, big eyes and all. But then I'll say "Who wants a treat?" or "Who wants to go for a walk?" and they're immediately the happiest creatures on earth.

Are they just fickle? Are they always optimistic and happy even when they look sad? Do the concepts of impermanence, suffering, and interconnectedness ever cross their minds? Death? Do they ever wonder if there's anything more than this?

Dogs are like the smartest creatures on the planet they have like an Iq of 150

Yes they get sad, extremely. But they know to enjoy the simple pleasures in life like a nice mild day or ones favorite snack.

Or licking themselves.

Eh, they can't be civil all the time.

Of course.

Of course not, they're animals.

That's rather closed-minded. Mine are people trapped inside canine bodies.

People are animals too. Some more than others. I think pretty much all advanced mammals feel every basic emotion. Amazingly they even cry out in pain when hurt.

kind of i guess? cats do. one of my cats had to wear a cone on its head and he was depressed.
dogs are dumbish though.

People are people, not animals.

Dogs are not dumb. At least mine are not. Certain breeds, yes. Not Goldens, though.

I think people are the most savage animals at certain points, than animals.

golden retrievers are pussies.

Savage yes, but savage people. The definition of animal isn't being savage.

Well, yeah, they are. But they're smart pussies. Just like their master! Ah ha ha ha ha...

Ah ha ha ha ha...

short answer yes

Hmm, we were talking about capacity for understanding in animals today in my Heidegger class.

A look of sadness elicits positive attention from humans and, accordingly, treats. Dog suckered you for food. Who's playing Pavlov, now, biped?

Quoting Depeche Mode does not bolster your case.