"I guess it all comes down to how much you trust people at their word...or does it?"

Probably depends more on the nature of your relationship, Georgiansilver. I have a great relationship with my dog and often talk to her but, apart from the obvious words of command, I don't really believe that she understands what I'm saying. If I did believe it, I'd probably deserve to be subjected to psychiatric help. And, despite what some people are saying, my dog really does exist - or who is it who's crapping on my lawn?