Re: Letting sleeping dogs lie

I know everyone is familiar with this phrase. It is considered to be part of the huge store of conventional wisdom that you should, as a matter of course, let (or allow) sleeping dogs (to)lie. But isn't this the same as supporting the lie and, indeed, condoning the act of lieing? Is a lie ever acceptable? Even an unconcious lie uttered by a domesticated animal, is, by definition, a lie, i.e. an untruth. Are we not to hold our house pets to the same standard that we would ourselves?

Another thing - Dogs are always referred to as "(hu)man's best friend". Is this position merited? Can we trust any animal that finds lieing so easy, so second nature, that it can maintain the facade while sleeping? And if this "lieing" while purportedly asleep can be true about dogs, who are widely known for their faithful, selfless acts of courage in the service of their masters (and mistresses) WHAT ABOUT CATS???