Page 399
Don’t make statements that are half-truths.
“Dogs understand human language; they just can’t speak it.”
While it is true that dogs learn the meaning of some human words, they do not understand whole conversations. Knowing a few words of Spanish doesn’t mean that you understand the Spanish language.
Don’t say that things are worse—or better—than they are.
“We have a loneliness epidemic that is killing people in their homes and killing pets in the shelters. Rescue a pet to save its life and your own.”
Loneliness is a real problem for people and for pets in shelters. However, calling it an “epidemic” that is “killing” people and pets is overstating the case. The writer sounds untrustworthy and overly emotional.
Don’t make statements just because most people agree with them.
“All you have to do is look a dog in the eyes, and you know who is a good boy.”
Dog lovers would agree with this statement, but some people are afraid of dogs. And some dogs are deserving of fear. Besides, some dogs are good (or bad) girls.