Stanley the Rebel

Is there right and wrong for animals? My first instict is no. After all, only humans have souls, right? Only man is made in the image of God. But I see choice in my dog's eyes. He can choose to obey and he can choose to disobey. He looks guilty when he's done something he knows we wouldn't like and he acts more carefree and happy when he has followed our rules. If animals do have a choice between right and wrong, is there no consequence for which they choose? Is this life really all there is for a dog? And lastly, does an animal have the mental capacity to consider such things? 

In addition, good ol' Stanley has taught me so much about myself in relation to God. When he is rotten, disobeys, rebels, and does things to spite us, we react in anger. We wait a while to forgive him till he's proven himself. We have sometimes called him the "Prodigal Dog." This speaks wonders about God's love for us. When we mess up, even rebel, He forgives us, reminds us of His love, and takes us into His arms. Like the prodigal son, He runs out to greet us. Stanley is just a dog, yet his rebellion inspires a spirit of anxiety at best, utter rage at worst, in our family. I am God's creation, made for the purpose of worshipping Him. How much patience and mind-boggling love must God have to continue to love me the way He does!