I think it helps that I don't take attacks personally, specially from someone on the internet whom I don't really know, and really don't know me. When someone attacks me (or when I think someone does), my first reaction is always trying to find the reason behind the attack. Maybe the person misunderstands me, or maybe he/she doesn't have all the facts, or maybe he/she doesn't feel very well, thus feels the need to vent, but expresses his/her frustrations in the wrong way that ticks me, etc.. When I think like that, I don't get upset when being attacked, but rather see it as an opportunity to clarify things, and foster the understanding between the attacker and I.
Take this, for example, I didn't know it was a joke at first, so I didn't think it was funny, and thought it was directed at me, but I didn't get upset, and I didn't feel my character was being attacked. I didn't think the OP was an idiot, or a jerk, or anything bad. I felt that he/she misunderstood me - thus, my reply stating clearly my position and my thoughts on the subject in hope to justify why I do what I do with my dogs. Now that I know it was a joke, even though it may not be too funny to some, I have to give the OP the credit he/she deserves for being so clever with the computer, and the ability to think of something like this in the first place
Some times, I hope we can all be a little more considerate and tolerant toward each other. It will save us a lot of unnecessary angers and hatred.