Bob,
I think you're advice is right on. I don't mind the flat lighting with animals since you can always create some directional effects in PS. But it's hard to get rid of those harsh shadows.

Anyway, I have no problems with flat lighting for dogs or cats. Nobody has ever complained because they could see the entire animal:). Flat with people is, well, FLAT!!! But with animals, it's a nice way to capture their 3rd dimension, IMHO.

Jim