wolfsoul, I'm with you... I was thinking the same thing about that last question and some other ones posed earlier as well...

Take this feeling of guilt and never forget it. This will keep you from ever doing that again. Also remember that animals really don't know any better and smacking them won't help a thing - it'll just make them fearful of you, and then you won't have a good relationship with them. Think of the wince that Hallie does now. Resolve never to make her do that again. When you get frustrated, take your anger out on something else - a pillow, a punching bag, a wall - anything but your pet. If you can't take your anger out on something else, remove yourself from the situation. Take a walk, leave the room, call a friend on the phone, just remove yourself from the situation.

And never, ever do it again. Ever.