Took this picture in 2007 of my two dogs. They were roaming around our large yard when I called them. I pointed at the ground in front of me and told them to sit so I could take their picture. They both sat down as you see them with no help from me. It was just like they both understood exactly what I was saying and what they were supposed to do.. And it was a first posed picture for both of them with no prior practice. I imagine other people's pets might do the same. Maggie and Miles were really great pets.
The Canon SX 70 has a lot of zoom, but it may not have the other features you want. B&H has it for $670.00 before tax. A friend of mine has the SX 50 and gets some really good pictures.