How do they know?

[Autumn & Lola]

Hubby got hurt at work today - a drill bit from a piece of machinery put a big gash in his head and he had to go to the ER for stitches. (He's okay. Luckily he has an exceptionally hard head, as I've been telling him for years. )

Anyway, usually when he gets home, Molly is all over him until he goes to bed. They play and wrestle and cuddle, etc. Tonight when he got home, she just stared at him and was very cautious around him. She didn't bug him to play or to have him take her out. She quietly chewed her bone on the floor, then came in the office to keep me company. You must understand, even though I feed and water her, spend all day with her, play with her, talk to her constantly, sing to her, make all her appointments, buy her food and toys - when Daddy comes home - Mommy ceases to exist.

I wonder how she just knew that he needed peace and quiet, and to rest? He acted normally, greeted her as normal, yet she was very quiet and kept her distance tonight except for a quick cuddle on the couch. Isn't it amazing what these little creatures can sense?

[Nena]

Mine is also a Daddy's girl. I, like you do everything for her, but when he is home or a day off she is glued to him like what are we going to do exciting next! She will follow him around all day. Even at the dog park anytime she gets nervous she runs right back to him for protection. It is really cute though he loves her bunches.

I think they have a great sense when something is not right. I am sure that Molly knows that something is wrong with her Daddy and is compensating for that. Dogs are so smart any changes they notice right away.

Hope your Hubby is feeling better soon and that the accident was not worse.

[tlwtheq]

How do they know? Well, for one thing they observe your body language every moment

you're together with them. My pups are excellent body language readers.

Every Cairn in my life has been like that.

My gang spends all day with my DH since he's at home all day while I'm at work.

They and I are thrilled to see each other when I arrive home.

And boy do they know when I've had a bad day.

Aren't you glad they're in our lives? How did we ever get by without them?

I'm glad your husband's injury wasn't more serious.

And it's a good thing you have Molly...

Tara, Mom of three body language experts

[josie&holly]

Holly always seems to know when I feel a bit off colour - she will come and sit quietly beside me............and she won't fuss, she will sit there and keep me company. I just think that they are clever dogs............

[BeeBladen]

Both Gretsch, and my cat Luna seem to "know" when I or my fiance are "off." Gretsch is young, at about 8 months, but I recently got a bad infection and had to stay in bed for a few days and he was very quiet and didn't whine as much to go out, he would just nudge me or ring his bell. I def think they know. My cat will also be quieter and curl up next to your head, as if she has healing powers!

[Hawkeye]

First, glad to hear that your husband will be okay. I feel they can read us pretty well, they seem to know when they can push the limits and when to back off. Molly may have even picked up the scent of the hospital.

Mine will behave differently when daddy is away on business. They tend to keep guard more than usually and, of course, feel the need to bark more at the wind and anything else outside during the night. My big protectors!

[hheldorfer]

Every dog I've ever had the privelege of living with has seemed to have a sixth sense. It doesn't matter if the problem is physical or emotional, they can read you like a book. Years ago I went through a bad post-divorce depression and I honestly don't know how I would have gotten past it without Cleo, my Brittany mix (RIP). She was so non-demanding and attentive during that time! And when my (current) husband was recovering from spine surgery, Buffy acted the same way toward him.

You are SO right, Tara - how could we manage without them?

Best wishes for your husband's speedy recovery!

[Nikki]

well since I got hurt recently i have noticed with my dogs are extremely gentle. They will just follow me as I hop around. Before I had my surgery my scotty who is a complete bruit just laid on my chest. He even left me a drool spot. They have both just lay by me they have been sweethearts. they know something aint right b/c I was the one who gave them all their walks and now my dh has too. I am thinking they are going to be retrained when I get home...lol dh has let them do WHATEVER they're little hearts desire.

[tlwtheq]

lol dh has let them do WHATEVER they're little hearts desire.

As it should be, according to the Cairn mind.

Get better soon!

[kjwarnold]

I call Packy my "nurse dog" because he's very sensative to when I don't feel well. He insists on laying on top of me if I'm on the couch or in the recliner, and won't leave. DH tries to get him to go outside and Packy growls at him because he doesn't want to leave me! It's really funny and quite touching, actually. Kirby tries, he lays at my feet for about 5 minutes, then he has to go look out the window or run into another room. I think he's just too young yet.

Yes, it's amazing how they react to our body language.