How tuned in are these dogs?

Reading Jennifer's post about Jack's health rising and falling with hers inspired me to pose this question. In reality, I have been thinking about this quite a bit. A couple of situations arose recently where Gavin has shown an amazing amount of perception. I will give you some examples, but would also like to hear your opinion and your examples of times when your doodle has shown their perceptive side.

1. We went to a outdoor party, on the water, with thirty or more people there. Gavin was off leash as were two other dogs and if you know Gavin, he loves to play with other dogs more than anything. There was a man at the party that has Parkinsons and was trembling terribly. After a cursory walk about, Gavin went straight to this man and laid at his feet, ignoring the other guests and the dogs. He stayed with him for 20 minutes as the elderly man stroked him and spoke to him and amazingly his trembling lessened. After that time Gavin went on about his business, playing with the dogs, playing in the water and visiting with the other guests.

2. My mother's best friend lost her husband. My parents and the window came to visit here a week after the funeral and the widow understandably was still quite shaken. Gavin has met her a dozen times and only shows regular interest in her. Not this time. When they arrived, Gavin glued himself to her side and remained with her the entire half hour visit.

3. Recently when I cough or sneeze (ragweed season ugh!) Gavin has come right over and sat at me feet.

4. There is an elderly couple that we often stop and chat with on our walks (she even has treats she keeps in her house especially for "her boy Gavin."). When Gavin sees them outside I let go of his leash and let him run up their driveway to greet. My friend walking with me yesterday cringed as she thought Gavin was going to mow the lady down. She could not believe it when he got half way up the drive he geared right down to a slow walk and sat down right at her side despite that fact that she was making high pitched noises and doing all the things that usually make him jump up.

So...over to you...

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Permalink Reply by Bonnie and Kona on October 15, 2011 at 10:06pm

What a wonderful care taker Zach is! Kona comes to tell me when Owen is getting into trouble (not quite the same sweet story) but I am grateful!

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Permalink Reply by Cindy M, Zachary & the Frenchies on October 15, 2011 at 10:16pm

He is turning into quite the unique boy. I have to try to remember this special side of him, when i am taking my shoes away from him for the 6th time during the day :-)

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Permalink Reply by BG and Gavin on October 17, 2011 at 12:06pm

So, one last example from the weekend. We were at a party (Gavin was invited too) and I was responsible for rounding up our crew and driving them home safely. One fellow had a bit too much too drink and was lagging behind a bit. I tried to get Gavin to come off the deck and down the stairs so I could load him in the back while we waited for the straggler. Nothing doing. He kept look back at the door and would not budge until our friend exited the house. Once he passed Gavin, Gavin followed him down the stairs and jumped in the back of my vehicle. No man left behind I guess! I wasn't too surprised as anytime we go on a walk with a group, he is always looking behind to make sure everyone is following and if someone peels off, he will try and turn around and go get them.