How do doodles know that you are sick?

[Heather & Brinkley]

I came home from work early yesterday with a really bad case of the flu.  I was throwing up, chills, headache...the whole nine yards.  As soon as I got home, Brinkley wanted to be by my side-- but he wasn't his normal hyper self.  Instead, he followed me into the bedroom, calm as can be, and curled up next to me.  My husband could hardly get him off the bed to go outside to use the bathroom.  He whimpered each time he had to leave me.  Instead, he stayed on the bed, with his big doodle head on my belly all day and all night.  My husband took great care of me-- and I guess Brinkley wanted to take part making mommy feel better!

How in the world do they know?  I'm so thankful for our Doodle and I couldn't imagine life without our Brinkley.

 

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

oh what a good boy to take such good care of his mommy!!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Their intuition always amazes me....I sure hope you're feeling better.

[Carol and Banjo]

What a wonderful boy and good medicine for his mom too I'm sure.    I hope you're feeling better today Heather!

[Lin Tidwell]

That's a great story!  Our Doodle, Higby is the same way with me.  I have cancer and am often feeling sick. I nap each afternoon and sometimes, if I'm feeling sick, and will be in bed most of the day.  Higby stays curled up next to me on the bed with his head resting on me.  When I'm up, he follows me throughout the house. More than once, I've awakened from a nap to find Higby standing on the bed with his nose about two inches from mine. If I open my eyes and say anything to him, he gives me a tail wag and quick lick on my nose. That always makes me smile, because Higby is not the "licker" type. When I am in bed most of the day, most of the time, Higby will stay on the bed with me, but once in awhile he needs to stretch his legs and he goes downstairs to survey the homestead and then returns.  He stands next to the bed and just watches over me as if to ask, "Are you ok?  Can I get you anything?" 

I've had a home health nurse attending me for eight months this past year and whenever the nurse arrived, Higby would let me know with a bit of barking, but then was always happy to see the visitor. Higby lays on the bed with me, while the nurse checks vital signs, changes port needles, and takes blood. Higby is told to keep his distance, of course, and he's very compliant about doing so. The nurse told me that she never allows other patient's dogs to stay in the room during those checks, because dogs can misconstrew what is going on and interpret the treatment as an assault instead of a help. Not Higby. He seems to understand the need and he's quite patient waiting for the visit to ends and he accompanies us down stairs and stays at my side while I tell the nurse good bye. What an amazing dog, our Higby is! We are so blessed to have him.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Wonderful Higby! So glad you have him for comfort and love during this journy in your life. Blessings.

[Lin Tidwell]

Thank you!  Higby has been a truly great friend to walk with me down this path. I appreciate your kind words.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

LIn, Higby sounds like an amazing dog. If you have to go down this path called cancer, it is nice to have a wonderful dog beside you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

[Lin Tidwell]

Thank you SO much.  Yes, I agree that the good Lord knew exactly what I needed to keep me moving and looking forward to a new day. There have been days where I know I would not have even gotten out of bed, had Higby not needed me to let him outside a few times a day. Your prayers are much appreciated. 

[Lin Tidwell]

Thank you.  I have no complaints!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

OMD...that Brinkley is not only handsome, he is a kind, loving dog too. I used to have a Labrador. When I had to have surgery, my husband would have to help me into bed and then put Hershey up there right beside me. She never left my side. They just know!

Hope you feel better soon.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Heather - hope you are feeling better.  Dogs know you are ill by how you smell.  Same way they know who is afraid.  It is truly amazing to us of little nose power, what a dog's nose tells him. 

[Pat and Traveler]

Ahhhhh....that Brinkley sounds like such a special doodle.  So comforting to have the big fuzzy guy right there with you.  My daughter's dog, a mastiff/pit, is usually right with her and her husband, but he doesn't like it when one of them is sick and will avoid the ill person.