How tuned in are these dogs?

[BG and Gavin]

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...

[Carol and Banjo]

Great post BG.....I can't wait to hear what others may have experienced.     The only thing that comes to mind is whenever we've been out in public and people approach us to pat Banjo, he generally moves into them or sits to be petted - but if a toddler comes anywhere near him he immediately lays down and will stay there until the toddler moves on.        Gavin sounds very "in tune"!

[BG and Gavin]

These examples with Gavin have just arisen in the last few months.  Since he has turned two really.

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

Well, my only experience is when the ex was diagnosed with C Rosey was definitely different and sensed something was going on.  I have read articles that dogs can smell cancer and I believe it...I also read they can take on stress and the disease of ones they love... I think anything is possible.

 

Bandit is not as perceptive... he sleeps thru most of life LOL...

 

Gavin - your a good boy:)

[BG and Gavin]

Sleeping is highly under-rated Suzann.  Gavin does more than his fair share of that too!

[Jennifer and Jack]

I actually have hear that a dog can take on their owners disease from two different vets. I would never in a million years have believed it, however after watching Jack show signs of Addison's disease which I have, and also insanely in tune with me. I would believe anything.

 

I do think our dogs know more then they get credit for.

[Sue, Lola, Pongo & Hubby]

I am, and always was, a firm believer that dogs have that "special sense". They always know when something's going on, even when we don't. I love it.

[BG and Gavin]

Me too Sue!

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Sedona has been amazing with Kayla, our granddaughter.  She just knew, right from the beginning, that she needed to treat this little "creature" gently.  If we're playing ball with Sedona and Kayla's around, Sedona makes extra sure she doesn't run into Kayla, even if it means contorting her body in mid-air to avoid landing on her!

[BG and Gavin]

Ah Sedona, you are a gem!

[Donna K & Quincy]

Quincy is not all that interested in people and for the most part ignores them. On two different occassions he has picked up on the fact that someone needs a little doodle love. The first was with a gentleman who was 99 years old and he went directly to him and laid his head on his knees to be petted. The second occassion was a few days ago when he and DH were out walking and stopped to visit a neighbour. There was a lady there that was blind and Quincy went right to her and sat in front of her so that she could touch and feel him.

He shows me no such kindness when I am sick, if I on the couch with a blanket the little stinker tries to steal the blanket from me.

There is a program on TV on PBS called Dogs Decoded. It is very interesting. I don't know if it available on line I will have to check.

[BG and Gavin]

I will look up that TV program Donna.  I have just cracked open "Inside of a Dog`` a book that was recommended by another member. 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

BG, please let me know what you think of The Inside of a Dog.  I had The Help and The Inside of a Dog in my hands.  I finally got The Help because I felt that I needed a change.  Seems like I am an addict of dogs. NO!

But it is next on my list