Dog in cafe today

[Wantedtocry]

I will start by admitting I don’t like dogs. The smell and the jumping up if badly behaved etc etc. try to avoid them if I can.

I’ve been having a bad time lately and on edge generally for many reasons. Went to a cafe to meet a friend even though wasn’t in the mood for socialising . Turns out it was ’dog Friendly’ 😩 but I was there so thought may as well have one coffee then go.

In comes a family with some kind of puppy poodle mix maybe no idea? Jumping around , a child holding the lead so of course dragging the kid round really and parents finding it funny. Jumping at customers etc I was really irritated tbh. They sat quite far away so I forgot about it. As we were talking an elderly man came in and for a split second I thought it was my dad who passed away recently you know when you get that horrible split second thing and then you just feel sad and want to cry? My friend asked was I ok ? I felt tearful and was trying to hold it back when the annoying dog came bounding over literally up to my face dragging a child again and it just stopped and stared at me I was in a mood and said ‘please can you take your dog away ?’ To the child who to be fair said sorry and pulled the lead but the dog then just put its head on my lap and sat there . The parents came over and said sorry and had to pull the dog away but in the moment I really felt like it was trying to comfort me ? Am I being ridiculous? I came home and cried on and of all afternoon because of a dog? I don’t even like dogs . Can they sense things in people they aren’t even close to ?

Firstly, I am sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is.

I lost my Dad during covid lockdown and we couldn't even go to the funeral. My dog was the biggest source of comfort to me at that time; he knew how much I was hurting. They always know when you're ill or tired or sad, they are amazingly perceptive. One of my girls always sensed when I had a migraine and would lie quietly beside me. My biggest boy would sit with his head in my lap if he saw me crying. Their sense of empathy is uncanny.

Honestly, I completely understand that people sometimes find dogs annoying and in-your-face, but I'm glad you have written about your experience and that maybe it has given you a better understanding of why people love their canine companions.

He sensed your sadness and wanted to love on you and comfort you. How beautiful a moment you had, maybe your Dad had a hand in it too who knows. I work with animals and own a few, if I cry my poor dog sits and stares at me as if he understands. Choked up myself now thinking of you and the dog

Same here. They are utterly incredible at tuning into human emotions. I started off not liking the OP, but I now thank her for such a heartwarming story. I own one of the most sensitive breeds out there. If I even well up, she's there, head on my lap, just loving me. Which makes me cry even more!

My dog has been phenomenal in finding the distressed person in a crowd then sitting in front of him/her and gently putting a paw on them while staring in their face. It’s a gesture she never does unless someone needs consoling. It made a close friend of mine burst into tears and confess she’d just been diagnosed with breast cancer (she had wanted to wait before telling us). We were a room full of eight ladies on the floor for yoga and my dog just wove through the mats until she reached her. It was very touching.

Also I have been very sick with pneumonia and she stuck by me the whole time. Years later she still gets super worried if I cough, comes over to check on me. She is soooo gentle with young children though she loves to play rough with the grown ups.

Yes dogs are magic

Me neither. I'm so glad the dog was able to offer a little bit of comfort. Yes, they know.

Dogs so often know. They really do.

I'm glad you felt that connection and am sorry for your loss, @Wantedtocry

Yes dogs sense things

Emotions

They knew you felt sad

Steps sons dog knew I was preg as would just lay head on my stomach and I was few days as Ivf

Another dog never pulls me on a walk as i have a dodgy sore ankle and waits for me when off the lead and walking

Not all dogs are bad as you have found out

Sorry about your dad

This is why dogs are trained as emotional support animals for autistic children. They know when emotions are running high and how to soothe them.

Sorry you’re having a tough time OP. When I lost my cat a few months ago I was feel sad, didn’t want to see anyone so I took myself off for a walk alone, whilst walking a lurcher cam bounding over to me from its owners (who were pretty far away), the dog was so gentle, let me stroke her and then off she went. It made me sob even more. I’m sure the dog sensed my sadness and came over to try and make me feel better. Luckily I love dogs and it meant a lot to me.

Im not always a fan of dog friendly cafes and pubs though.

My friend fainted last week. He dog sat with her in the woods and barked until someone came to help.

You didn’t like her because she doesn't like dogs? Weird