Dogs and empathy

[Spidey66]

So Friday night I tripped over a step and broke my arm. This unfortunately is the second time since 2021, the last time was near the right shoulder and needed surgery. This time its further down the humerus on the left arm. Obviously its painful but not as bad, it's in a cast this time and hopefully I won't need surgery.

Both times though Maggie (4 years old border collie) seems to KNOW I'm in pain. She's normally a bit over enthusiastic with her cuddles but is being calmer. At times she's sat next to me and given her paw as if to say "you'll be fine Mum."

I know of dogs recognising illness through smells but surely a broken bone doesn't smell. Is she recognising from my facial expressions etc that I'm in pain?

I've got a huge cast on which obviously she's noticed but doesn't know what for. She's seen me grimacing in pain a few times. I've been sleeping odd hours (it's disturbed by pain and I'm on heavy duty painkillers and also taking Piriton as the cast is itching so sedating.) She's come and climbed on the bed with me a few times. Normally she slobbers all over me but she's just lying down next to me. Imthink she wants to keep me company.

Bless her. I love that dog so, so much. Even if I can't walk her at the moment.

Our old dog is the best nursemaid. Dc are ASD and she can pick up on their moods plonking herself on their knees when they are anxious, acting the fool when they are sad. She is such a joy.

My Jack Russell, who was a handful at the best of times, lay quietly beside DH when he was ill. Amazing empathy.

They definitely know. Whether it's from obvious things or subtly different ways of holding yourself.

Sometimes I think they know and understand us better than we do ourselves. I've often found that someone who hates/is disliked by dogs for no apparent reason (I'm not including allergies or a genuine fear) is generally a wrong 'un in one way or another.

I'm really sorry you broke your arm. I hope you will be feeling lots better very soon. And hugs and wags to lovely Maggie. x

Dogs are amazing, I can’t get over their total loyalty and unconditional love

When I had covid mine wouldn’t leave me at all, just lay quietly next to me and had to be practically dragged out for a walk by DH - he was only a year old and is a springer so to not want a walk is unheard of!!

Even our grumpy old cat knows too, if the kids are ever poorly she sits on them day and night. When the dog had surgery she even lay next to him and normally she hates him 😂