Real Stories From Dog Owners: Can Dogs Sense When People Need Them?

Sadie was There for Me

When I was recovering from a double-mastectomy in 2002, my beautiful Doberman, Sadie, never left my side. She had an uncanny way of knowing when I was in pain and would make it very clear to the people caring for me at home that they had better take care of me. Sadie showed no interest in her usual activities until I was feeling better. Sadie, who LOVED to eat, had to be forced to eat during that time, as she did not want to leave the room I was in. Even though many caring people helped me through my journey, Sadie was the one I could always count on to be there. She would offer me comfort simply by her gaze. Sadie passed away in August of 2007 at the age of 14 1/2. Although I'm happy that she's pain-free and romping like a puppy again at the Bridge, my heart still aches for her.

I think she still knows when I need her, as happy memories of her appear in my mind when I could really use it! She will forever be my "once in a lifetime" dog.

My Dog Would Ease My Pain

I have Crohn's Disease and I used to suffer from extreme abdominal pain. (I am in remission.) When I was in pain my Dalmatian would lay next to me, curled up next to my belly, easing my pain like a heating pad. Otherwise she would sleep at the foot of the bed near my feet, under the blankets. I had her for 11 years and 1 day and had to put her sleep on November 15th, 2007 because she had congestive heart failure, she was 14 years old. I miss her terribly, as all animal lovers do when they loose they pets.

Hyper (My Dalmatian was named Hyper but we called her Bunny, a story for another day.) Lived with 3 cats and didn't have a problem with that. She also would smile when asked to or when she saw someone she loved. She loved to swim. She had to be touching a human whenever possible. I had to buy a chair and a half because she kept trying to sit with me in my Canadian Rocker and didn't fit. So we bought the "Mommy Doggy chair".

I do believe that animals can sense when you need them. I had a cat that we called " the feel good kitty" because if any family member was not felling good she was right next to them and purring.

I also had a horse that could sense the ability of the rider. If my husband or I got him he was roaring to go. If I put my 2-year-old son in the saddle and dropped the reigns he would walk very slowly, keeping pace with me.

Bill Skoglund