Dog Training & Behavior

I've been taking Missy to the nursing home where I work for several months now, to visit the older folks, and do whatever they need.  Some like to play fetch with her, others just need some lovin.  And Missy seems to have a 6th sense about what each person needs, and just how frail each person is, and responds accordingly.

Yesterday my son (25 y/o) stopped by when I was home for lunch.  He's going through an incredibly difficult time right now, and his emotions are frazzled, he's incredibly sad, and I see signs of depression starting.  Didn't take long and Missy was rubbing against his legs, giving him doggie kisses on his hands, and just gently invading his space.  He looked at her and said "what do YOU want?  Everyone WANTS something!"  I told him she was doing her therapy dog thing, that's the body language she has when she thinks someone needs some loving.  He half smiled and invited her on his lap, and she promptly settled down with her head on his chest, and just sat there as he petted her.  I could see him relaxing as he was holding Missy... and before long, she jumped off his lap and trotted off.  His response?  "How does she DO that??" LOL I don't know, but that ability to make people feel better is exactly why I've been working with her to get her therapy dog certification.  She's incredibly good at sensing moods of the people around her.

That is so fabulous!!  Most dogs just "know"....

I remember when I was much younger I had a very bad break up with my boyfriend.  I became really sick over it, and was home for weeks recovering.  The dog we had at the time, a lab/mix, Lady, used to come to me every day and would sit quietly near my chair.  Just petting her and hugging her made me feel better.

Dogs are awsome...as we all know.....