Is it just me or do others out there think that dogs are more "human" than we think?

Question

By human I mean can they think, feel and remember things like we do. I have a shitzu puppy who is 3 months & 4 days old today. A few weeks ago my grandson who is 4 years old stayed the night with us. Although none of it was intentional he was a little hard on Carrie. He hugged her a little to hard, picked her up a little to rough, he almost dropped her once plus just his actions as a 4 year old boy scared her as well. He'd squeal real loud, clapping his hands when he was around her from pure excitement.

He came to spend the night again on Tues. Carrie had been up on the bed with me, I'm doing chemo and wasn't feeling very good, in fact when he got here I was in the bathroom getting sick. The next thing I hear is her crying at the top of her lungs, running trying to get behind a pillow or something. He hadn't even touched her, just walked in the room. Could it be that she actually remembered him from his previous visit and she was scared of him or am I losing it...lol

I've been sick for quite awhile now and have been on some pretty heavy pain medicine but even my husband saw her reaction and it baffled him also.

I've always felt they understood more than most give them credit for. For instance, her mother Chloe seems to know when I'm having a good day or a bad day in my treatment. On the bad days she curls up next to me and lays there moving only to get something to eat, drink or take a bathroom break then it's right back to my side.

I guess what I'm asking is am I losing my mind due to all the meds, chemo, and radiation that is constantly being put through my system or is the closeness I feel to Chloe and now to Carrie the real thing? It took a few hours but eventually Carrie warmed up to Keegan and this visit went far better than his last...I hope someone can shed a little light on this for me...dying is bad enough but going nuts for whatever time I have left would really suck...lol

Thanx in advance for taking the time to share some words of wisdom on this subject...

Answer 1

First, let me say I am in sympathy for the pain and such you have to go through at this time. I will say a pray for you tonight that God's grace and mercy will see you through

Domestic animals who are around humans a lot do remember. They also show love and caring just like us.

I owned a cat for over 19 years, she would sit and stare at me sometimes as if she wanted to communicate with me. I knew deep down that she was telling me something.
She also remembered my nephew who was a little brat who bothered her a lot. Whenever he came over she hid beneath the bed.

Actually, I believe they were once humans.

I'm glad that Chloe stays next to you for comfort. I think they do know you're in pain and that's their way of showing kindness.

Again I wish you well and sincerely pray that you recover.

Answer 2

Of course she remembers him! Pets are really human in a lot of things they do. Actually, in many ways they are better than humans. They are genuine...if they like you they show it, if they don't they just stay away.

I am happy to hear that you have your puppy to help you through your treatment. As she gets older, you will find that she is a great comfort to you on the days you are not feeling so great. If I am sick or upset, my cat will not leave my side and she will try and kiss me to make me feel better.

Best wishes on your treatment and God bless!

Answer 3

No you are not losing it, and you are right dogs are far more intelligent than we give them credit for. They pick up on our emotions way before another human would, they know who is bad and then can sense danger and remember who has hurt them. I have a Lab that loves all kids except for my older nephew that is a little too rough with him. He will go crazy whenever anyone comes over but if it is someone elderly or sick he is extremely quite and gentle with them. He responds to everything I say to him, he knows my routines by heart, and knows over 100 different commands. Trust me your dog knows to be leary of your grandson just from experience. Wether we want to accept it or not our dogs have us pretty well trained and it is not by accident they are extremely intelligent and responsive to us more than we know. Sorry to hear of your illness I hope you recover fully. My brother suffered from a rare cancer and his dog was his greatest comfort and support.

Answer 4

Just remember the saying...."Unconditional Love!" My wife has gone through hours and hours of search and rescue training when they are not looking for lost people. She says that the real training was for her. The dog already knows what it's doing. She had to learn how to read a dogs signals. Dogs, aren't they one of the nicer creatures on this old planet? G

Answer 5

I don't think you're losing your mind, and I believe it's quite possible that the pup remembered. Often dog's aren't given the credit they deserve :-)

Sorry that you're having to go through such a rough time of things yourself. I hope you feel better soon.

Answer 6

I do beleive they can remember things like humans. My mom has a pomeranian that was abused before she got him and he is very protective of her. He doesnt like yelling or anything with hitting i think he remembers what happened to him and gets scared in those instances. Good luck with Carrie.

Answer 7

I agree with you, I've said this so many times! they only need to talk to be human!! I'm sure she remembered your grandson, she might know he is just a baby 'cause she didn't try to harm him, good luck to you with your puppy and your chemo.

Answer 8

Dogs have a lot more than we as a "higher" species give them credit. They most certainly can think, feel love, hurt, pain, and happiness. It's so evident in their eyes. I'm probably crazy but dogs have to have souls as far as I'm concerned.
I love them.... :-)

Answer 9

I do not think my dogs are human at all, it is just you. Of course they can think and remember how else would we be able to train them.

Answer 10

ya i think they are....i have a 6 year old rottreiler and he does the same things