Are dogs telepathic?

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by Vicki Brown

Created on: February 08, 2007 Last Updated: October 18, 2009

I'm not sure that telepathic is the right word. I think dogs are very intuitive especially with the people to whom they have bonded. I have two dogs and the bond between us is very strong. I have a chronic illness which means I have good days and bad days. My dogs know when I'm having a bad day almost before I do.

For example, my balance is one thing that is very unpredictable. Sometimes it's obvious to me from the moment I get up. Other days I feel fine. But, my Golden retriever, Emma, knows. If I go outside with the dogs and Emma stays by my side, it means I'm having an off-balance day. She's there to pick me up if I fall, for me to use as a cane to steady myself, and just to let me know to be careful and that she's there if I need her.

I discovered this ability of Emma's on a day that I knew my balance was bad. I was working in a small garden that's fenced in with a short picket fence. I just wanted to do a bit of weeding. As I bent over to pluck a weed, I kept going and ended up in a heap. I don't have the strength to stand up without help. I was getting panicky because no one was home. I called Emma over thinking that maybe I could hold on to her ruff and get myself up. She came right over (she always comes when called, there might be some lovin' to be had) and stood still as I reached for her fur. When I grabbed it, she began to back away. I started to tell her to come back but then I was amazed to realize that she was backing up very slowly so she could pull me up!

In an instant she went from big, goofy, clueless dog, to focused helper. And just as quickly she went back to big goofy Emma. But, she's not my only wonder dog.

I also have a Westie named Bugsy. Westies are small terriers who think they are at least as big and fearsome as a Rottweiler! Bugsy knows where I hurt. When I'm in bed or on the chair in the living room, he will ever so gently lay against where I'm hurting. Be it one of my legs, hips, or my back, he provides the gentle warmth of his body to ease the pain. Amazing. I've seen him look at me, head tilted, ears drooping, eyes filled with love and I know he's telling me how sorry he is that I'm ill.

When I cry, both of my dogs will lick my face. All dogs do that, right. But, Bugsy is the only dog I've ever known who licks my face when someone on TV is crying! Emma once gently licked the side of my face where I had a migraine. My migraine disappeared. Emma's gentle licks were more effective than any pill or hot pack.