Dogs know

My English bulldog Britney is amazing. I have had her since she was 7 weeks old and she is now 7 years old. She has always been very close to me and even my husband would acknowledge that she was truly "my" dog but she is much more than that.
When I started having symptoms of the disease and was very sick, she wouldn't leave my side. As my bleeding continued to get worse, she would put her head on my abdomen and whine like she knew something was wrong with me. As things got worse, I would need blood transfusions from time to time and I learned to listen to Britney when it was time for a transfusion because she would whine and whine when my levels were low and as soon as I got the needed blood, the whining would stop. She was never wrong, not even one time.
Although I haven't been bleeding lately, I have been very sick so my Britney is now analyzing my breath and whining when she smells something she doesn't like. I am finding it is corresponding to the times when I am feeling my worst. I wonder what she can be smelling? I find her fascinating and wonder how anyone could discard a dog to a kill shelter. They are such intelligent beings and if you are lucky enough to have a close relationship with one, you can understand how amazing and astute they are.
Anyway, I just felt like sharing that. I think dogs are such a gift!
And-Dogs know!

Hi pmedic,
That's a pretty cool story! I have a rescue dog that I got when she was 7 years old. She's about a 50 lb. mutt, with a lot of breeds (I don't know what kind of dog (s) she is) She's about 10 1/2 now and I think she has developed IBD! The vet can't find anything wrong with her, but once or twice a week, her GI system makes all sorts of noise, she can't eat, and then ends out with D. Then she goes back to normal again. We tried all different kinds of food...doesn't seem to matter. She's a great dog and I always tell her she got the most sympathetic owner on the planet. She also seems to just know when I don't feel well and sticks very close. She had two different owners before I got her from the shelter...she's so sweet and well behaved. I can't imagine why anyone would have wanted to give her up!!!!

Stef- she is such a good girl! My heart!! Whatever it is smells, she knows I am sick and tries her best to tell me!

Gumby, I love that you rescued! The best treasures are the ones someone else discarded! Rescue dogs are the best and know that you saved them from certain death. I am heavily involved with my local English bulldog rescue but we also take in all dogs, not just Bulldogs. My house usually has five dogs but only three are mine, the others are fosters that me and my pack train to trust again. Did your dog always have the IBD symptoms since you got her or do you think she picks up on your disease and has sympathy IBD? I am glad she doesn't have the debilitating disease that some of us are saddled with! Give that baby a big kiss from me!

Jenn- Another fellow bully lover! They really are special! I love that bully hug! Is your bully interested in skateboards? All three of mine are obsessed with them. I have to hide it or mass chaos ensues!

my dogs never did diagnostic work, but they always knew when i felt like crap and would follow me around and comfort me. specially my old black lab/collie mix.

Gumby-she sounds like a very special friend!

Jenn- most bullies seem to love skateboards. My Justin can ride since he was a puppy. I have a youtube video posted for his first attempt.I think I titled it, English bulldog puppy Justin riding a skateboard, or something like that.

Bane- a doggy hug or snuggle is always comforting. Even if they don't make it obvious, they know when we are sick.

Though you are all talking about dogs, I find comfort in my cat. My "Kiki" is 2 years old. She witnessed a lot of my fainting episodes and she tried then to help me out by rotating around me and hitting me w her tail in an attempt to waken me up. Also, she saw me crying out of pain several times and she would smell me as a way to show her sympathy. Though people tend to undermine cats' roles as companions, they are great. Def, dogs help more than cats do. But they are all wonderful creatures.

Habs, yes it can be hard on an animal if they are home alone alot so when the day comes where you have more time, you will know the right time for a pet.

Minnie, cats are great too! They are smart and caring like dogs so I am glad to hear your cat keeps a close eye on you!

Mtgman, your Mollie sounds like my Britney. I think there is always one pet in our lives that is just like finding your soul mate. It sounds like Mollie is that special pet! I love Border Collies bc they are so intelligent and agile. I always enjoy watching them compete in the agility competitions!
I tell my husb

So thankful for all the furry friends who look after us!
Minnie, I love my cat too. He's a two-year-old rescue, and we've had him since he was eight months old. If I'm feeling too bad to move, he's next to me on the couch. If I'm up way too late for school/work, he tells me to go to bed. When I'm tired and stressed he puts on his comedy act to cheer me up. One of my favorite pictures is one my husband snapped after my colonoscopy last year- I'm on the couch sleeping (looking like death, with the IV bandage still on my hand) and my cat is right there with me, with his paw thrown over my chest.

Bane- that was so funny! Thanks for the laugh! I needed it.

Starreyedgyrl- Cats are awesome. They are just as intuitive as dogs.

Caia- aww! Your poor dog was having sympathy vomiting! Your hubby sounds like a great man for taking care of you both. We are very lucky to have pets and spouses that care so much!

Kew- I love that you were able to keep your dog with you in the hospital. Everytime I was in the hospital, I would grieve like crazy, missing my Britney. I know she felt the same. Luckily my hubby would bring her to visit and I would sneak out to the parking lot to see her. Sometimes I would think it was making it harder for her because she would cry when I would go back inside. She is one of the reasons I do my best not to be admitted, no matter how sick I feel. I can't stand being seperated from her.

Minnie I know just what you mean about cats. When I am flaring he will lay next to me on the couch and just lay his head or paw on my stomach. He always knows when I am not feeling well.

Jden you are a wonderful person to take in a 10 yr old cat. Most ppl would not adopt that old. Mine is 19 and I am thankful every day I have with him. He is curled up on my lap as we speak sleeping away!

Jden- I love that you took in a cat that ended up having IBD. You are so right that the cat picked you probably bc she could relate to what you go through. Animals are so much smarter than people give them credit for. I bet a putting kitty on the belly is therapeutic!

Trachte- wow! 19! That is testament to living good at your house! I had a cat growing up that lived to 18 and we thought that was amazing! Thanks for sharing!

I have to tell you that dogs and cats are great sensors. My cats always stay close to me when things are going to get rough and for the long haul. If your dog is that well bonded to you then there is a good chance that you are very intune with your body. Pay attention and get better!

Val