DOGS TO THE RESCUE
- Laney Wilks
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
I’ve always heard how dogs can sense what you’re feeling, and I’ve experienced that many times—whether I’m sad or whether they know they’re in trouble. They definitely understand what’s going on in my mind. But recently, I experienced something different. This time, it wasn’t just emotional—it was physical. I have a leg injury that left me pretty incapacitated, and it has been fascinating to see how my dogs reacted. I’m excited to share this with you.
How Do Dogs Sense Stress and Pain?
It turns out, dogs aren’t just guessing when they sense something’s off with us—they’re actually picking up on real signals. One of the biggest clues? Smell. Dogs have an insanely powerful sense of smell—tens of thousands of times more sensitive than ours. When we’re stressed or in pain, our bodies release hormones like cortisol, and those subtle changes are easy for them to detect.
They also watch us closely. Dogs read body language and tone of voice better than we often realize. If your posture changes, your energy shifts, or your voice softens, your dog notices. Studies have even shown that dogs can recognize human facial expressions and match them to emotions.
One experiment found that dogs responded to crying by offering comfort—not just to their owners, but even to strangers. That tells you just how tuned-in they really are.
Dogs Feel It All—And They Step Up When It Matters Most
When I got hurt, my dogs ran to me. They weren’t playful or excited—they were concerned. They sniffed me and circled me, like they were checking on what was wrong. It was the first time they’d seen me seriously injured, and their reaction was pure instinct.
After I returned home from with leg brace, crutches in tow—things shifted again. I brought Carly, our poodle, into my room, and something amazing happened. She took on this silent, steady role. She stayed with me constantly. If we took her out to eat or go to the bathroom, she came right back, jumping onto the bed and lying down by my side like she was on duty. She didn’t want to leave. Her sense of loyalty and care was honestly astonishing.
The Caretaker Instinct—Why Some Breeds Just Know
Carly’s behavior wasn’t something we taught her. I believe it comes from the strong instincts in her breed. Poodles are so smart—they’re are emotionally intelligent. They seem to sense the mood in the room and know exactly how to respond.
Combine that with the traits of an Australian Shepherd—alertness, protection, herding, and a natural caretaker vibe—and you get something special. Aussie Doodles have all of that. They want to be involved, they want to help, and most of all, they want to love.
That’s why I truly believe the Aussie Doodle breed is one of the best companions you could ask for. They play, they exercise, they love deeply, and they stay loyal no matter what. They fulfill every role—friend, protector, nurse, and true companion. I’ve never known a breed quite like them.
Deepening the Bond
If there’s one thing this experience reminded me, it’s that dogs are always paying attention. They’re connected to us in a way that doesn’t need words. When we’re hurt—physically or emotionally—they show up.
Want to strengthen that bond? Just be present. Spend time with your dog. Talk to them. Let them sit with you. Share your day and your space with them. The more connected you are in everyday life, the more they’ll be in tune when it matters most.
And if you have an Fine and Dandy AussieDoodle, you already know—you don’t just have a pet. You’ve got a partner.
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