Friday, July 14, 2006

What goes through a doggie's mind?

We boarded Sadie at the vet's last Saturday, before heading out here to Colorado.  Every once in a while, I wonder what she is thinking.

After all, when we went looking for a dog, and she chose me, she was in a cage at the shelter.

Does she think I've given her to another shelter?  Does she think she's been abandoned?  Does she assume she'll never see me again?

I know we're not supposed to attribute human feelings and traits to our pets, but I can't help but wonder.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

I wondered the same thing, when I had to leave Lexi with some friends while I stayed at my son's house for the last week and a half.  I missed her so much, and wondered if she missed me too.  She was so excited when I went to pick her up, she couldn't wait to come home and relax in all her favorite places.  So.. left me to wonder......... did she miss me?  Or her home? lol

Glad you and Cliff were able to stay in the motel and wash off all that soot from the train ride.  Bet in a way, you will be glad to get home, eh?

Jackie

Anonymous said...

I think the same about Koda; and then I have to remind myself he's a dog. I would think perhaps Sadie could tell the difference between a shelter and the vet. Bet, though, that she does pout a bit after she gets over her excitement of seeing you. Koda always does. (he's also always very exhausted when we board him; I just don't think they sleep much when they are away from home)

betty

Anonymous said...

I can understand your feelings.  I think them too.  This is still a learning process for her and she'll see you come back when you put her in that place.

I know she'll bounce off the walls.  LOL

Glad you had a good trip.

Anonymous said...

What I wonder is...How will she react when she does see you?  Will she be angry and give you the cold shoulder or will she be overcome with happiness so that she wets herself?    Either way I know she will be thankful for a return to normal life cause life for her is sooooo good with you.

Anonymous said...

I really don't know what our critters think when we leave them, but I do know they are very happy when we return.  She will be one happy dog to see you all!
'On Ya' - ma

Anonymous said...

Dogs have habit patterns. I'm sure is she just waiting for you return! Think about all the incredible animal stories you have heard and then think about Sadie. I'm sure she'll get the message!
Tess

Anonymous said...

How can we not contribute human traits to them? Who says they are only human traits?
Sadie will be very happy to see you!

Anonymous said...

As you well know, I give animals a LOT of credit for human feelings and emotions, but here's my theory.  Dogs, like kids, crave structure and routine.  When they are cared for by someone else, even if it's a great place, they have to wonder why the routine has changed.  I think they are thrilled to see us return because their routine returns.  WE are part of that routine. (and they love us a whole lot! LOL)

Anonymous said...

I would wonder the same thing. I know that when I took care of my in-laws poodle while my FIL was in the hospital. She staied nervous all the time. They do know when things are different
Terrie

Anonymous said...

Whatever was on her mind....bet she forgot it all when you two showed up.....hmmm???  Hugs...Ora

Anonymous said...

When I had my first dog, BooBoo, we had to board him for a week to go on vacation.  I KNOW that he thought he was stuck in a cage and I had abandoned him like his last owner... the excitement in his little body couldn't be contained when we picked him up.  I cried, I tell you....I cried, he cried, we all cried.  Heh...he was glued to me for three days straight...

Nowadays, I just have a friend come and stay at our house with the pets... less stress for them, less stress for me...

~Amy

Anonymous said...

I have been wondering how Sadie has been doing. Bet she will be so proud when you get back home. I do think they have a lot of human feelings. Helen

Anonymous said...

I'll tell you what goes through my pets' minds.  AIR!  I've officially got the dumbest animals in the world.  Oh well.  It's not like I'm setting a great exanple or anything.

Russ

Anonymous said...

I know what you are thinking about Sadie.  I remember when we went to Disney World last year, I was so worried about Tugie.  And the thing is, my Mom told me she was pitiful the first two days without us.  She sat at the edge of the sofa by the door and waited for us to come home.  She relaxed after the first 2 days and began to get in a new routine.  But I don't think she forgot.  The next time I began packing bags for a trip, she got all sad and pouty and followed me around with questioning eyes.  I believe they do have some feelings.  They may be shortlived but they do!!
Sonya

Anonymous said...

She'll be happy to see ya when you get back sure. She likely forgive you being she's already bonded. And, she'll likely tell you all about a lot of things with a "Woof woff wrof ruff." or some such like take. and when you listen and show her she's also been missed, all will be well again. {8^))

Anonymous said...

I often wonder to what dogs are thinking.