• Stamets@lemmy.dbzer0.comOP
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    9 hours ago

    It doesn’t end with their herd, either. They can be highly responsive to their owners. You start showing any signs of tension, they will put themselves between you and whatever is bothering you.

    Well I can’t get one because the fucker would try to wedge itself between my brain and the bottom of my skull

    • cynar@lemmy.world
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      6 hours ago

      That’s a trick many/most breeds of dog can pull off. It’s amazing how well a wet nose, and a slobbery smile shoved in your face can break a bad cycle.

      There’s a reason they are used as emotional support animals so often. They can guard us from ourselves almost as well as this dog did the sheep from coyotes.

      • FordBeeblebrox@lemmy.world
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        44 minutes ago

        My dog is usually a chaos demon but if you’re feeling particularly down she will grab one of her toys and keep pushing it into your hands until you play with her as a distraction. Dogs are incredibly emotionally sensitive and empathetic and sometimes that wet snuffling nose is the only thing that gets me out of bed

      • xylol@leminal.space
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        6 hours ago

        Unless you just gave birth apparently. I guess its common for new mothers to get extremely agitated by their beloved dogs for any noise or sound they make

        • cynar@lemmy.world
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          5 hours ago

          It’s often one way or the other. “Get away from me!”, or “more babies!” Pregnancy hormones do a complete number on the mother. That’s before having a parasite attached to you near 24/7, demanding your attention, day or night!

          Interestingly, her pheromones can do a similar job on any males around her (both human and dog). That was an interesting surprise.