Can Dogs Feel When You're Sad? Bobo Explains
Bobo & Mommy ·
You've had one of those days. You haven't said a word about it. And yet, somehow, your dog is already pressed against you, looking up like they understand the whole thing.
They might. We asked Bobo what he'd want to say on a day like that.
Bobo's answer
Hey Bobo, when Mommy feels sad, what would you like to tell her? Um... I would tell her I know.
You know? I can feel it. Every emotion. Even when she's quiet. Sometimes words are too big. So I just sit close.
But if you could say something? I would tell Mommy: you are beautiful. Inside and outside. Even when your heart feels tired. You're my sunshine. But sometimes sunshine gets quiet.
And what do you do then? I become her little furry bandage. I sit on her feet. I look at her with my eyes. So she remembers she is loved. Very loved. Mommy... I love you to the sun and back.
We are not crying. You're crying.
So can dogs really sense sadness?
Bobo's instinct is backed up by what we know about dogs:
- They read your body, not your words. Dogs are experts at our posture, movement, and facial expressions. A slumped shoulder or a quiet voice speaks volumes to them.
- They can smell a mood shift. Our scent changes with our emotions, and a dog's nose picks up cues we don't even know we're giving.
- They feel with us. Studies suggest dogs show real empathy: when their person is upset, many dogs grow calmer and move closer to comfort them.
So when your dog plants themselves on your feet during a hard moment, that's not a coincidence. That's them choosing you.
Watch Bobo's full interview
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Love, Bobo & Mommy 💛