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Your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog(s) of the Day:
Sadi!
Happy 6th Birthday, Sadi!
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Meme of the day: It’s true!
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Do They Really Know? The Heartwarming Truth About Why Your Dog Reacts to Your Tears
We’ve all been there. You’re having "one of those days," the kind that ends with you slumped on the sofa, finally letting a few tears fall. Before the first tissue is even out of the box, a cold nose nudges your hand, or a heavy chin settles onto your knee.
It feels like a moment of pure, cinematic empathy. But is your dog actually worried about your soul, or are they just wondering why your face is leaking?
The Science of "Canine Compassion"
For years, skeptics argued that dogs were simply reacting to our strange noises. However, recent studies in animal behavior suggest something much deeper. Dogs are masters of emotional contagion.
Mirroring Emotions: Research shows that dogs don’t just observe our stress; they feel it. When a human cries, a dog’s cortisol (stress hormone) levels often rise in sync.
The "Cry" vs. The "Hum": In a famous study at Goldsmiths College, dogs were exposed to people crying, humming, and talking. The dogs overwhelmingly approached the person crying, regardless of whether it was their owner or a total stranger. This suggests they aren't just looking for attention—they’re responding to distress.
Why Do They "Check In"?
If your dog licks your face when you’re upset, they aren't just trying to taste the salt in your tears (though, let’s be honest, that’s a nice bonus for them).
Appeasement Gestures: In the wild, licking and gentle nudging are ways to soothe a pack member and maintain harmony.
A History of Connection: We have spent roughly 30,000 years evolving alongside dogs. We’ve bred them specifically to be sensitive to our vocal tones, facial expressions, and even our scent. When you cry, your body chemistry actually shifts, and your dog’s incredible nose picks up on that change instantly.
Do All Dogs React the Same?
Just like humans, every dog has a different "bedside manner."
The Reaction | What it Likely Means |
The Licker | They are trying to "groom" you back to health and offer physical comfort. |
The Leaner | They are offering their presence as a grounding force. |
The Toy-Bringer | They see you're sad and are offering their most prized possession to cheer you up. |
The Worried Observer | Some dogs get anxious when we cry and might pace or whine; they care, but they aren't sure how to fix it! |
The Verdict: Yes, They Care
While dogs might not understand the reason you’re upset—whether it’s a breakup or a particularly moving insurance commercial—they absolutely understand that you are in a vulnerable state. They don’t judge your messy hair or your sobbing; they simply show up.
In a world that can often feel loud and complicated, there is something profoundly healing about a friend who doesn't need words to tell you, "I’m here, and you aren't alone."
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Dog Food and Supplement Recalls
Here are the recent recalls and advisories:
Bonnihill Farms (Fromm Family Foods) - BeefiBowls Beef Recipe gently cooked frozen dog food, 16 oz. chubs for potential plastic contamination
Foodynamics - Freeze Dried Pet Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Nature’s Own - Pet Chews Bully Bites Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Family Photo of the Day:
Wee Wee!
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We want to feature your pup!
We want to share your pup with our pack. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.
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Meme of the day - Instagram: @tankthebrownlab
