My parents were visiting this week, and my dad has a lot of weakness and mobility issues (stemming from post-polio syndrome and a loss of vision).
Thor, as you have all probably inferred from my posts, is a crazy energetic happy go lucky young lab who often doesn't know his strength. He's not always great at reading people and dogs whilst in an exuberant greeting/playing/petting frenzy. I mitigate this in various ways, but when you have visitors staying for a week it's not always practical to catch every moment of excitement.
So, I was so happy and pleased with him this week when I observed him tempering his exuberance and crazy when he interacted with my dad. He still wanted to play and be a lap dog, but his gentleness and empathy with my dads limited strength made me so proud. When we grilled steaks last night he was extra gentle with the bites my dad fed him. Makes me think that he could be a good therapy dog someday if I could find the time for training.
It's amazing how dogs can sense things like that. Glad things went well
Good boy, Thor!
Great that you could capture those sweet moments.
Thor is a good boy and looks to be able to adjust to the circumstances. I love the picture of him on your Dad's lap.
Ahh good job Thor It's great when you see them "get it".
Ivy
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I don't find it surprising that they know some people, older, very young, sick, are different. But How do they know to change their behaviour around them and why do they? dogs are amazing. Good boy Thor.
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Castilleja's Dubhgall Oban, the Black Stranger of The Little Bay
Oct. 15, 2007 - June 13, 2021
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aww amazing little boy you have there.
Sarah is way to excitable when people come to visit maybe she will settle down some as she gets older.
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Coleman - CGC blk lab 6/02/97-2/25/08 adopted
Tootsie - choc lab 10/19/99-8/03/13 adopted
Bailey - CGC newf/fc 7/12/00-07/15/14 rescued
Ginger - BT 11/16/05 - 10/14/19 rescued
Sarah - blk lab 6/22/06 - 12/30/19 rescued
rescued felines - AJ - 8/00 - 1/11, Merlin - 5/20/05-8/23/21
Tucker - 8/3/10, Penny - 7/7/13, Toby - 6/14/21
Like others have said, I don't find it surprising at all. Labs have an uncanny ability to read the emotions and attitude of the dogs and people they encounter. They tailor their behavior to fit the situation. Great photos with your Dad and I'm sure Thor is loving the attention and the extra snacks It is no wonder that so many therapy and assistance dogs are labs. They know the drill! Well done Thor!
Yeah it is interesting, Hemi was always very gentle with my mom who was in her 80's. Now he always stuck his head between her legs for a butt scratch but other than that he was always gentle to her.
Great photos! It's heartwarming to see your own wild child be so gentle when the situation warrants. And Thor is so helpful, too- helping your Dad finish his yogurt and his dinner, keeping him from sliding off the sofa, making sure he doesn't have a moment to himself to feel lonely. What a lovely boy!
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