We’ve all had times we feel ordinary, even invisible. We feel no one notices. But we’re wrong. Someone is watching all the time. They love us. They’re obsessed with us. They’ve gathered more data than Google, Facebook, or Amazon combined. Have you guessed who?

Of course…it’s your dog. Your pooch notices everything about you, even quirks you hadn’t noticed about yourself. Here are a few surprising things my pets have picked up on me…

Habits – I used to wonder how my dog Libby knew in the morning when I’m leaving my bedroom for just another cup of tea (and coming right back) or starting my day and leaving for hours. I wondered how she knew the difference between an ordinary run to the kitchen (for which she stayed put) or leaping up and following.

Then I got it.

When I leave for the day, I carry my tote bag full of “necessities” (journal, notebook, calendar, and 8,000 pens). That’s her signal that the “real” day has begun. Mom’s going to the kitchen to sit behind her computer and not coming back. Until then, I could leave the bedroom 10 times and she won’t care, but if that bag’s being carried — its show time. She follows.

Clothing– I used to wonder how my old dog Simon knew it was walk time (which changed, depending on the day). I could enter the kitchen dozens of times. Yet, at walk time, he’d be all smiles and tail wags. He even stood near the drawer where I kept his leash. How did he know?

Then it dawned on me. I had changed into sneakers. My outfit could be exactly the same, but if I wore my black Sketchers…game on. Sneakers meant walking and walking meant fun. Simon paid attention. No wonder he was smiling.

Sounds — Our old dog Ren even knew the unique noise of my car. To human ears, there was nothing unusual in my old Chevy. It wasn’t like my muffler was hanging off. But to Ren’s ears there was something special.

According to reports, he’d sleep in our living room for hours while I was gone. Cars would drive by all day. But then Ren would jump up, look out the window, and wag his tail. Sure enough, moments later my car appeared, turning into our driveway. Did my brakes squeak? Did the transmission have a funny whine? Only Ren knew and he never told.

Routine – Lately, my dog Libby’s been doing something funny. Sometimes at night, if I’m running late on household chores, she’ll come and bark at me. It’s a different kind of bark, almost “talking” like she’s trying to form words. I feel like I’m getting a lecture. I finally figured out what she wants.

She wants me to go clean the kitchen. Then she can perform her most favorite task in the world — licking the used silverware and plates in our open dishwasher.

Like all dogs, Libby’s got the household schedule down. She even feels she must keep me on track throughout the day… especially if dirty dishes are involved.

Destinations (near and far) –If I leave through the front or back doors, Libby hardly pays attention. But if I leave by the door near Randy’s office, that means I’m going into the garage. And that means I’ll be gone a long time…maybe hours! Libby stands there, looking sad.

According to Randy, she’ll then run to his office, climb on his daybed by the window and watch as I back out the garage. She’ll sometimes wait hours till she sees the car pull back in.

And God forbid, if I’m leaving and pulling those strange boxes on wheels (known as suitcases) the whimpering starts for real. Libby knows this means I’ll be gone a long time.

We’d probably faint if we knew what our pets pick up on. Smell, touch, and facial expression give us away in thousands of ways. Maybe they can’t speak our language, but they understand.

Simon and Ren are long gone, and maybe that’s part of the sorrow when these animals pass. It’s hard going from being the constant, daily light of someone’s life to, well… not being the constant, daily light of someone’s life. With canines, we get used to being adored, loved and yes…really seen.

That’s why I laugh when I hear the term “dumb animal.” You think your pet doesn’t know everything about you? Trust me.

Google, Facebook, and Amazon would be amazed.

Has your pet astounded you with their insight? Comments are always welcome and if you like, please share. Thank you.

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