Posted by Margi (207.148.138.213) on November 02, 1999 at 11:15:09:
In Reply to: Mans best friend - - - - A Cluster Eye Dog. posted by Carl D on November 02, 1999 at 02:47:08:
Carl brings up some good points here. Attacking the attack early is sure the key for Mike to resolve it.
We have always had dogs and Chelsea (our Rottweiller, Carl - sorry Kip)was amazing. She could tell when Mike was going into attack very early on and would depart for her "headache hideaways". We would be sitting quietly and all of a sudden, Chelsea would get up from a sound sleep, look at Mike and then leave. I would look at Mike at this point and he would tell me that a headache was on it's way. Oh, if we had only known about oxygen in those days!!
Our new "son", Barly, (a Chesapeake Bay Retriever) is very different from Chelsea in that he tries to stay with Mike and help him through his pain. I think he feels if Dad pats him enough, he can somehow absorb the pain for him. He gets very sad when Mike is being attacked.
Kip used to have a cat that would hide under the table and try to catch Kips' ankles when he would be pacing around the room. Distraction tactic, maybe?
I have a friend who is epileptic and his little guy, Sherlock, can get him out of harm's way before a seizure fully hits him.
Animals truly are amazing and have a highly developed sixth sense I believe.
So, in answer to your question, yes - a "cluster eye dog" could probably sense your attacks earlier than you could and maybe taking a preventative earlier could reduce the severity.
(notice I said "maybe" and "could" a lot in that sentence).
If nothing else, they are wonderful companions and great little supporters.
WWW
Margi