Windermere Dog Sitting

Canine empathy is often considered to be very real, especially amongst owners. As dog owners we feel it, see it and whatsmore, it’s consistent. Yet still, there seems to be much debate about its existence. As Stanley Coren states – “The scepticism you might get from psychologists or behavioural biologists does not have to do with the question of whether dogs have emotions or even whether dogs can read human emotions and attach them to things or situations; rather the issue is which emotions dogs possess and whether a fairly complex emotional response, such as empathy, is one that dogs actually experience”.

Regardless, Amber shows me every day just how empathetic she is. Not just with me but when we’re taking care of other dogs. Pictured above is Mara, a very sweet miniature Jack Russell. She was missing her mummy very much and wanted to wait by the door for her. Amber, who would have loved Mara to come back to the play area, just chose to sit with her until she was ready to re-engage with us. That one really tugged on my heartstrings!

Amber created a special bond with Luna, the black Beagle-Lab pictured above who had a very different temperament. Luna is 10 months old and just wants to play ALL the time and play rough. Amber doesn’t like rough play but she did allow Luna a little of this, until I had to separate them! They were especially good on the duo leash together though which I highly recommend to avoid getting all tangled up https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mighty-Paw-Adjustable-Premium-No-Tangle/dp/B08J47VT3W

And then there was Isla the very sweet Border Collie who came into our house with very high energy and laser-focus on fetching the ball. We only had her for an hour, in which time we played with the ball on repeat. Amber loves this game but she knew she wouldn’t have a chance to get it. Isla was just so fast and so skilled at jumping up and catching it in the air, then diligently coming back to me and placing it in my hand. Amber chose to nibble on her Yak instead and just watch the show.

I feel very lucky that Amber is so adaptable, understanding and clearly, with displays of empathy in many situations. When I’m happy and excited she jumps and spins around, mirroring my emotion. When I cry, she licks my tears and cuddles up to me for comfort. She makes my dog sitting business even more enjoyable by being a perfect little companion to whoever comes our way.