Dogs can be trained to do amazing things. I am sure you are all aware of that, but it is funny how some things just come naturally.

I know a family who have a rescue shepherd mix. Beautiful dog. I was scared to death of her at first, I am with all dogs. She and I are best buds now when I visit, 😁.

When they had their first baby, this dog became this child's "mother". We noticed that she would make rounds around the house, like in patrol, go into the room she finds the child in and just look around, go to the girl and watch, when the girl got older she would pet her at that point, and then the dog would go back to her bed, or wherever she was resting. About an hour later, she would do another patrol walk. If the child was crying, the dog would get her mother or father, even though they were in their way.

When they had the second child, same thing. She is soooo tender with the children. They are much older now, as is their dog, but she still does the same thing. When they would be sick, she would be right there with them. 

The dog was never trained to do this. The kiddos were each taught how to pet the dog gently, not grab the fur, how to behave with the dog, etc. It is beautiful. The older child now has taken on taking care of the dog, and pays a lot of attention to her. The other child is getting to that age.The dog is like a mother to them. Even their mother says that. Never has been any issue between the dog or anyone.

When we visit, the dog always comes up and welcomes me. She also remembers us, even though we visit rarely, it is a distance to het there. The first time we visited after they got the dog, I wanted to go home. She hadn't associated us as being friends yet. Every move set her off, owners were always right there. She was not going to attack, just a lot of barking, not even aggressive barking, but my experience growing up would not let me believe that. I am so glad I stayed. The next visit, we were all good and she would come to me for petting, too. Just a lovely dog. This is the only dog I trust, even though I truly believe most dogs are loving. I just have a problem accepting that when I see them. At my age, it will not change.

I am not a pet person, and this is the only dog that I am not afraid of. Too many bad experiences growing up walking to school, local grocer, aunt's house. Too many untrained, unleashed dogs, unfriendly dogs. 

🐭