Do Our Dogs Really Understand Us?

The Emotional World of Cooper & Murphy

Since moving our little family from the fast-paced streets of LA to the wide-open desert of Rancho Mirage, life has changed in so many ways. We’re loving the peacefulness, the safety of our gated and guarded community, and, of course, the joy that comes with having more space for the dogs to roam. But there’s one thing Cooper and Murphy haven’t quite adjusted to—one of us being gone part of the week.

Three days a week, my partner still commutes back to Los Angeles for work, and let me tell you, the dogs hate it. Every Monday when the suitcases come out, you can see the shift in their demeanor. Their tails drop, their eyes get sad, and suddenly, they turn into the most dramatic little mopers you’ve ever seen. They’ll lie around all day, barely lifting their heads. It’s as if the whole balance of the universe has been thrown off because their pack isn’t together.

I try my best to keep things normal—extra playtime, walks, and treats—but let’s face it, Cooper and Murphy are smart. They know when something’s not right. It’s as if they can feel the emotional weight of the separation, like little furry philosophers pondering the meaning of life while waiting for the pack to reunite.

The Monday Blues: Dogs Have Feelings Too

I’ve always believed that dogs are more in tune with us than we give them credit for. And watching Cooper and Murphy navigate the weekly absences only reinforces that belief. Every Monday morning, they watch the bags with sorrowful eyes, as if they’re fully aware that the next few days won’t feel quite right. It’s not just a routine to them—it’s an emotional experience.

There’s no running to the door to chase lizards, no spirited rounds of tug-of-war. It’s as if their little doggy hearts are heavy with the absence of a pack member, and all they can do is wait. They’re sad, plain and simple. It’s like living with two furry versions of Eeyore, patiently waiting for the world to go back to normal.

The Thursday Reunion: They Know What I’m Saying!

But then comes Thursday. Oh, Thursday! The day the universe rights itself, and their spirits soar again. And here’s the part that truly blows my mind: they know when it’s almost time for the pack to be whole again.

Every Thursday afternoon, when my partner is about 30 minutes away, I give them the heads-up: “Daddy’s coming home soon!” And just like that, the energy in the house shifts. They spring up from their beds, tails wagging, running to the front door with wide, excited eyes. Cooper gives me that look, the one that says, “I know exactly what you’re talking about,” while Murphy does her signature twirls, as if she’s practicing her happy dance for when the door finally opens.

It’s amazing how they understand. It’s not just the words; it’s the energy, the tone, the bond. Dogs might not understand every word we say, but they sure get the meaning behind them. And the connection? That’s what transcends any language.

Emotions Run Deep: The Bond We Share

Some people might say that dogs don’t have the capacity to feel emotions the way we do, but I beg to differ. Every Monday, Cooper and Murphy show me their sadness, and every Thursday, they show me pure, unfiltered joy. They miss their person. They long for the pack to be together again. And when that happens, their world is complete once more.

It’s not just about routines or schedules—it’s about the deep emotional connection they have with us. They feel it all: the joy, the excitement, the sadness, and the longing. And the fact that they know exactly when everything’s about to be okay again? That’s nothing short of incredible.

The Magic of Our Bond

So, do our dogs really understand us? Absolutely. It’s not just about knowing commands or recognizing words. It’s about the unspoken connection that exists between us—the emotional intelligence they have, the way they pick up on our moods and feelings, and how they make sense of the world around them.

For Cooper and Murphy, being together as a pack is everything. And for us? Watching them process all these emotions makes us realize just how deep that bond truly goes. They might not speak our language, but they sure understand it. And isn’t that what love is all about? Give a like if you agree.

Share Your Story!

We know we’re not alone in experiencing the incredible bond between pets and their humans. How about you? Do your pets seem to understand you on a deeper level? Whether it’s the way they know when you’re feeling down, or the excitement they show when a loved one comes home, we’d love to hear your stories! Share your experiences with your pet’s emotional intelligence and how they communicate with you. Let’s celebrate the special connection we all share with our furry family members—because at the end of the day, they truly are part of the family.