I have known that for a good while, especially since owning my own dog, out of home.
Over the last couple of weeks it has been proven 10 times over.
I have been very ill of late, got the full blown flu, fevers, the works.
Was only semi-conscious for 3 days, unable to eat.
So bad infact that at points during the fever, I good not move to get liquids, couldn't even make a phone call for an ambulance.
On this particular day, my other half had left for an 9 hour shift at work.
No one else was home to help, just me and the dog.
For 10 hours straight my dog actually, tended to me.
My pup is a smart lil' girl, very motherly, yet having no pups herself.
I would go from shivering un-controllably (even with full warm cloths on and under blankets)to feeling like my skin was on fire.
For 10 hours straight she watched me, every single time I would start shaking (even when I was un-conscious) she would race over and curl up in a ball to share her heat. Then she would leave, when my temperature raised again, as to not over heat me. None of that was by command, like I said, I was REALLY out of it, barely able to speak.
I can't imagine why she would do that, except that she was trying to help me, as with the completely soaked blankets and matress it would not have been pleasant for her.
When my other half came home, the dog was still counteracting the fever as she had done all day.
Sometimes I think we don't give dogs enough credit.
Without her there, I believe I would have lost alot more fluids, as the situation would have been many times worse.
If any one else has an interesting story about dogs (or any animal for that matter), please feel free to join in.