Dogs who care for Humans (uprights)!

When my upright is sick, I take care of her.  I snuggle with her and keep her warm.  I lay my head on her chest and listen to the sound of her heart beat.  I press my body against hers when she’s in pain.  My job is not to run around and play and be goofy, but to be her medicine. 
This week, my upright became sick.  She couldn’t eat and her stomach ached.  I became her nurse, thermal heater, and medicine.  It’s true.  When humans become ill, dogs react to the scent in your mouth.  We know before even you do that you’re fighting an infection or illness. 
Scientists have conducted studies and discovered that dogs can sense when their upright has cancer.  Various studies have confirmed that dogs have the ability to detect certain diseases such as cancer through their keen sense of smell. Our noses have the ability to detect chemicals known as volatile organic compounds or VOCs.
My upright doesn’t have cancer, but I was able to detect that she was sick.  I stayed by her side all day and refused to even go for a walk when someone else offered to take me.  Dogs are a kind of medicine.  We make uprights feel better.  We provide comfort, warmth, and even joy.  We understand your needs and often offer our tummy for you to rub.  I firmly believe that petting me provides a type of therapy to my upright.  When she pets me, she begins to feel better. 
And I’m happy to report that after 24 hours of petting and snuggling, she’s feeling much better.  I’m hopeful that tomorrow we’ll go for a run!  Woof!