Whimpers at food?

Question
QUESTION: We have a 4yr old Pom, named Tod, who has us baffled with his eating habits. Sometimes when he eats he will prod around in his dish, step away from it, do a half circle to the other side of the dish, prod, then whimper, cirlcle the dish, prod, etc. I will look in his dish and there is nothing there but his food(thinking a bug or something funny)!! Could tell me why he does this please? As funny as it is to watch - I feel bad that he is obviously upset at something!

ANSWER: Have you tried to change bowls and food? Does he do the same behavior when it is a different food in a different bowl?  How long have you had this dog, and do you know anything about his past?  Does he have other pets around (or has he) that he worries about?  Please give me as much detail as possible and repost. I have some ideas, but would like to confirm some details at first. Thank you. Regards, Susan

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have had Tod for three years, we have a family cat who isn't bothered with his food, every dish he does this to(circles, whimpers, prods) and it is with every kind of food! We know very little about him, as we rescued him from an emergency vet clinic(broken legs & un-loved by prev. owner). Tod also continuously takes his food away from his dish to eat, again, tried changing food and dishes, but still persists! Tod is a very gentle pom with a big heart! If we take the cat to the vet he cries/whimpers until she comes back as if to say "hey, where's by best friend going?"! Hope this helps you - help me - help my four legged kid! Thank you so much for all your time.

Answer
Hi Benita, How about putting his food on a plastic placemat on the floor?  Or feed him his dog food by hand when you are eating your people food? Poms are nervous little dogs. So use very gentle techniques with Tod. Put the kitty food bowl next to his placemat so he eats with her. When he eats give him lots of praise.  Ask the adoption agency how he did eating there as well.  Keep me posted. Regards, Susan