Dog Scents...

Question
I recently went to my aunt's funeral.  My cousin told me the night they came back from the hospital when she died, her dog "Scotty" was howling & crying throughout the night; she said that her dog smelled the scent that caused him to cry.   Is this true, can dogs smell the scent of their masters after they have died?   I am very curious to know the details about this topic.

Thank you, Jeanie.

Answer
Hi Jeanie,

Yours is indeed the most interesting question I have received since I began volunteering on this site.

There is no doubt in my mind that Scotty not only knew that her owner had died but was likely aware of any pre-existing illness.  My heart breaks hearing of Scotty's sorrow at the passing of her best friend.  They were obviously soulfully connected.

Dogs are amazing creatures.  They can find their way home over thousands of miles, when lost, .  They can locate just about anything in a disaster.  Additionally they can detect an epilectic fit minutes before it triggers, detect cancer, and warn of an impending heart attack etc.  

Scotty was experiencing deep sorrow at the passing of your Aunt.  She knew that your Aunt had died and was mourning her passing.  I hope that someone was able to comfort Scotty and assure her that she would be cared for and loved.  Some dogs never recover from the loss of their beloved owners.  They become depressed and eventually go on to join them.  Other dogs recover and continue to experience a happy life.  I hope that Scotty falls into the latter.

It has long been known that many dogs have a 'sixth sense.'  They 'know' things and communciate in a way that intrigues us and creates a sense of wonder.  Scotty is one of those special dogs that has this capacity.  

I want to thank you for bringing your experience to my attention and sharing it.  It has truly made my day.

Shelley Davis
www.bednbiscuit.com