I have never had any of my dogs present when I have had another put to sleep, however, they do seem to be aware of my grief. In April, when I had Ritzy put to sleep (she was almost 14), my young male, Florian did tune in on my grief. The evening after I had Ritzy put to sleep, I lay in bed with Florian in his usual place, across my chest. I had been crying about Ritzy and his front foot was near my hand. I tucked my fingers into the bottom of his big foot and when I did, he squeezed my fingers with his foot. He did it several times.......and has never done it again, or acted as though he wanted my fingers tucked into his feet. I definitely felt as though he was comforting me.
Gail Miller Cynosure Bernese in Arkansas [EMAIL PROTECTED]
