Having owned a dog myself, I’ve never experienced a moment where my pup had to shield me from danger.
It wasn’t that he lacked courage, but those situations simply never arose. I never needed him to step into a protective role.
Still, I imagine it would be unforgettable. Some dogs are naturally more alert and intuitive, doing whatever it takes to keep their humans safe.
One dog owner knows that feeling well. Her pup, Shona, was always affectionate and stayed close, even when there seemed to be no reason. And that’s exactly the story we’re about to explore.
Shona Senses Something Amber Can’t
Amber Palmer decided to explore a new hiking trail deep in the Washington woods, bringing her dog Shona along for the journey.
They packed up and drove to the trailhead, ready for adventure. But as they prepared to get out of the car, Shona’s behavior changed.
She began growling from inside the vehicle, clearly trying to warn Amber. Yet when Amber looked around, she saw nothing out of the ordinary.
Confused by Shona’s reaction, Amber tried to calm her, but the dog remained tense, growling at something Amber couldn’t identify.
Amber chose to trust her dog’s instincts and changed their plans, opting for a different trail.
This wasn’t the first time Shona had shown such keen awareness. Amber had noticed her pointing out distant animals before, despite never being trained for it.
Once, while Amber was using her cardio machine, Shona became frantic.
She didn’t understand what the machine was and assumed it posed a threat to Amber. In her mind, that strange device was dangerous to the person she loved.
A Dog’s Instincts Spark Online Reactions
Amber, surprised by Shona’s reaction in the woods, posted the experience on TikTok to see what others thought.
Responses poured in, with many sharing similar stories and insights.
One person commented: “My uncle had a dog that never barked or growled. Until one day, dog wouldn’t get out of the truck and was growling like crazy. Mountain lion came running by. They know when something is up.”
It’s entirely possible Shona sensed something Amber couldn’t. Trusting her instincts was the right call.
Another person said: “Ridgebacks were bred to hunt lions originally. Definitely listen to her. She isn’t playing around.”
That was news to Amber, but clearly, Shona’s senses were sharp, and whatever she detected was serious enough to keep her from leaving the car.
Lastly, somebody commented: “It’s something I’d take especially seriously if it’s out of character for your dog. They have senses well beyond ours.. they know and notice so much.”
It leaves you wondering what might have been lurking in the woods that unsettled Shona so deeply. We’ll probably never know, but a mountain lion seems like a plausible theory.
Amber’s experience serves as a reminder to pay attention when our dogs try to warn us.
Whether it’s something harmless, like a piece of exercise equipment, or something truly threatening, their instincts are worth listening to.