We've all heard stories of dogs saving their owner's life. Just say "Lassie" (to the Boomer generation, anyway), and you'll conjure images of a beautiful, sleek animal going all-out to rescue a wayward, lost or injured young boy. Just how much can a dog really sense?

Let me answer that question simply: A whole lot. I work with all kinds of dogs, and a couple of weeks ago, I noticed unusual behaviors from nearly all of them. One dog was peeing in the house - something she had never done as an adult dog - another was standing in the kitchen barking at the back door. The owner was beside herself trying to figure out what was wrong. Later that day, one of my massage clients (I do dog massage) would not lie down for his monthly rub. Normally, this sweet black Labrador retriever went straight to his "rubbie pad" when I came through the door and waited for me to start our familiar routine. But that day he simply refused! From my associates, I had reports of their well-trained dogs ignoring their commands, panting like they were distressed, and we even had one little Schipperke who gave her walker a nip. We all went home shaking our heads that day, and talked on the phone with each other about the strange "bad dog" day we had.

About 4:30 in the a.m., we had an earthquake. A sharp jolt, followed by a short, loud rumble woke us up. I sat up in bed, my adrenalin racing as I decided whether it was worth getting dressed and taking cover, and it dawned on me. The dogs were all anticipating the earthquake.

This is not a new scenario. Dogs, cats, horses, and probably most other pets can definitely sense big earth-based changes before they happen. With the recent reports of a cat who comes to sit with people who are about to die, accurately predicting their death, we've been reminded of the precious sensitivity of the animal world.

If you notice your dog pacing, panting, wrinkling his furry forehead, barking at unusual times, or clinging to you, take a moment to tune in. You might want to get the big glass flower vases off the top of your refrigerator before you sit down with your companion. Do things with your dog that you know are soothing. If he won't play normally, sit with him and have a little talk. Find a way to let your dog know that you are listening to his wisdom, and use soothing tones as you rub his head and ears, for example. Often the family dog feels very responsible and needs to know that the family is aware of a potential danger. Once you have really connected with your pet, you will probably notice him calm down, at least for a little while. If an earthquake is pending, he may repeat the odd behaviors as it gets closer. Keep him close by. If you have to leave the house for work or errands, consider having a familiar neighbor hang out with your dog until you return. And once the danger has passed, you will have a chance to acknowledge the help your dog has been offering to his pack. This is a good time for a little treat and a sincere "thank you."