Dachshunds can be like that! And then there are all the pit bull stories ... blech.
I've been missing my old cat the last couple of weeks. In my earlier pregnancies, she would huddle up next to my stomach and purr at the babies. I'm sure she could hear them!
You're probably right. I have two ocicats in my home and I truly believe they know I have been miserable since my break-up with the heartless-woman-who-shall-not-be-named. They are constantly near me, purring and trying to keep my attention. It's strange but when I start to get really down they come running and rub up against me until I focus my attention on them. Good little lads, Ignatius and Benedict.