I don't know if it is true, but I feel our pets, rather canine or feline, sense when we are depressed, angry, and anxious.
I think they sense it by our tone, our touch and maybe even scent, though our noses can't smell as keen as animals, we give off different scents according to emotions, its just as well us humans don't possess (sp?) their keen sense of smell, ha!ha!
I don't know about you, but have you noticed how our pets will come alongside us while we are crying?
All the dogs I have ever owned or should I say owned me, seem to sense if I was sad and/or crying, it is amazing how they pick up on this and almost seem to come to console us.
Maybe it is an instinct? I have no idea, but it is heartwarming to know how loyal they truly are
The love of a pet, to me, is the greatest thing.
Take care,
DE