Judith - What a touching story. I hate how people treat dogs, but I believe everything happens for a reason. A higher power put that dog in that spot so you would find her and save her for a man that needed her. I truly believe that.
Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
Oswego, Il.
Original Message:
Sent: 01-22-2026 11:31 PM
From: JUDITH PEARSON
Subject: More Than Words: How People and Pets Speak Through Body Language
Thank you, Nancy, your comment was very interesting to me and quite timely. A couple of weeks ago some piece of you know what dumped a young great Dane on the highway. They chose a very dangerous curve possibly assuming the dog would be hit and killed, and she almost was, by the woman who rescued her for me. The rescuer, Cindy, and I spent about an hour and a half on a Friday evening trying to get the dog I named Daphne, into her Subaru. We had her in the car, but as I tried to close the hatch Daphne panicked. And since she is as big as I am probably bigger, there was no way I could stop her from jumping out of the car. The next day I had to teach and Cindy went back out and texted me that she had Daphne in the car and they were at her house and I could pick her up whenever. I had Daphne for about a week and she was just impossible. Mostly, because she was clearly scared. So I went out every day gave her treats fed her didn't force anything as it was going to have to be on Daphne's terms. After about a week, it was like a switch was thrown and Daphne was a very different dog! I posted her on rescueme.org and I had two inquiries. One was a man Who has lost some mobility due to cancer and he was looking for a very tall service dog. Daphne is an absolute natural! She watches his every move and if she senses he's unstable she presses up against his right hip. It was something she did with me, though I don't have any mobility issues. But she just knew. I actually hated letting her go. But, her new owner has extensive dog experience and he and his wife are absolutely thrilled to have Daphne in the pack. I don't think I have ever worked with a dog like her and I've been in Rescue for a very long time. This is a rescue and adoption that will stay with me for the rest of my life. It was so remarkable. And I've known giant dogs, but never really worked with them. I understand now why you do. Judy
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JUDITH PEARSON
President
The Dixon Animal Protection Society
NM
Original Message:
Sent: 01-22-2026 06:15 AM
From: Nancy Kaniewski
Subject: More Than Words: How People and Pets Speak Through Body Language
Good Mornning - I volunteer for a giant breed dog rescue and have three giants myseld (Mastiff, Corso, and a Dane). When walking my Mastiff or Corso, people either literally run in a different direction or ask "is he mean?" but they will reach down to pet a chihuahua which is one of the meanest breeds with the most bites. I'm not bashing chihuahua's, I'm just saying how funny it is that some people relate temperment to size. My Mastiff is my service dog and that boy knows exacly what I need based on what is happening at every moment. Most times I don't have to say a word...he just knows. I'm am so very thankful someone came up with the idea to train dogs to meet the medical needs of humans.
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Nancy Kaniewski
Fundraising Coordinator
Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
Oswego, Il.
Original Message:
Sent: 01-21-2026 06:32 AM
From: T' Fisher
Subject: More Than Words: How People and Pets Speak Through Body Language
Thanks @Candice Hinkle for this post.
When I was pared with my service dog, Chance, I learned so much about communication between humans and other animals and it can be both intentional and unintentional. We are taught to use verbal and non-verbal signals with our service dogs. The article Human-dog communication: How body language and non-verbal cues are key to clarity in dog directed play, petting and hugging behaviour by humans talks about these verbal and non-verbal cues.
I do find it funny that they have a picture of a chihuahua under the Aggressive Communication section. 😁
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T' Fisher, Director of Operations
Program for Pet Health Equity
Original Message:
Sent: 01-12-2026 06:00 AM
From: Candice Hinkle
Subject: More Than Words: How People and Pets Speak Through Body Language
One of my favorite examples of body language communication comes from my time working with great apes. Like many animals, when a chimpanzee becomes defensive, they stand tall and their hair sticks straight out, making them appear larger. What made this moment memorable, however, wasn't the chimp's behavior-it was the reaction of one of the keepers. I can't recall what was said, but the keeper instinctively straightened their shoulders and "puffed up." In that moment, we realized just how similar human and animal responses can be.
People and pets communicate every day, often without words. One of the clearest ways this happens is through body language, and learning to recognize these signals can strengthen trust and understanding.
Pets use their bodies to express how they're feeling. A dog with a loose posture and wagging tail is typically relaxed or happy, while a stiff body, tucked tail, or pinned-back ears may signal fear or discomfort. A cat that slowly blinks is showing trust, while flattened ears or a flicking tail can mean they need space.
People communicate in much the same way. Relaxed shoulders, calm facial expressions, and gentle movements can help pets feel safe. On the other hand, tense posture, quick movements, or raised voices may signal stress and cause pets to become anxious.
By paying attention to body language-both ours and our pets'-we can respond more thoughtfully, deepen understanding, and build stronger, healthier relationships.
I would love to hear about a time when you were able to see the connection between body language and communication.
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Candice Hinkle
Assistant Director
Program for Pet Health Equity
Knoxville, TN
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