If you’ve ever suspected that dogs are secretly more emotionally intelligent than most people, this video might just confirm it. Their ability to detect anxiety, pain, or even a sad movie scene is practically super-canine. So when one dog started making noises in her sleep, it didn’t go unnoticed by her visiting furry friend, who decided she couldn’t let it slide, as captured in a recent video.
Instagram video shows Golden Retriever’s furry friend checking in on her
Xena, a Golden Retriever, is known for whimpering in her sleep, a habit that has become familiar in her household. Her usual source of comfort is her dog sibling, Finn, who often checks in on her when she starts making noises at night. However, a recent overnight guest, a pup named Philly, showed just how observant and caring dogs can be, especially when they learn from each other.
The video, posted on the Instagram account @goldengirl_xena, shows Philly reacting almost instantly when she hears Xena whimpering during sleep. At first, she looks around, visibly puzzled by the unfamiliar sound. She then moves toward Xena, pauses to assess the situation, and finally turns toward the owner on the couch. What follows is surprisingly expressive. Philly begins to pant and even lifts her paw onto the couch, seemingly trying to alert the human that something might be wrong.
Even when Xena’s owner doesn’t respond right away, Philly doesn’t give up. She circles back for another check, watching her closely before backing away. The moment doesn’t feel like a random reaction; it feels intentional. According to Xena’s owner, Philly likely picked up the behavior by quietly observing Finn’s caring routines.
Dogs experience sleep cycles much like humans, including phases of light, deep, and REM sleep. During REM, it’s common for dogs to vocalize or move slightly as their brains process thoughts and emotions. Most whimpering is harmless, but if your pup seems frequently disturbed or wakes up anxious, it may be a sign of deeper stress or even discomfort. A vet can help assess whether it’s normal dreaming or something more.
