Newfoundlands are renowned for their unwavering devotion, gentle demeanor, and extraordinary protective instincts, making them one of the most beloved and trusted dog breeds in the world. These massive, affectionate companions form deep emotional connections with their human families and often display an innate sense of awareness that goes beyond normal canine behavior. Whether serving as lifeguards, therapy animals, or simply steadfast family protectors, Newfoundlands have a reputation for stepping up when their loved ones need them most. One particular Newfoundland’s recent actions have sparked widespread intrigue across the internet, as his refusal to walk his young owner to school raised eyebrows. Many have begun to wonder—was this merely stubborn behavior, or did this devoted companion sense something his family couldn’t? These massive, fluffy companions have a deep bond with their human families, often acting as guardians, even when no immediate threat is apparent. One Newfoundland’s refusal to escort his young owner to school has captured the internet’s attention, leaving many people wondering—did he sense something no one else could?
This isn’t the first time a Newfoundland has stopped in its tracks when asked to take a child to school. Another similar case recently went viral, with viewers speculating whether the dog had an eerie premonition about the child’s day. However, in this instance, the Newfoundland’s intuition was confirmed just a few hours later.
The heartwarming and slightly eerie moment was captured on video, showing a black and white Landseer Newfoundland firmly planting himself on the sidewalk, refusing to move forward. His young owner, a little boy eager to get to school, tugs at the leash, but the massive dog remains steadfast, his weight making it impossible to budge him. The boy’s mother films the scene, capturing the dog’s unmistakable side-eye—an expression that seems to say, “I know something you don’t. He shouldn’t go to school today.”
At first, the family found humor in the dog’s behavior, assuming it was just typical Newfoundland stubbornness. But as it turns out, their furry companion wasn’t just being difficult—he was trying to send a warning.
The morning continued as planned, with the little boy eventually making it to class. However, just a few hours later, the family received an unexpected phone call from the school. Their son had fallen ill with a stomach bug and needed to be picked up immediately.
It was only then that they realized—maybe their Newfoundland had sensed something all along.
While it might sound like something out of a movie, science suggests that dogs truly do have an uncanny ability to detect illnesses before humans are even aware of them. Canines have an extraordinary sense of smell, estimated to be anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000 times stronger than that of humans. This incredible olfactory capability allows them to detect even the most subtle chemical changes in a person’s body.
Medical research has already demonstrated that dogs can sniff out serious conditions like cancer, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and even infectious illnesses such as COVID-19. There are also numerous reports of dogs sensing upcoming medical events, such as seizures, before they happen.
Some service dogs undergo specialized training to detect shifts in their owner’s scent or behavior that signal an impending medical emergency. For instance, diabetic alert dogs can recognize dangerous fluctuations in blood sugar, while seizure alert dogs are trained to recognize warning signs and assist their owners before and during an episode.
Even without formal training, many pet dogs display an incredible natural ability to sense changes in their humans’ health and emotions. In the case of this Newfoundland, it’s possible that he detected subtle chemical shifts in the boy’s scent that indicated the onset of illness. While humans may not always notice these faint changes, a dog’s acute sense of smell makes it possible for them to pick up on things long before symptoms become obvious.
Shortly after being released, he became overcome by rage and frustration and began violently wailing on his poor, trembling, frightened dog. It's clear that this man's violent tendencies didn't decrease after serving his time.
In hindsight, the Newfoundland’s firm stance and wary gaze were more than just stubbornness—they were an instinctive attempt to protect his young owner from an unseen threat. If the family had recognized the warning signs sooner, they might have kept their son home and avoided a sick day at school altogether.
This touching story serves as a powerful reminder of the deep connection between dogs and their humans. Whether through years of companionship or instinctive protective nature, dogs seem to have a unique ability to sense things beyond human perception. Perhaps next time a pup refuses to budge, it’s worth taking a moment to consider: What do they know that we don’t?
Toledo, United States.