What’s great about dogs is that they’re like people. They’re social most of the time. They have their eccentricities. They will keep you company just about anywhere you are go.

 And then dogs aren’t like people, which makes them so all the more lovable.

Their affection is unconditional. They don’t complain, although they can be persnickety about their food. They trust you implicitly.

However, no two dogs have the same personality. Indeed, dog breeds have common traits, whether it is herding, hunting, retrieving, protecting or even being couch potatoes.

Nash, the family dog of my son Ted, is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He’s a lot of fur, close to the ground, loves riding in Ted’s truck and knows how to lower the window. But give him the chance to be in your lap and he’s there. The one trait that fortunately has changed with age and Ted’s scolding is his piercing, high-pitched bark when he sees you headed for the door and he anticipates going for a walk or ride.

On the other end of the spectrum in terms of size was our dog Binky, who frequently made it into this column. He was a rescue from the Warwick Animal Shelter. Large and lanky, he was a cross between a greyhound and a Doberman pinscher, we were told. He was smart, as we learned the day we brought him home.

I’d arranged a run, stretching a wire between two trees, and shortly after arriving home, we clipped him to the run and went into the kitchen for dinner. No sooner had we sat down did the porch door open and there was Binky. We never figured out how he managed to free himself of the run, and for the rest of his life he let himself in the door. No, he wasn’t smart enough to figure out how to unlock it. However, we’d find him sitting behind the wheel of the car if we’d left the window open.

He loved the car and going places. On one local shopping excursion, after stopping at the bank to make a withdrawal, Carol walked out to find the car gone. She didn’t have to look far. It was in the middle of the parking lot with Binky in the driver’s seat appearing to have things under control. After that episode, Carol double-checked to make sure the car was in park.

What’s prompting me to write about dogs now is their uncanny ability to pick up on one’s personal condition. You’ve probably read stories, as have I, on how both cats and dogs have tuned in to people who have aliments and are there to comfort them.

Farrah, our latest canine companion, has that trait. Even after having been a family member for more than a year, she’s still skittish and will back away if she gets the vibe you are about to do something she’s not going to like, such as leave her at home. Of late, we both have noticed her concern, especially if we’re having a tough day or we’re on edge. Usually, she’s a bit of a “cat dog,” independent and doing her thing. But now when either of us is not feeling good or things aren’t running smoothly, she’s checking up on us. It may be jumping up on bed to pull a check or snuggling between your legs while reading or watching a game on TV. She’ll scan your face with her brown eyes with an inquisitive expressed that says, “Are you all right?”

She warmly acknowledges appreciative petting and “you’re a good girl” comments.  But, of course, she won’t refuse a little treat for being so attentive.  It’s nice to know she’s looking out for us.