My little rat, Millie, passed away last night, and it got me to thinking about how Missie always freaks out and barks at the cage around when one of my animals dies. I've been keeping rodents for a good several years now, and I'm not sure it's been every time, but at some point before I actually check the cage and find the little one gone, Missie always had this spastic moment, jumping and barking in front of the cage. I usually quickly hush her because she does it so suddenly and so loud, so I never even think to check on the pet right then. But every time I find one gone, I remember Missie having one of those moments that day or perhaps the night before (and often times I realize the pet could've been gone that long, as I hadn't checked them). And she can't see into any of the cages, either. I suppose she'd know by smell, but I'd estimate she does this quite soon after they die.
Is this possible? Has anyone else experienced something similar? Maybe it's a Terrier thing? Just wondering.
