There are many reasons for getting a dog.
Here are some of mine:
Company.
Warmth at night.
Exercise is cheaper than joining a gym.
Security.
Protection.
Unconditional love.
Something to care for.
Weather guide.
Conversation opener.
Stress reliever.
You’re probably curious about number 8.
Last night we were watching Ironclad (James Purefoy) when Maggie suddenly sat upright to attention and looked around. She didn’t growl or bark, and we hadn’t heard anything, but within fifteen minutes, the rain started and it’s still going.
We always knew she could sense thunder (a lot of dogs do), but the rain thing is new and has happened on several occasions now.
We’re being blown about quite a bit, though Storm Henry has gone and there is no mention that what is hitting us at the moment has a name.
Her ladyship has plonked herself in the corner of the bench so she has easy access to our feet in case she wants a reassuring ‘snuggle’ as she hates the wind.
We have a theory that she can hear it whistling through the rigging on some of the other boats nearby, but because she cannot isolate where the noise is coming from, it unnerves her.
It’s going to be a long day as this bad weather is here for the duration if the radar picture is anything to go by.
This image from accuweather site 11.05 hr, 6th February 2016.
pensitivity101 
As you suggest, she may have heard new sounds. Imminent rain also changes the scent of the surroundings so perhaps she picked up on that with her exceptional nose. Then of course there are air pressure changes which they can probably detect. They are so sophisticated in so many things! They are awesome! 🙂
I think you’re right Colin, and expect Ray is the same.
Dogs are awesome on so many levels 🙂
As to the weather changes – Colin has said pretty much what I was going to say 🙂
I agree totally.
I’ve noticed that with Cody and my other dogs, too. Just before a storm, they would get really edgy and start running to the windows, sniffing around, etc.
I’ve also seen that the dogs seem to know when I’m sad or upset, even when I’m able to keep my human family members from seeing that anything is off-kilter.
I think I will always have to have at least one dog in the house.
Maggie is acutely aware of my emotional state too. I think it’s wonderful have they just ‘know’ when you need that extra bit of doggie TLC.
The other day hubby and I had a tiff in which our voices become somewhat elevated. I looked over at Cody. and she was standing stiff-legged with her fur on end, as if she wasn’t sure which one of us to protect from the other. Good dog. I have no doubt that she would do her job against an intruder.
Maggie got between me and two guys in ‘hoodies’ the other day as they seemed to be getting just a bit too close.
My cats senses Snow, she does wheelcarts.
Wow!