Dogs are Amazing

As expected Shiloh's appointment wasn't a happy one. Because of the Prednisone he is developing Cushing's disease and a very large, fast-growing tumor is growing inside his abdominal wall. This is why his rear leg is moving so oddly, on top of the muscle wasting. My vet feels he doesn't have much time, and said like Hospice all we can really do at this point is make him as comfortable as possible. I am to bring him in when the drugs aren't helping any more.
Got home to let the dogs out, and Dusty couldn't get up. His rear legs kept buckling under him. He can walk on the grass for a few steps but smooth surfaces no longer support his rear. My vet (bless her heart) said it sounds like a mini-embolism that lodged along his spine. It should go away in a few days. If not, I need to bring Dusty back in.
But here is where I am just stunned by my dogs' behavior - do dogs have empathy? From what I saw last night I certainly think so.
Dusty was frightened and upset because his legs weren't working. All night he struggled to get up. I'd help him, he'd go a few steps and back down he would go. I gave him some tramadol and eventually some doggie morphine to help settle him. It seems no matter what I did I could not comfort him. That's where Shiloh came in. Those two have been best friends since the day Shiloh came to live with us. Shiloh simply came over and lay down next to Dusty. That worked and the two slept side by side.
Just as I was dozing off I heard a bark from upstairs (I was downstairs in the living room with Dusty and Shiloh). It was Moto, pawing at the crate door. Thinking he had to pottie - as this was highly unusual behavior for him - I let him out and whisked him in to the back yard. Moto did not go pottie. He just stood by me and leaned into me, looking up ito my face. We went back inside and I lay down on the couch. Moto pressed his body close to the couch and lay down right by me. I was absolutely stunned by these acts of compassion, to each other and for me.
Even though we have difficult days ahead I'm comforted by how my dogs care for each other and for me. Dog shows and training aside, it's moments like these that remind me why we have these wonderful creatures as companions. I continue to learn more from them than I ever could teach.