Oh yes, I truly believe they know what you are feeling. Wookie
does that face licking thing when I am crying also, but he also whimpers when I cry. It just breaks my heart and I have to stop crying so he won't. I am going through a tough time right now, my husband and I are splitting up, and Wookie knows there are problems. He is being so extra sweet and cuddly to me (he is not normally a real affectionate dog, unless he is tired). So there is no way in the world anyone could convince me that dogs don't feel or know what you are feeling....