It is terrible. When my whippet pup - who I had only had for about a month died from an illness, I locked myself in my room and cried for a solid week. I am still not the same now. I dont think there is anything you can say, except to offer support. Time is the best healer
Luckily I have not needed protection yet. Its hard to say if my whippets would protect me - on one hand they are big sooks, but on the other, they have damn good growls and barks and I always feel safe with them when I am alone at home
I love dogs with human names - its funny! Both of my dogs have human names, and my cat.
I have had rescue dogs in the past that had dog names - like Patch - its was boring because everyone could guess it and it wasnt unique
I reckon it depends on the cat!
One of my whippets was brought up with my cat, and they fight together - chase each other all sorts!
My other whippet who I got later in his life is scared of the cat.
They both have been known to want to chase other cats though.
I personally can not get my dog to stop whatever I do! Ive tried ignoring, turning my back, sticking my knee out, getting him to sit - everything. I think the main problem is consistency - the people I live with just wont cooperate!