I used to wonder if it is real or mind playing tricks on me. Then one day, a friend came out that she can 'see' and 'feel' things. I decided to test her. I would touch objects and leave a trail of my essence, to see if she could follow it. She was spot on 100% of the time. I started to realize, we can leave residual energy trails behind.

As far as Mr. M returning and the dog responding, quite possible he forgot something and his spirit was scanning the room.

You are definitely more awake in feeling presence.