Why did my dog do this last night?

I was terribly sick last night (vomiting-stomach bug). My mom brought me ginger ale and my dog sneaked inside. He heard me in pain and all, and howled, barked, and wined at me and my mom (she layed down next to me so i could feel better). It seemed like he was crying for me, as in sympathy. He had a whole house to explore-could have done whatever he wanted. But he stayed with me, in fact, he slept under my bed all night, and i didnt even know lol. My mom said he was "protecting me" and all. Or do you think he just wanted a buddy? Thanks