If your dog’s favorite toy seems to be your missing sock, you’re not alone. Many pups are strangely drawn to socks—and as odd as it sounds, it’s often an act of love. Socks carry your scent, which feels comforting and familiar to dogs. To them, stealing or snuggling one is a way to stay close to you when you’re not around.

For some dogs, socks are also a stress reliever or a boredom buster—soft, chewable, and sometimes just fun to parade around. Unfortunately, what starts as a sweet habit can quickly turn risky. If a dog swallows a sock, it can cause dangerous intestinal blockages that require emergency surgery.

To keep your pup safe, stash socks in a closed hamper and offer soft toys that feel similar instead. Training a simple “leave it” command can make all the difference if they snag one. Because while your dog’s sock obsession may be a little weird, it’s also kind of wonderful—it just needs a safer outlet.

Greta is a five-year-old German Shepherd mix who’s as smart as she is stunning. After her previous owner had to surrender her for health reasons, she spent some time in a boarding facility—until she found her forever home with Tammy.

Now, Greta is thriving. Playful, intelligent, and full of heart, she brings joy to her new family every single day. Just one look into her eyes and you can tell she knows she’s home.

Thank you to our reader, Tammy, for sending in a picture of Greta. Give your pup the spotlight by submitting them for the dog of the day!

Before you rush out the door, take a moment to pet your dog. A new study from researchers at the Universities of Pisa and Perugia in Italy found that dogs who receive affection before their owners leave the house stay calmer while waiting for them to return.

In the experiment, ten dogs were observed under two conditions—one where their owners left without petting them, and another where they gave their pups a quick goodbye pat. While stress hormone levels didn’t change, dogs who got that pre-departure affection had lower heart rates and displayed calmer behavior during separation.

So the next time you grab your keys and your dog looks up at you hopefully, pause for a short pet or cuddle. It may not stop them from missing you—but it helps them feel safer and a little more loved while you’re gone.

Stitcher, Minnie, & Finnegan 🐾

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