True or False?

Dogs can smell fear in other dogs.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

At Nashville’s Metro Animal Care and Control, one volunteer is proving that a little humor can change a dog’s life. Adrian has been giving adoptable pups quirky, made-up “breed names” that make people smile, and, more importantly, make them notice.

It started during the pandemic, when Adrian was the only volunteer allowed inside. She began filming TikToks as her cowboy-hat-wearing alter ego Anita Walker, asking “What’s this then?” before introducing dogs like the “Himalayan Fur Goblin” or “Teacup Werewolf.” The lighthearted approach quickly went viral, and the shelter’s followers jumped from 20,000 to 100,000 in just four months.

Adoption rates rose more than 25% between 2021 and 2024. Visitors now walk in asking for dogs by their silly TikTok names, and donations of supplies and money have climbed, too.

For Budnick, the goal is more than just laughs. It’s about showing the joy and care inside the shelter. Because sometimes, the right name is all it takes to help a dog find the right person.

Meet Colby, the ultimate summer lounger and official backyard supervisor. This handsome pup belongs to Kristin, and he’s mastered the art of soaking up sunshine while keeping an eye on the neighborhood squirrels.

With that dapper paw-print bandana and easygoing vibe, Colby proves that sometimes the best days are spent doing absolutely nothing.

Thanks to Kristin for sharing Colby! Want your dog to be featured? Reply to this email with a photo and a few fun facts, we’d love to include them!

Table legs get scratched, chew toys go missing, and shoes are constantly sacrificed at the altar of boredom. These are regular occurrences in life with pets, and seasoned owners won’t bat an eyelash. But a $10,000 emergency surgery? That’s a whole other ball game. Pet insurance could help you offset some of these costs by providing up to 90% reimbursement, and plans starting at $10/month. Click below to find the right plan for you.

Find a plan.

Thank you to Money.com for sponsoring Daily Dig.

Potty training a dog can feel like a never-ending guessing game. But one vet-approved approach, called the “Potty Spot Ritual”, has been helping dog parents cut accidents and speed up progress.

The idea is simple: leash your dog, take them to the exact same outdoor spot every time, and stay focused on the task. By eliminating distractions like squirrels or wandering sniffs, your dog learns that this trip is strictly business.

Dogs are creatures of habit, and returning to the same location builds a “scent memory.” That familiar smell signals, “This is the bathroom,” making it easier for them to go in the right place every time.

The moment they finish, offer plenty of praise, a treat, and if safe, let them off the leash. This combination of reward and freedom strengthens the habit quickly.

Consistency is key. With steady repetition, most dogs can show noticeable improvement in just a few days, turning potty time from a frustrating chore into a predictable part of your routine.

Thank you to Spot & Tango for sponsoring Daily Dig.

Daily Dig is inspired and brought to you by our wonderful dogs. Our dogs, and all the other pups out there, make the world a happier, brighter place.

With lots of love,

Ivy, Callie, Finnegan, Stitcher, and Huey 🐾

🦴 A Little Treat

🤔 True or False: True. Stress releases specific chemicals dogs can detect instantly.

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