Did you know…

Dogs can be trained to detect ___.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Turns out, even football coach Nick Saban answers to the family dog. During a recent charity golf event, the coach shared a sweet (and funny) update about his pup, Ray Ray. After an ACL injury, Ray Ray literally took over Saban’s bed.

Saban told reporters that his wife, Miss Terry, made sure Ray Ray had the best recovery setup possible. That meant Coach Saban had to sleep elsewhere while their injured dog took his spot in their bed. “Figured out where I stand on the food chain,” he joked.

Ray Ray, of course, deserved the extra comfort. ACL tears are no small thing, even for dogs.

It’s a funny reminder that in many households, even ones run by football royalty, the dog runs the show.

Meet Bella, Waltraud’s one-year-old rescue from Barbados. She’s still learning the ropes of how to play, but when it comes to walking, hiking, and running? She’s all in.

Don’t let her calm pose fool you. Bella’s curiosity and drive make her the ultimate adventure buddy in the making. With her sharp mind and big heart, there’s no doubt she’s going places.

Thanks to Waltraud for sharing this island girl’s journey! Want your dog featured in the Daily Dig? Send a photo and a few fun facts. We’d love to spotlight them!

Thank you to Brad’s Deals for sponsoring Daily Dig.

Dogs have long impressed us with their loyalty, but now science says they’ve got a lot of creativity, too. In a recent study, pups were taught a cue (“create”) and responded by doing something new nearly every time. We’re talking paw lifts, scoots, and impromptu dance moves.

For dogs to do this, they had to remember what they’d already done and intentionally try something different. Researchers found that dogs showed creativity about 75% of the time, comparable to dolphins in similar studies. That level of mental flexibility is rare among animals and hints at just how cognitively capable dogs are.

You don’t need a lab to try it yourself. Encourage your dog to invent a new move, reward anything original, and let them explore. Even simple actions like going under your leg or nudging your hand count.

Playful problem-solving isn’t just fun. It keeps your dog’s brain sharp and boosts their confidence. Turns out, thinking outside the box has real benefits for our dogs.

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Thank you to Liberty University for sponsoring Daily Dig.

From snack alerts to sweet friendships, here’s what’s trending:

• 📅 These subtle signs can tell how old your dog is

• 🌯 This dog hears a food packet open and goes full alert

• 🐰 A rescued bunny and German Shepherd are now best friends

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,

Stitcher, Minnie, & Finnegan 🐾

🦴 A Little Treat

🤔 Did You Know: Dogs can be trained to detect USB drives. Police dogs have sniffed out tiny data devices, useful in cybercrime investigations.

🐶 DOTD: Give your pup the spotlight by submitting them for the dog of the day! Reply to this email with the best pictures of your dog. Be sure to include their name and a short description so they can be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

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💌 Reply for a surprise: If you are reading this reply with your dog’s favorite trick for a surprise in your inbox!

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