True or False?

Dogs can understand some of their owner’s gestures, like pointing.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

If you’ve ever made small talk while your dog chased a tennis ball, this might restore your faith in fate. Three couples across the country say their love stories began not on dating apps, but at the dog park, thanks to their pups.

In Durango, Colorado, Kacie and Adam kept running into each other while their dogs, Ellie and Eddie, played like old friends. Both pups were adopted from the same local shelter and instantly bonded, which made striking up conversation easy. A few hikes and chance encounters later, Adam asked for Kacie’s number. More than a decade later, they’re still together, and their dogs are now seniors who helped shape a life full of camping trips and outdoor adventures.

In Los Angeles, Cristina spotted Justin walking toward her at the park and felt an instant spark. The real turning point came when her Shetland Sheepdog, Oliver, who rarely warmed up to strangers, curled up beside Justin on their first date. In Chicago, Jamie and Tom’s dogs became best friends before they did, leading to coffee dates and weekends by the lakefront.

Turns out, when dogs choose first, things tend to work out pretty well.

Leaving your dog home alone for the first time can feel like a big moment. The good news? It’s not automatically bad or unsafe. How long a dog can be alone depends on age, energy level, and whether their needs are met beforehand.

For puppies, a common guideline is not to leave them longer than their age in months. A five-month-old puppy shouldn’t be alone more than five hours, and younger pups often need even shorter stretches. Adult dogs who’ve eaten, exercised, and had a potty break can usually manage six to eight hours, though high-energy breeds may struggle more than laid-back ones. Seniors may need more frequent bathroom breaks, too.

Crates follow similar timing rules. For younger puppies, pairing a crate with a playpen and potty area can help prevent accidents and stress. If you’re away longer than your dog can comfortably handle, a dog walker or pet sitter can break up the day.

Before heading out, a walk, a game of fetch, or a puzzle toy can make all the difference. A tired, mentally engaged dog is much more likely to relax while you’re gone.

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The first day of daycare can be a big step for kids and puppies alike. For Nash, a longhaired Dachshund, it ended in a reunion that’s now melting hearts online. After spending the day playing with other dogs, he was brought out to see his parents and immediately broke into a full-speed sprint.

The moment he spotted them, it was all wiggles, zoomies, and pure relief. His whole body seemed to say, “You came back!” Even though he appeared to have a great time, the instant he saw his mom and dad, nothing else mattered. The caption summed it up simply: he was a “good boy” on his first day.

There’s actually science behind reactions like Nash’s. While dogs don’t understand time the way humans do, they rely heavily on routines and circadian rhythms. Research has shown that dogs often greet their families more enthusiastically after longer absences. Judging by Nash’s emotional dash across the floor, he definitely knew it had been a while.

Here are our favorite picks of the week, rare finds, mixed-breed magic, and curious head tilts included:

• 🐶 24 adorable mixed-breed dogs you’ll instantly love

• 🌍 Meet the dog breed ranked the rarest in the world

• 🤔 Why dogs tilt their heads, according to science

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

🤔 True or False: True. Dogs are great at understanding human body language, including pointing and hand signals.

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