Did you know…

Labradors were originally ___ dogs.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Adoption days are always special, but one puppy’s retelling of his own story made millions of people fall in love with him. Gilligan, a yellow lab pup, went viral after a TikTok gave viewers his point of view on being brought home for the first time.

In the video, Gilligan describes his adoption, recounting every detail with wide-eyed honesty. From the naps he squeezed in beforehand to the moment he met his new “mother” and red-haired “sister.” His playful storytelling makes him feel like the narrator of his own family adventure.

The clip resonated far beyond laughs. More than 30 million viewers have tuned in, many touched by the way it captures what adoption might look like through a puppy’s eyes. Gilligan’s story shows how one wagging tail and a little imagination can spark joy across the world.

There’s a universal phenomenon that plays out in living rooms everywhere: the dad who swore he didn’t want a dog suddenly whispering baby talk to the very pup he resisted. It’s sweet, it’s predictable, and according to animal behavior experts, it’s not surprising at all.

Part of the magic comes from how dogs show affection. They’re not subtle. They nuzzle, follow, bring toys, and beam pure love at the person they’ve decided is theirs. Even the most stoic, quiet, or skeptical caregiver can’t compete with that kind of emotional honesty. Trainers say dogs often unlock a softer side people didn’t know they were allowed to show.

Researchers note that older generations, especially, weren’t raised to express affection openly, so pets become a safe place to pour love. And once the bond forms? It’s game over. The same man who didn’t want a dog suddenly can’t imagine life without their favorite shadow, proving that sometimes the pet chooses the person, not the other way around.

Deals' biggest shopping event of the year has finally arrived. Get your holiday shopping done early, and save money while doing it. Each day we'll feature one exclusive offer, available only at Brad's Deals. Exclusive holiday deals this good don't last—shop before they disappear.

Sign up for our free newsletter to get them sent directly to your inbox!

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

Meet Bella Poppy, Patty’s gorgeous lab mix with a heart as bright as the flowers she’s posing in. Adopted two years ago this week, Bella just turned two and is clearly loving life. With that shiny coat, happy grin, and signature tongue-out smile, she’s the kind of pup who makes every day feel like spring.

Whether she’s chasing squirrels or soaking up sunshine, Bella’s joy is unmistakable. Patty says it best: We love her!

Thanks to Patty for sharing Bella Poppy’s sunshine spirit with us! Want your pup featured in the Daily Dig? Send a photo, their name, and a few fun facts. We’d love to feature them!

Most gutter guards promise the world but still leave you climbing ladders to clear debris.

LeafGuard takes a completely different approach—instead of adding another layer to your existing gutters, they replace your entire system with a one-piece design that's engineered so debris never gets inside.

The science is pretty straightforward: water follows the curved hood into the gutter using liquid adhesion, while leaves, pine needles, and debris roll right off. No joints mean no leaks, and the aluminum is 20% thicker than standard gutters. With over 650,000 ladder-related injuries happening annually, eliminating gutter maintenance isn't just convenient—it's smart.

Daily Dig readers can take advantage of 75% off installation plus an additional $200 off. That's significant savings on a system backed by a lifetime no-clog guarantee and 25+ years of proven performance.

Get Your Free Home Assessment

Thank you to Leafguard for sponsoring Daily Dig.

From floating labs to breakfast drama, here’s what’s making tails wag:

• 🏊 This Labrador’s determination to float is pure gold

• 🎁 Find unbeatable deals for all of your holiday shopping

• ⏰ Watch a Labrador’s hilarious meltdown over late breakfast

• 🐾 7 things to know before bringing home a Labrador puppy

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: Labradors were originally fishing dogs. In Newfoundland, they hauled nets, fetched ropes, and even retrieved fish that escaped hooks.

🐶 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.

🥰 Spread positivity: Do you enjoy starting your day off with our community? If so, please consider forwarding this email to help us spread our love of all things dogs!

💌 Reply for a surprise: If you are reading this reply with a picture of your lab for a surprise in your inbox!

Welcome to Daily Dig! We’re a small team of dog lovers who strive to bring a pawsitive dose of pup content to your inbox every morning. Join our pack of over 180,000 paw pals when you subscribe today!