• 🐶 Service dog Cora helps a Veteran with PTSD

• 🥰 The incredible ways service dogs help

• 🐾 How to have a squeaky clean home

• 🦴 DOTD - Bella Poppy

• ❤️ A special word from our pups

True or False?

Dogs drink using the front of their tongue.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Us dog lovers and parents know how special dogs are—they seem capable of just about anything. Helping veterans live normal, fulfilling lives is one of the most extraordinary things they can do.

Corra, a two-year-old white Golden Retrieve, spends her days doing just that—helping Charlene Burns live the life she’s been striving for since returning home.

Burns served seven years in the United States military, enlisting in 2004 and serving until 2011. She completed two deployments in Baghdad as military police, witnessing more than most could imagine. After coming home, she faced PTSD, depression, and anxiety while raising her kids.

For over ten years, she struggled before finally reaching out for help—and that help came in the form of a dog.

Burns found her service dog Corra through K9s For Warriors. During their first meeting, Corra immediately ran up to her, tucked her head between Charlene’s legs, and they just collapsed into one another. It sounds like it was like love at first sight, and Corra accepted her from the moment they met.

In a local news interview, Burns shared, “Since getting home with her, it has been night and day before. I didn’t like to go out. I put on a fake smile, I try to even avoid family functions. It was rough. But since being home with her, it’s like I get to live again. It’s amazing. It’s wonderful.”

Service dogs are more than just pets—they are true partners who completely transform the lives of veterans. They offer hope, healing, and so much more. On this National Pets for Veterans Day, let’s take a moment to recognize the incredible tasks these dogs are trained to perform for our veterans.

Interrupt/Alert to Anxiety. Service dogs can sense when a veteran is feeling anxious and will nudge or place their head in the veteran’s lap, interrupting anxious thoughts and replacing them with a reassuring presence—showing they’re there with love and support.

Calm/Comfort During Anxiety. By leaning against or lying on top of the veteran, service dogs provide deep pressure therapy, helping to calm and comfort them—like a dog version of a weighted blanket.

Create Personal Space (Block). In crowded or uncomfortable situations, service dogs will position themselves in front of the veteran to create space, reducing anxiety.

Watch the Veteran’s Back (Cover). Service dogs stand behind veterans who need an extra sense of security to let them know if someone is approaching from behind.

Wake from Nightmares. Service dogs are trained to recognize when a veteran is having a nightmare and will gently wake them up, letting them know they’re safe.

Lead to Safety. For veterans who get disoriented or overwhelmed, service dogs can guide them to exits or lead them to a safe place, even in complicated environments. Veterans can also give their pup a “safe word.”

Support Mobility. Larger service dogs help veterans with physical impairments by bracing themselves to provide support when standing or retrieving objects.

Encourage Social Interaction. Service dogs encourage veterans to get out of the house, whether it’s for a walk or to meet other dog owners, helping them stay connected to the community.

Provide Emotional Support. With their unconditional love and loyalty (something all dogs excel at), service dogs help veterans feel less isolated, offering the companionship they need to ease emotional burdens.

Give a Sense of Purpose. Rescuing and caring for a service dog gives veterans a renewed sense of responsibility and direction—something deeply rewarding and worth waking up for each day.

Are there other ways service dogs have helped veterans that you’ve experienced firsthand? We’d love to hear your stories!

Meet Bella Poppy! This beautiful two-year-old lab mix was adopted by her loving parents, who completely adore her. Just look at her posing in this gorgeous field of flowers! Thank you for sharing her beauty with us.

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: False, dogs drink using the back of their tongues. Dogs lap water by curling their tongues backward and flicking the water into their mouth.

🐶 DOTD: Give your pup the spotlight by submitting them for the dog of the day! This month's theme is pawsitive pups. Reply to this email with the best pics of your dog happy, smiling, or just having an all-around great time. Be sure to include a short description and their name to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

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