True or False?

All guide dogs are Labrador Retrievers.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Bear, a 12-year-old retired police dog, may have left the force years ago, but his hero instincts remain as sharp as ever. On his birthday, Bear proved that once a hero, always a hero.

Bear was on a walk with his owner Julia Pope, a former police officer. Suddenly, he stopped and signaled that something was wrong. Bear pulled Pope toward dense undergrowth, where they found a vulnerable man who was cold, wet, and unable to move.

“It was supposed to be a gentle stroll, but it turned into something incredible,” Pope shared. “Bear alerted us to the man, who likely wouldn’t have survived the freezing night without help.”

The courageous German shepherd led the man to safety, reuniting him with his family. This wasn’t Bear’s first act of kindness, though. In retirement, he serves as a wellbeing dog, visiting police stations to comfort officers after tough incidents.

“He seems to know when people need him,” Pope said. “Once, he sought out an officer grieving the loss of her dog, sitting beside her until she smiled.”

Bear receives support from a charity dedicated to caring for retired police dogs like him. Though his years of service have taken a toll, Bear continues to give back, proving he’s not just a pet—he’s a hero.

Ever wonder if your furry friend could become an emotional support dog? These loyal companions offer comfort and companionship to individuals facing emotional challenges, but not every pup is cut out for the role.

Unlike service dogs, emotional support dogs (ESAs) don’t require special training to perform tasks. Their primary job is to provide love and reassurance. However, they should have a calm temperament, be well-behaved in public, and bond strongly with their owner. A social, affectionate dog who adapts well to new environments is often a great candidate.

To make your dog an ESA, the only formal requirement is an official letter from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) stating your need for an emotional support animal.

While no certifications or vests are legally required, many owners opt for an ESA-labeled harness to signal their dog’s role and avoid misunderstandings.

If your dog’s sweet nature already lifts your spirits, they might be the perfect ESA. Their companionship could make all the difference in your journey toward emotional well-being—no extra training required!

So, does your pup have what it takes to be an emotional support dog?

A new year is here—a blank page waiting to be filled with your story. What do you want this chapter to look like?

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With BetterHelp, you’ll be matched with one of 30,000+ licensed therapists and can connect via phone, video, or text—wherever and whenever it works for you. Plus, you can use your FSA dollars toward therapy and get 30% off your first three months.

This year, take the first step toward writing a story you love. Start therapy with BetterHelp today.

Write your next chapter.

Cody was once the unlikeliest of heroes—a high-energy puppy nobody wanted. But today, this spirited Golden Retriever is a highly trained search-and-rescue dog, part of a specialized team dedicated to saving lives in emergencies.

Rescued from a shelter in Wisconsin, Cody’s story could have ended tragically if it hadn’t been for the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF).

Once deemed too energetic and uncontrollable, Cody lived with six different families before his first birthday, each returning him to the shelter unable to manage his boundless energy.

For Dawn Christenson, a volunteer with Golden Retriever Rescue of Wisconsin, Cody wasn’t just a “throwaway” dog. His high energy and playfulness made him the perfect candidate for search-and-rescue work.

Thanks to her call, Cody was flown to SDF’s training facility in Gilroy, California, where he underwent intensive training to become one of the country’s elite search dogs.

Today, Cody not only holds FEMA Type One Advanced Certification but he’s also become a mentor for new handlers, helping train future search dogs. His journey highlights how shelter pups, with the right training and guidance, can transform into lifesaving heroes.

Cody’s high energy once deemed a flaw, is now his greatest asset—saving lives one search at a time.

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! While Labs are popular due to their temperament and intelligence, other breeds like Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds are also commonly trained as guide dogs.

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