Did you know…

The First Dog to Orbit Earth Was Laika.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

During World War II, a chance encounter on the coast of New Guinea changed the life of a small, feisty Yorkshire Terrier named Smoky.

In 1944, Ed Downey was struggling to free a Jeep from muddy terrain when he heard a faint whimper. Wading through the tall weeds, he discovered a pair of dark, pleading eyes staring back at him from a foxhole. Initially unsure of what to do, Downey passed the tiny dog along to his squad, where Bill Wynne, a dog enthusiast, quickly became smitten by Smoky’s charm.

Named Smoky for her smoky gray-blue fur, the pint-sized pup barely reached Wynne’s boot tops but possessed a sharp intelligence and unwavering loyalty.

Quickly earning her place in the 26th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron, Smoky became their unofficial mascot. She would entertain the troops with tricks like “Bang!” where she played dead, and her playful antics, including chasing softball, lifted the spirits of weary soldiers.

Smoky’s most heroic moment came during a critical mission in the Philippines. With airstrikes a constant threat, the squad faced a challenge: running a communications wire through a narrow, underground culvert. Sending Smoky, who barely fit through the pipe, was the safest option. Despite obstacles, Smoky emerged triumphant, securing the vital wire and ensuring the squad’s survival.

After the war, Wynne smuggled Smoky home, where she continued to inspire and comfort wounded veterans. In 1957, Smoky passed away, but her story lived on.

Decades later, a nurse named Grace Guderian recognized Smoky as the same dog she had lost in New Guinea, proving just how far this brave little dog had traveled—and the enduring impact she had on those she touched. Smoky remains a beloved WWII hero, forever remembered for her courage and companionship.

Meet this week’s DOTD cutie Koa! Koa lives on a golf course and one of her favorite activities includes riding in golf carts and saying hi to all the golfers and workers. Being a husky, she also loves nothing more than rolling around in a fresh pile of snow.

Here is Koa all dressed up to deliver gifts over the holidays. We hope you had plenty of snow this Christmas Koa!

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Have you ever wondered how far back our connection with dogs goes? For thousands of years, humans and dogs have shared an extraordinary bond that has shaped our history.

This relationship, believed to have begun around 30,000 years ago, wasn’t just formed out of necessity—it evolved into a deep and lasting partnership. In those early days, dogs became our loyal companions, enhancing humans’ ability to hunt, protect, and thrive.

By around 33,000 years ago, evidence of dogs being buried alongside humans highlights the deep emotional connection that formed between the two species. These early relationships show that dogs were cherished not just for their utility, but for the companionship they offered. They became more than helpers—they were family, providing comfort and connection in an often unpredictable world.

As humans shifted from hunter-gatherers to agricultural communities, dogs continued to adapt, serving as guardians, herders, and protectors. Even as societies evolved further, dogs have remained by our side, offering unconditional love, emotional support, and companionship.

Today, dogs continue to play an essential role in our lives—whether as loyal pets, working partners, or guardians of our well-being. Their bond with humans is one of the longest and most enduring, rooted in trust, loyalty, and an undeniable connection that shows no signs of fading.

 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🐕 Yes absolutely! (46%)

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ 😂 They'd give it their best shot (34%)

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 🚫 Definitely not! (20%)

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: Laika, a stray dog from Moscow, became the first animal to orbit Earth in 1957 aboard the Soviet spacecraft Sputnik 2. Sadly, the mission was one-way, but Laika’s bravery paved the way for human space exploration.

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