• 🐶 4 doggy massage techniques to use at home

• 🐾 Did you know that dogs can save sea turtles?

• 🥰 Boone and Rellie go home together after 450 days

• 🦴 DOTD - Meet Kevin

• ❤️ A special word from our pups

True or False?

Dogs can’t sense time.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

We all like to think of our pups as spoiled—belly rubs every time they roll over, kisses whenever they give us those puppy-dog eyes. And, let’s be honest, they probably are (mine definitely included). But have you ever slowed down to give your dog a massage? Think about it: They’re always on duty, whether they’re keeping an eye on us, playing, or guarding the house from every delivery driver and mail carrier.

According to Becky Brandenburg, a certified animal massage therapist, “Full-body massage keeps muscles moving and conditioned—touch can truly be healing.” Not only does it benefit pups physically, but it also strengthens the special bond between you two.

And guess what? It’s a two-way street! Dr. Rachel Barrack, a veterinarian and founder of Animal Acupuncture, points out that massaging your pet can help lower your heart rate and blood pressure, thanks to the oxytocin released with touch.

Here are four simple techniques to get you started with massaging your precious doggo:

1. Backstroke: Gently stroke along your dog’s back, staying off the spine. This soothing motion is great for bonding.

2. Forehead Rub: Start at the top of the nose and gently rub up to the forehead—perfect for calming anxious pups.

3. Thigh Rub: Use light circular motions on the thigh muscles, especially helpful for senior dogs.

4. Ear Rub: Gently massage the base of each ear and move towards the tip, which most pups find super relaxing.

Remember to stay calm and go slow—your pup feels your energy! Do you ever massage your dog? What are their favorite techniques?

Imagine this:

You’re watching a rescued sea turtle hatchling make its way safely to the ocean, knowing you helped make it happen. That’s the magic of Planet Wild.

Through Planet Wild’s mission to protect sea turtle nests from poachers, specially trained dogs stepped up as unexpected heroes. These dogs, with their powerful noses and keen instincts, located sea turtle nests along vulnerable coastlines, helping conservation teams mark and protect these areas before poachers could reach them. It was a life-saving effort that gave these endangered hatchlings a real chance at survival.

By joining Planet Wild, you can be part of missions like these, and you’re not just supporting nature from afar—you’re protecting nature from the comfort of your home. Each month, you’ll see your impact through video updates that bring these incredible rescue stories to life.

At Daily Dig, we believe in Planet Wild because they’re building a global community of everyday people turned changemakers, pooling resources to protect animals and ecosystems in need. Whether it’s saving sea turtles, preserving forests, or safeguarding marine life, Planet Wild makes sure every contribution goes directly to high-impact missions.

Want to be part of this journey? Join Planet Wild in making a difference today! Use code DIG9 to get your first month free, and help create a safer, greener world for the next generation—one mission at a time.

Thank you to Planet Wild for sponsoring Daily Dig.

Boone and Rellie, two dogs with challenging pasts, spent over 450 days combined waiting in a South Carolina shelter, hoping for a second chance.

Boone, a gentle dog who was deaf, and Rellie, a sweet soul shy around people, became fast friends during their time at the Greenville Humane Society. Each day, they took walks together, shared playtime, and found comfort in each other’s presence.

For months, the shelter staff shared updates about the two on social media, hoping someone would notice. Finally, a couple who had been following Rellie’s journey decided it was time to meet her in person. When they arrived, the shelter let them know Rellie would thrive best with a canine companion. So, they introduced Boone. The couple instantly saw the bond these two shared, and their hearts opened to the idea of bringing both home.

“He was deaf, and we were struggling to find him a home that would be patient and understanding with him,” the shelter shared. Boone had learned to communicate through sign language and even used a vibrating collar to help navigate his world.

The amazing couple had extra room in their hearts and home – they adopted both Boone and Rellie, giving them the family they had waited so long to find. “This is a reminder of why we do what we do,” the shelter wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post. “Why we never give up.” Boone and Rellie are finally home, together.

Meet Kevin, the adorable (as you can tell) mini Goldendoodle. His mom says he’s been working on his selfie game, and she’s pretty sure he’s trying to become an influencer. We have to say, Kevin, you've got a real shot! Thanks for sharing this cutie with us.

Want to help protect nature and animals from the comfort of your home? Join Planet Wild in making a difference today! Use code DIG9 to get your first month free, and help create a safer, greener world for the next generation—one mission 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, dogs actually can sense time — but it differs from the way humans perceive it. A dog’s concept of time revolves around routine, daily patterns, and associative learning.

🐶 DOTD: Give your pup the spotlight by submitting them for the dog of the day! This month's theme is pups in the holiday spirit. Reply to this email with the best pics of your dog looking festive, cozy, or spreading holiday cheer. Be sure to include their name and a short description to 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 your dog and their best friend 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!