• 🐶 Skagway’s amazing transformation after being rescued

• 🌏 Save the planet and protect your pup’s playground from home

• 🥰 What do your dog’s playful positions mean?

• 🦴 5 simple steps to find the right dog sitter

• ❤️ A special word from our pups

True or False?

Dogs can see more than just black and white.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

One sweet senior pup really stood out among the strays rescued by Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL) this summer.

Skagway, named after a town in Alaska, arrived at SRSL with a memorable appearance—sparse wiry hair, pointy ears, and wrinkly pink skin. But it was her gentle personality that the staff got attached to.

Her hair loss was initially mistaken for mange, but the staff quickly discovered it was caused by fleas eating at her. This poor girl was covered in fleas, in pain, and struggling with arthritis.

Thank goodness for the angels at SRSL. They committed to caring for Skagway, started treatment right away, and found her the perfect foster match. This was the beginning of the love she so desperately needed—and her body responded beautifully to it.

Within weeks, her hair began to grow back, and despite her weak bones, she even started getting up to greet her foster mom. In just two months, Skagway’s transformation has been remarkable—she looks healthier, more lively, and is finally enjoying life free from neglect.

It’s heartwarming to see the resilience of a dog who endured so much, only to come out the other side feeling loved, healthy, and safe. We can’t wait to follow Skagway’s story and watch her find her forever home.

Imagine this:

You're watching a heartwarming video of a baby bear being rescued or trees blossoming in a once-barren desert, knowing you played a part in making it happen. That’s the magic of Planet Wild.

By joining Planet Wild, you're not just contributing to a cause bigger than life—you’re actively protecting our planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems. From safeguarding oceans teeming with life to restoring endangered forests, your support fuels real, measurable change. And each month, you’ll see the impact with exclusive video updates that bring these stories to life.

At The Canopy, we trust Planet Wild because they are a global community of everyday people turned changemakers, coming together to crowdfund high-impact nature protection projects. Whether it’s saving endangered species or preserving precious habitats, Planet Wild makes sure your contribution goes where it’s needed most.

Want to be part of the solution? Join us in making a difference today! Get your first month free with code DIG9 and help create a greener, more sustainable world—one project at a time.

Thank you to Planet Wild for sponsoring Daily Dig.

As dog parents, we often feel closely connected to our pups—we can read their faces, sounds, and moods. It’s such a privilege to understand them and have them trust us enough to communicate in the ways they know how. But what about those playful positions we see? Their body language can tell us so much about how they’re feeling. Let’s dive into the world of dog body language and decode what your pup’s positions really mean!

Play Bow. When you see your dog bend down on their front legs with their hind end up in the air, that’s a play bow! It’s the doggiest way of saying, “Hey, let’s play!” This position usually comes with a wagging tail and a big, goofy grin (mouth open, tongue lolling out). It’s an invitation to romp around and have some fun. If your pup drops into this pose, you know it’s playtime – and they don’t want you to be afraid to roughhouse and wrestle!

Belly Up. Ever notice your dog rolling over and exposing their belly to you? This adorable posture is called belly up, and it’s a clear sign of trust and confidence. When a dog shows their belly, they’re completely vulnerable and inviting you to give them some loving pets or even roll around with them. This is their way of saying, “I feel safe with you!”

Ears Perked Up. Dogs are naturally curious, and one of the ways they show interest is by perking up their ears. Honestly, almost everything I do is worthy of an ear perk for my dogs. When your pup has their ears facing forward, it usually means they’re alert and paying close attention to something intriguing. Whether it’s a squirrel in the yard or the sound of the treat bag rustling, perked-up ears indicate that your dog is ready to investigate and find out what’s going on.

Wagging Tail. A dog’s tail can say a lot! The classic image of a happy pup is one with a relaxed, wagging tail—usually a sign of joy, something you’ve done to make them happy, an invitation to play, or just pure contentment. I remember my blind pup used to stand outside with his nose in the air with the slowest, most relaxed tail wag you could imagine. It was the perfect tail wag I’ve ever seen – I wish you all could see it!

What are your favorite positions you see from your pup? What do they mean to you?

Finding the perfect dog sitter can feel more important than finding the right vet. After all, you’re trusting them with your precious pup while you’re away. It’s a big deal! While dog-sitting apps and websites may make it seem deceptively easy—with hundreds of options at your fingertips—there’s more to consider than just a quick search. Here are five effective ways to help you find the right dog sitter for your unique pup.

1. Check Credentials

Look for sitters who are trained in things like pet CPR and first aid; you want to know that they can handle any situation that might arise. These qualifications aren’t just boxes to check—they provide you with peace of mind, knowing your pup is in safe hands.

2. Schedule a Meet and Greet

When it comes to finding the right dog sitter, an in-person meeting can tell you a lot. Invite the sitter over to your home for a meet and greet so you can observe how they interact with your pup.

Remember, just because someone looks perfect on paper doesn’t mean they’ll vibe well with your pup. You want to see them genuinely connect with your fur baby, just as you do. I once had a highly regarded dog sitter come by to meet my dogs, and she barely acknowledged them! It felt like she wanted to keep her distance from my goofy goobers, and that obviously didn’t sit right with me.

3. Ask Your Network for Recommendations

Don’t underestimate the power of personal recommendations. While online reviews can provide some insight, nothing beats the firsthand experiences of your friends, family, or trusted neighbors. Reach out to those in your circle who are fellow dog parents and ask if they’ve had positive experiences with any sitters they’d recommend. You can also post in local community groups or on social media to gather suggestions from others in your area. You can get the full picture from these personal recommendations: the sitter’s personality, reliability, how they interact with dogs, communication style, and more.

4. Check References

Ask for references and see how many they can provide. Before hiring a specific pet sitter, it’s always a good idea to check their references. Yes, if they provide references, it’s usually a sign of a positive experience. However, you might still discover details that may not align with your specific dog-sitting preferences, even if those experiences were favorable for someone else.

5. Trial Run

If you feel comfortable, consider hiring the dog sitter for a short trial period. Leave your pup in their care for a few hours and see how it goes. You can gauge your dog’s response when you return home and ask the sitter for their perspective on how it went. This trial experience will help you assess their compatibility and ensure your pup feels at ease.

Do you have any tips for finding the right dog sitter? How did you find yours?

Join us in making a difference today! Get your first month free with code DIG9 and help create a greener, more sustainable world—one project 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: True, outside of black and white, dogs can also see shades of blue and yellow.

🐶 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.

🥰 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’s favorite activity 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!