• 🐶 Margot is the first bully breed to win this title

• 🐾 5 surprising reasons pet insurance is a game-changer for pet parents

• 🥰 How to start biking with your dog

• 🦴 Must-have biking gear for your biking pup

• ❤️ A special word from our pups

True or False?

Dogs have no clavicle.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Margot is the first bully breed to win the title of World’s Cutest Rescue Dog! Presented by PEOPLE Magazine, the contest celebrates the charm of rescue pups—and Margot made history.

It was nearly impossible for this adorable 3-year-old Pit Bull mix not to steal hearts across the country with her mismatched eyes and speckled fur. Margot’s journey began when her soon-to-be dog mom, Julia Zupan, spotted her photo on Cincinnati Animal CARE’s Facebook page. After their first meet-and-greet, Julia knew she couldn’t let Margot go and made her part of her family just two days later.

According to Julia, Margot is a cuddle-bug who loves meeting new people. Her sweet, playful personality—and those beautiful blue and brown eyes—have earned her nearly 80,000 TikTok followers! Julia also uses their platform to raise awareness about the importance of training and patience, especially for leash-reactive pups like Margot.

Thanks to the voting public and judges from PEOPLE Magazine, Margot won a year’s supply of dog food and a $1,000 donation to a rescue organization of her choice. Staying true to her roots, Julia donated the prize to Cincinnati Animal CARE, the shelter that first brought her and Margot together. Congratulations, Margot, on being crowned the 2024 World’s Cutest Rescue Dog!

Endless affection, pure devotion, limitless entertainment—our pets give us so much, it’s only natural we want to give them the best of everything. Including the best veterinary care. Comprehensive pet insurance can make all the difference when the unexpected occurs.

With Trupanion, you get unlimited coverage, meaning there’s no limit to how much they will pay over your pet’s lifetime for the care they need. Whether it’s a broken bone, lifelong allergies, or something more serious, you can say “yes” to the treatment your pet needs.

You can even skip paying the full bill upfront, with Trupanion’s unique payment method that enables them to pay the veterinary hospital directly. Without the paperwork and the waiting for reimbursement, you can focus on your pet’s health.

Experience the Trupanion difference yourself, and see your price, at trupanion.com/dailydig.

Thank you to Trupanion for sponsoring Daily Dig.

This is for the dog parents who want to try that hobby with their pup that looks fun but feels a bit intimidating: biking. We’re here to help! Here’s how to start biking with your dog.

Is your dog the right fit? First things first: Assess if your pup is a good fit for biking. Consider their comfort level around bikes, physical abilities, and stamina. Can they handle running alongside you? Are they well-trained enough to listen and stay focused, even if a bunny or squirrel runs by? Some dogs just aren’t built for biking – short-headed breeds like bulldogs struggle with breathing. Older pups or those with joint issues obviously aren’t ideal biking candidates. But if you have a high-energy dog who loves to run and never seems to run out of energy, they might just be the perfect biking buddy!

Get your dog comfortable with the bike. Start by getting them near the bike, and letting them sniff and explore while it’s parked. Reward them with treats and praise to help them associate the bike with positive experiences. Gradually increase movement—roll the bike slowly and continue rewarding calm behavior.

Decide which biking setup is best for them. They can run alongside your bike (with the proper gear—more on that in the next section of the newsletter!). Small pups can ride in a specially designed bike basket with safety straps (imagine how adorable this looks), and older or mobility-limited dogs can enjoy a bike trailer.

Take it slow. Begin with short distances and low speeds. Stick to dog-friendly trails and reward them for being the best biker dog ever. Always keep an eye on your pup’s comfort and be ready to stop whenever they’ve had enough.

Are any of our readers experts at biking with their pups? We’d love to hear your tips for beginners! And if you and your dog are just starting out, let us know how your first trip goes!

Are you ready to go biking with your pup? I’m always a bit jealous when I see dog parents happily biking with their dogs—it looks like such a great way for both of them to experience the outdoors! I used to think only certain dogs could get into that routine and that it might not be possible with every dog. But, if you’ve been prepping your dog, done your research, and feel ready to roll, it is possible! The next step is making sure you have the right gear. Here’s a quick list to ensure you’re ready for any ride with your doggo by your side.

1. Bike-Specific Dog Leash

Choose a leash made for biking. Avoid ones that attach to the seat or have quick-release mechanisms, as they can be unstable and wear out fast. Look for a leash with some stretch and length that allows your pup to run without getting too close. There are a ton of bike leashes to choose from. Many are designed to mount low and keep your pup on your left side to prevent entanglement and tipping.

2. Sturdy Dog Harness

A leash alone isn’t enough—your dog needs a sturdy, purpose-built harness for biking. Look for one made specifically for active sports like running or pulling; it’ll be well-padded, snug-fitting, and designed to reduce neck strain while allowing your dog to move freely. It’s natural to worry about all the ways your pup could get hurt while biking, but a quality harness helps make every ride, stop, and turn as safe as possible.

3. Water and Collapsible Bowl

Don’t forget to pack water for both you and your pup! A collapsible bowl is lightweight and easy to carry along. This is the most convenient option to keep your dog hydrated, no matter how long your biking trip is.

4. Extras for Breaks and Clean-Up

Be sure to bring along some treats for encouragement and positive reinforcement during your biking adventures. Let’s be honest, your pup is awesome and trustworthy if you’re biking with them.

And don’t forget the other essentials: a regular leash for rest stops and poop bags—self-explanatory for every dog parent!

Whether you're new to biking with your pup or already a pro, this setup keeps the experience fun and safe for both of you! Are you just starting out, or have you biked with your pup before? Do you have any must-haves you bring along? We’d love to hear about your biking experiences—share your tips and stories!

Endless affection, pure devotion, limitless entertainment—our pets give us so much, it’s only natural we want to give them the best of everything. Including the best veterinary care. That’s why at Daily Dig, we love Trupanion.

Experience the Trupanion difference yourself, and see your price, at trupanion.com/dailydig.

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, dogs lack a clavicle and instead have a small cartilaginous structure (softer than bone).

🐶 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!

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