Did you know…

Dogs often choose sleeping spots based on ______, not softness.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Valentine’s Day in New York City takes an adorable turn as the ASPCA Adoption Center is hosting a speed-dating event for adoptable dogs. Instead of roses or awkward small talk, visitors will spend short, one-on-one sessions getting to know larger shelter dogs in a relaxed, low-pressure setting.

The event focuses on helping potential adopters see past first impressions. Many of the dogs featured are calm, affectionate, and well-suited for city living, even if they’re often overlooked in traditional shelter visits. These brief “dates” will give people time to notice personality, energy level, and connection rather than making a rushed decision.

To encourage adoption, the ASPCA is waiving adoption fees for dogs adopted during the event and sending new pet parents home with practical essentials, including leashes, food, treats, toys, and festive accessories.

The goal isn’t just a fun Valentine’s activity. It’s also to create meaningful matches. By slowing things down and letting connections form naturally, the event gives dogs and humans a better chance at something lasting.

Meet Teddy (short for Teddy Bear), the perfectly named pup of Daily Dig reader Karla. One look says it all: this fluffy little guy truly lives up to his name. Teddy is full of kisses, endless cuddles, and an adorable charm that makes him impossible to resist. When he’s not curled up, Teddy is busy snacking or happily playing with his toys.

Thank you to Daily Dig reader Karla for sharing Teddy with us! Want to see your pup featured? Send in your dog’s name, photo, and a short description for their chance to be our next dog of the day.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about overthinking the perfect gift. Often, the most meaningful gestures are the ones that fit naturally into everyday life. Here are our favorite thoughtful picks focused on comfort, wellness, and the simple things that make life better:

• 💚 Paleovalley – A nourishing gift for anyone focused on wellness. Their 100% Grass Fed Bone Broth Protein is slow-simmered, collagen-rich, and easy to add to coffee, smoothies, or a cozy mug. Get 15% off.

• 🍳 HexClad – Cookware made for people who love to cook at home. These hybrid pans are dishwasher safe, PFAS-free, and built to last—no scratching, no constant replacing. Get up to 50% off HexClad’s cooking sets only until 2/17.

• 🥤 Beast Blender – The newly released stainless steel mini blender that makes mornings easier. The Mini 600 Stainless Steel blends frozen fruit and ice fast, keeps smoothies colder longer, and features a blend-and-go design made without plastic. Use code NOTETOSELF15 for a limited time to get 15% off the Beast Blended in Steel™ Collection.

• 📸 Chatbooks – A meaningful gift made from real moments. Turn photos from a phone into beautiful Classic Photo Books in just a few steps. Get 20% off with code LOVE20 only through Valentine’s Day.

• 💝 MetaGlow™ by Zend Wellness – This collagen supplement supports skin appearance, appetite balance, metabolism, and mental well-being, all in one daily scoop.* Odorless and tasteless, it blends easily into coffee, tea, smoothies, or oatmeal. Save up to 33% on MetaGlow™ Collagen here.

Shop the full Revel Valentine’s Gift Guide here.

Thank you to our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for sponsoring Daily Dig.

If there’s ever been a moment you’ve wondered whether your dog truly loves you, the answer is yes: it just might look different for every dog. Some dogs show affection with full-body cuddles and enthusiastic tail wags. Others express love by staying close, keeping watch, or quietly choosing to be in the same room.

According to trainers, breed tendencies can shape how dogs communicate affection. Expressive breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Labs, and Boxers often show love loudly by leaning, nudging, following you everywhere, or plopping directly into your lap.

More independent or guardian breeds, including Great Pyrenees, Akitas, and Malamutes, tend to show devotion in quieter ways. They may lie nearby instead of cuddling or position themselves between you and anything unfamiliar. It’s less about constant contact and more about loyalty and protection.

Herding breeds often show love through teamwork, staying tuned in to your movements, and being eager to “help.” Companion breeds usually prefer closeness and physical touch.

The key is recognizing what affection looks like for your dog. When you meet them on their terms, you’re speaking their love language and strengthening the bond you already share.

Here are our favorite picks of the week, featuring heart-melting smiles and puppy love celebrations:

• 🌹 Our favorite Valentine’s picks

• 😊 Shelter dog smiles after being adopted

• 💘 Valentine’s Day events going to the dogs (in the best way)

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: Dogs often choose sleeping spots based on scent, not softness.

🐶 DOTD: Give your pup the spotlight by submitting them for the dog of the day! Reply to this email with the best pictures of your dog. Be sure to include their name and a short description so they can 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 Valentine picture for a surprise in your inbox!

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