Did you know…

Dogs can be trained to detect ___.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Turns out, even football coach Nick Saban answers to the family dog. During a recent charity golf event, the coach shared a sweet (and funny) update about his pup, Ray Ray. After an ACL injury, Ray Ray literally took over Saban’s bed.

Saban told reporters that his wife, Miss Terry, made sure Ray Ray had the best recovery setup possible. That meant Coach Saban had to sleep elsewhere while their injured dog took his spot in their bed. “Figured out where I stand on the food chain,” he joked.

Ray Ray, of course, deserved the extra comfort. ACL tears are no small thing, even for dogs.

It’s a funny reminder that in many households, even ones run by football royalty, the dog runs the show.

Once temps hit the high 80s or above, many dogs struggle to keep cool, especially seniors, puppies, big breeds, or flat-faced pups like pugs and Frenchies. Dogs overheat more easily than humans and can’t cool off by sweating.

If your dog is panting hard, slowing down, or seems disoriented, it’s time to act. Move them to shade or AC, offer cool water, and wet their belly and paws. Avoid ice-cold baths; lukewarm water works best for cooling.

To prevent problems, walk dogs early or late in the day. Before walks, always test the pavement with your hand. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them. Try grassy parks, indoor games, or even frozen treat toys to keep them moving.

Always carry water on outings, and never leave your dog in a car—not even for a minute. With a few precautions, you can make summer safer (and more comfortable) for your pup.

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Dogs have long impressed us with their loyalty, but now science says they’ve got a lot of creativity, too. In a recent study, pups were taught a cue (“create”) and responded by doing something new nearly every time. We’re talking paw lifts, scoots, and impromptu dance moves.

For dogs to do this, they had to remember what they’d already done and intentionally try something different. Researchers found that dogs showed creativity about 75% of the time, comparable to dolphins in similar studies. That level of mental flexibility is rare among animals and hints at just how cognitively capable dogs are.

You don’t need a lab to try it yourself. Encourage your dog to invent a new move, reward anything original, and let them explore. Even simple actions like going under your leg or nudging your hand count.

Playful problem-solving isn’t just fun. It keeps your dog’s brain sharp and boosts their confidence. Turns out, thinking outside the box has real benefits for our dogs.

From snack alerts to sweet friendships, here’s what’s trending:

• 📅 These subtle signs can help you tell how old your dog really is. Learn more.

• 🌯 This dog hears a food packet open and goes full alert. Watch the video.

• 🐰 A rescued bunny and German Shepherd are now best friends. See the story.

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 can be trained to detect USB drives. Police dogs have sniffed out tiny data devices, useful in cybercrime investigations.

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