Did you know…

A dog’s sense of time is tied to ___.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

In schools across the U.S., therapy dogs are quietly transforming the classroom. From Oklahoma to Colorado, dogs like Kalani and Shadow greet students with wagging tails and calming energy. Their presence helps children manage stress, ease anxiety, and even sharpen focus.

At Morris Elementary in Oklahoma, some kids go straight for Kalani, a golden retriever-poodle mix. A few minutes of petting her fur slows their breathing and makes it easier to open up. In other schools, therapy dogs sit with students during reading practice or help children with disabilities build communication skills by giving commands like “sit” or “stay.”

Many programs grew after the pandemic, supported by federal relief funds and community donations that cover specialized training. Dogs are taught to remain calm during noisy hallways, crowded events, and even lockdown drills.

For students and teachers alike, the impact is lasting: whether it’s finding the courage to talk through big emotions or simply pausing for a much-needed moment of comfort.

Meet Willow, a stunning 7-year-old dark red Golden Retriever belonging to Daily Dig reader Stacy. This sweet girl is full of energy and always ready for her next adventure.

Willow loves to swim, go on long daily walks, and explore the world around her. One of her favorite places to visit? Local ballparks, where she’s known for sniffing out a forgotten baseball or two. For Willow, a good day means fresh air, a little exercise, and maybe a lucky baseball discovery along the way.

Thank you to Daily Dig reader Stacy for sharing Willow with us. Have a pup who deserves the spotlight? Send in a photo for a chance to see your dog featured as a future Daily Dig dog of the day!

Thank you to Pique Life for sponsoring Daily Dig.

Ever wondered if your dog actually understands “I love you”? A small study suggests they may not know the words, but they definitely feel something when they hear them.

Researchers tracked four dogs’ heart rates over seven days. Their average resting heart rate was 67 beats per minute. When their owners said “I love you,” it jumped 46% to 98 bpm. Cuddling had the opposite effect, lowering heart rates by 23% to about 52 bpm. Owners weren’t immune either. Their heart rates rose 10% on average when reunited with their dogs.

So, how do dogs show love back? Experts point to a few classic signs: curling up beside you, enthusiastic tail wags and wiggles, bringing you a toy, exposing their belly, or seeking you out when they’re hurt or stressed.

When your hearing struggles, your brain works overtime to fill in the gaps, which can affect memory, focus, and energy over time. Horizon IX from hear.com lightens that load. This tiny, virtually invisible device uses advanced German dual‑processing technology to separate speech from background noise, so conversations feel effortless again. Built for modern life and all‑day comfort, it’s available with a 45‑day no‑risk trial so you can hear the difference for yourself.

Qualify today.

Here are our favorite picks of the week, rare breeds and legendary side-eye included:

• 🧡 Meet the rare Danish-Swedish Farmdog breed

• 👀 This dog’s side-eye game is hilariously strong

🐶 Join us on Instagram for more cute dog content

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,

Ivy, Callie, Finnegan, Stitcher, and Huey 🐾

🦴 A Little Treat

🤔 Did You Know: A dog’s sense of time is tied to scent. Morning and evening have different scent “signatures” as air shifts, helping them anticipate routines.

🐶 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 “woof” 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!