Did you know…

Which bugs can upset a dog's stomach?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

5-year-old Butch was the longest resident at a North Carolina shelter, waiting over 400 days for his forever family. Before you grab the tissues, let us tell you: his wait is finally over.

The shelter staff shared that he always had a “happy dance” whenever someone walked by, but Butch was still overlooked. He had been abandoned as a lost dog in January 2023, adopted, and then returned in September when his owner became homeless.

Butch’s friendly and affectionate personality began to fade as his days in the shelter stretched on – it was hard for the staff to watch. But his fortune changed when a couple in Schenectady, New York, saw a video of him online – 675 miles away.

“We had a couple reach out who lived in Schenectady, NY who lived in a home with no other pets and who fell in love with him after seeing a video of him,” Burlington Animal Services wrote in a Facebook post. “After contacting us, we set the wheels in motion to get this sweet and deserving boy to them.”

Finally, after 400 days of longing, Butch was flown to his new home in New York with the help of a nonprofit, Pilots N Paws. His new family welcomed him with open arms, ready to give him the love and attention he had been waiting for all this time.

“We are all so excited about Butch’s adoption,” said Sydney Herron, community engagement manager at Burlington Animal Services.

Congratulations on bringing your new puppy home! It's all fun and games... and pottying. Seriously – your life will soon revolve around your pup's potty schedule. But the sooner you get the hang of potty training, the more time you’ll have to enjoy all the other fun and lovable things about having a playful puppy in your life.

Before diving in, remember: that you're both learning together. Don’t stress if there are a few (or a lot of) potty messes along the way – it’s all part of the process, and it will pass. Ready to get started? Let’s do this!

1. Set a Routine: Puppies thrive on routine! Take your puppy out first thing in the morning, after meals, and every couple of hours to avoid “whoopsies.”

2. When in Doubt, Go Out: Puppies are basically like mini water fountains – they need lots of breaks! Head outside every few hours to help them learn when and where to go.

3. Pick a Potty Spot: Choose a go-to spot for potty time. Your pup will catch on fast that this is the magical area for their business.

4. Celebrate Success: When your puppy does it right, throw a mini party! Treats, belly rubs, and cheers will make your pup eager to please next time.

5. Watch for Signals: Learn your puppy's potty cues, like sniffing, circling, or a sudden look of “uh-oh.” Recognizing these signs can save the day!

6. Crate Training: Crates can be your friend. Most puppies won’t mess where they sleep, so use the crate to build good habits.

7. Stay Cool with Accidents: Accidents are part of the process, so no scolding your precious pup! Instead, clean up thoroughly to prevent repeat offenses.

8. Potty Bells: Teach your puppy to nudge or ring bells by the door – it’s like a doggy doorbell for when nature calls!

9. Grass Patches: Our personal favorite, indoor grass patches. These can be a lifesaver, especially in apartments or during bad weather. They give your pup a natural, easy-to-use potty spot right at home.

Enjoy the journey – potty training doesn’t last forever, and you’ll be laughing about these days and reminiscing in no time! Did you learn any life-saving potty training tips when you had a puppy? Let us know!

Potty training doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Fresh Patch, the #1 Real Grass Dog Potty, makes life simpler for you and your pup. Loved by over 1 million happy dogs (and their humans), it’s a natural, mess-free solution for potty training, apartment living, bad winter weather, or giving your dog a convenient spot to go—all without the hassle of traditional pee pads.

Hydroponically grown in California, Fresh Patch absorbs liquids and eliminates odors, keeping your home fresh and clean without extra effort. And the best part? There’s no cleaning or maintenance—just replace it every 1-3 weeks for a truly effortless experience. With 5,000+ glowing 5-star reviews, Fresh Patch is the ultimate must-have for dog parents.

Ready to make puppy potty training easier? Get 20% OFF your first Fresh Patch order using code DAILYDIG at checkout. Don’t wait—this deal ends Monday, 12/2. Get started today and enjoy stress-free potty training with your dog!

Thank you to Fresh Patch for sponsoring Daily Dig.

Winter is approaching, which means snow is on the way! Some of us can’t wait, while others may not be as thrilled about it. One of my dogs absolutely loves the snow—the colder and snowier, the better! She’ll stay outside as long as I let her, and I often have to coax her inside (I don’t want the neighbors to think I’m neglecting her!). But how do you prepare your pup for the snow? Let’s explore some simple tips to keep in mind.

Limit Outdoor Time

While some dogs love the snow, others can’t handle it as well and are more prone to frostbite, especially on their ears or tail tips. Keep outdoor time short, particularly for pups that aren't bred for cold climates.

Bundle Up

Short-haired or small dogs might need a little extra protection. A sturdy winter coat or fitted sweater can keep them warm during outdoor outings. And they’ll look adorable – I put a big blue jacket on my 90 lb pittie mix, and I have to say, he looks pretty darn silly in it!

Protect Those Paws

Winter can be tough on paws. Snow, ice, and salt can cause irritation or injury in some cases, so consider getting your dog boots or paw protectors.

Consider Age and Health

Older dogs and puppies may have a harder time regulating their body temperature, so limit their outdoor time to prevent discomfort.

How does your dog do in the snow? We’d love to hear if they’re a snow-loving pup or more of a bury-under-the-blankets kind of dog!

Ready to make puppy potty training easier? Get 20% OFF your first Fresh Patch order using code DAILYDIG at checkout. Don’t wait—this deal ends Monday, 12/2. Get started today and enjoy stress-free potty training with your dog!

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: Bugs that can upset a dog’s stomach include ticks, cockroaches, mosquitoes, Asian lady beetles, fireflies, fleas, and cicadas.

🐶 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!

💌 Reply for a surprise: If you are reading this reply with if your pup loves the snow for a surprise in your inbox!

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