• 🐶 Dog thrown in lake finds his forever home

• 🍖 The dog food revolution every pet parent needs to know about

• 🥰 What do hunting dogs actually do?

• 🦴 Games that hunting dog breeds will love

• ❤️ A special word from our pups

Did you know…

What were Dachshunds originally bred for?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Gator, an English Mastiff with a heart as big as his paws, has finally found his forever home after enduring a heartbreak no dog should ever have to experience. This gentle giant was thrown into a lake to drown but was saved just in time by a good Samaritan.

After being pulled from the water, Gator was taken in by the Mastiff Rescue of Florida (MRF), who rushed him to the ER to treat pneumonia. With the help of donations they received, Gator made a full recovery. Soon, he found his way to Travis, a special needs foster dad who had recently lost his own pup, Nora Ann. The MRF sweetly shared, “We all think Nora Ann had a hand in guiding Gator to Travis.”

Gator and Travis bonded instantly as if they had always been together. Now, Gator is settling into his new home with ease, playing with his new doggy friends, lounging by the pool, and relishing every cozy bed and tasty meal. Though he still has a bit of healing ahead—he’s heartworm positive and awaiting neutering—he’s in the best hands.

MRF couldn’t be happier for this deserving pup, saying, 'Gator has the life he deserves.' They shared his story on social media with heartwarming photos of him snuggled up with Travis, and another of him happily napping next to his new doggy friend. It’s amazing to see Gator fully trust another human after everything he’s been through.

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Hunting dogs have been partners to humans for thousands of years, working together to track and retrieve “game.” If you’re like me, you’ve probably wondered… what do hunting dogs actually do? While we don’t need to rely on hunting dogs for survival, many dog parents still enjoy hunting with their pups and relying on their skills and instincts. Let’s learn together!

There are two main types of hunting dogs: hounds and bird (or gun) dogs. Hounds are experts at tracking animals like deer or rabbits. With their sharp noses and distinctive howls, they help hunters locate and track prey, even when separated. Some hounds will patiently wait at the base of a tree for the hunter to catch up.

Bird dogs, like retrievers, play a different role. They don’t track prey but instead retrieve fallen birds after the hunter brings them down. Whether it's swimming across a pond or running through a field, these dogs return the animal to their owner.

No matter the type, all hunting dogs are well-trained and intelligent. Just imagine the strong trust and bond needed to communicate like that with their owners! And, let me tell you, I personally know a few hunting dogs who, after a long day, are total babies—they love nothing more than curling up on their parents' laps. At the end of the day, they’re still dogs!

Some of our dogs have hunting instincts in their DNA (my pup can sniff out a grasshopper, cricket, or spider within minutes of being outside), even if they aren’t actual hunting dogs. Have you ever wondered what kinds of games and activities would best suit their natural abilities? We’ve gathered some fun ideas for you! Hint: Scent-based games are key.

Hide and Seek: ​​This classic game is a great way to exercise your dog's nose while involving you in the fun. You'll be the one hiding, and your dog will use their amazing sniffer to find you. Dogs love the scent of their owners, so this can quickly become a favorite game! You’ll need another person to help hold or entertain your pup until you’re ready for them to find you.

Cup and Puzzle Games: Fill cups or a treat puzzle with treats, then let your dog use their nose to locate them. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your pup can find the goodies, and they’ll be eager to play this game over and over again!

Hiking and Jogging: Hunting dogs are known to explore 10 to 15 miles a day. Taking your pup on hikes or jogs is like a treasure hunt for their nose—each new trail is packed with exciting scents and surprises where they can ex all their “hunting” energy.

Do you have any specific games or activities that your "hunting breed" pup loves? We’d love to hear about them and try them out with our own dogs!

Before you leave, don’t forget to give your pup the nutrition they deserve for only $1.99 at Nextritionpet.com!

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: Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers, with their name meaning “badger dog” in German. Their short legs keep them low to the ground for scent tracking, while their narrow bodies allow them to crawl into burrows.

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