Did you know…

Dogs can smell individual ingredients in food, not just the ______ smell.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Sometimes the universe really does have perfect timing. In January 2026, a small terrier mix wandered into a Target store looking for warmth and walked out with a forever family instead.

A shopper noticed the scared, cold pup and didn’t turn away. Instead, she knelt down, gently put a harness on him, and did what many dog lovers dream of but never expect to do: she adopted him on the spot. Right there in the store, she picked up leashes, supplies, and everything needed to get him safely home.

The moment, shared on TikTok, struck a chord. Commenters summed it up perfectly: the dog came in looking for shelter and left with a family. Others joked they’ve never been lucky enough to find a dog at their local Target (painfully relatable).

Beyond the feel-good factor, the story is a reminder of how quickly a life can change with one kind decision. One warm place, one compassionate person, and suddenly a scared stray has a home.

Meet Willow, the joyful pup featured by Daily Dig reader Johanna. Just over a year old, Willow came into Johanna’s life a few months ago and quickly took on the role of rescuer herself. With that big smile and boundless energy, she keeps the household lively and gives her 9-year-old brother, Charlie, a serious run for his money.

Willow’s happy spirit and playful heart are a reminder of how much love and fun a young dog can bring into a home.

Thank you to Daily Dig reader Johanna for sharing Willow with us! Want to see your dog featured next? Reply to this email with your dog’s name, a picture, and a few fun facts.

Thank you to Knix for sponsoring Daily Dig.

The first snowfall hits, and suddenly your calm, well-behaved dog is sprinting like they’ve had three espressos. Zoomies, face-first snow dives, nonstop sniffing. It’s not random, and it’s not just cute chaos.

Part of the excitement is sensory overload. Snow feels different under their paws, sounds crunchy, and looks brighter than the usual ground. According to veterinarians, that kind of “newness” can trigger bursts of energy and playful behavior, especially in dogs who love novelty.

Cold temperatures can also boost energy. Just like dogs tend to slow down in summer heat, cooler air can make movement feel easier and more exciting. Snow’s soft surface even makes some dogs feel lighter, which explains the bouncing, leaping chaos.

Breed plays a role, too. Cold-weather dogs (think Huskies or Bernese Mountain Dogs) are built for snow and often thrive in it, while smaller or short-haired pups may want no part of it. Still, personality matters more than breed alone.

Snow also reshuffles the scent world. Fresh snow hides smells, then releases them as it’s disturbed, turning every walk into a giant sniffing puzzle. For many dogs, that mental stimulation is just as thrilling as the running, which is why snow days feel like the ultimate playground.

As the days shorten and the nights grow longer, nothing matters more than restorative rest! Cornbread Hemp’s USDA organic Sleep Gummies are designed to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. The best part? They’re made without melatonin, so you can skip the weird dreams and the next-day grogginess.

Each gummy combines full-spectrum hemp with calming botanicals, including valerian root, chamomile, and lavender. They work naturally to help relax your body and quiet your mind, promoting a restful sleep cycle. Because good days start with great nights!

Save 30% off your first order with code GOODFEELS.

Here are our favorite picks of the week, all about loyalty, trust, and adorable sleep habits:

• 🐶 Why dogs sleep belly-up like goofballs

• 🐾 8 little ways your dog says “I trust you”

• ❤️ Loyal dog stories that’ll warm your heart

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 smell individual ingredients in food, not just the overall smell.

🐶 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 favorite activity for a surprise in your inbox!

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