True or False?

Labrador Retrievers are the most commonly used therapy dogs in hospitals.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Meet Boris, a Labrador Retriever therapy dog at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston who just turned 3 in the most heartwarming way possible. Hospital staff threw him a full Toy Story-themed birthday party, naming it "You've Got a Friend Who's 3" after the beloved Randy Newman song. Boris showed up dressed in a Buzz Lightyear costume and made his rounds through the party just like any other workday, spreading joy to every pediatric patient he met.

The kids got to make birthday crafts for Boris, creating their own versions of Forky from Toy Story. Boris was then gifted Forky and Mr. Potato Head toys, which he promptly shared with his canine co-workers. Because of course he did.

Boris works throughout the hospital providing emotional comfort, play therapy, and even helps demonstrate medical procedures for young patients. His handler Rachel Graves told Storyful that he arrived about a year ago and has been changing the atmosphere of the hospital ever since. Judging by the smiles in the video, Boris may have spent his birthday making everyone else happy, which is exactly what he does every single day.

Your dog may not know what a birthday is, but they absolutely know when something special is happening. Celebrating your pup does not have to be elaborate. It just has to be theirs. Here are a few dog-approved ideas to make the day feel extra special:

• Throw a pup party. Invite a few of their favorite dog friends for a backyard playdate. A name banner, some dog-safe treats, and good company are all you need.

• Bake a birthday treat. A simple mix of oat flour, pumpkin puree, unsweetened applesauce, and xylitol-free peanut butter makes a batch of biscuits your dog will go absolutely wild for.

• Gift something new. A fresh toy, a cozy bed upgrade, or even a personalized bandana can feel like a big deal to a dog who notices everything.

• Make it a quality time day. Extra walks, extra cuddles, and a special meal go a long way. Sometimes the best gift is just more of you.

Whatever you choose, the most important thing is keeping it dog-centered and fun. And if you want to top off the celebration with a birthday treat made just for them, we just so happen to know a great option for that. Keep reading to find out!

Meet the Dot Cake, the birthday hack dog parents are obsessing over, and it takes about 30 seconds to make.

Grab a Bear & The Rat frozen dog treat from the freezer aisle, spread a thin layer of peanut butter or plain yogurt on top, dip into dog-safe sprinkles, and you've just made your pup the cutest birthday cake they've ever seen. No baking. No mixing. No waiting for anything to cool. Just a moment your dog will go absolutely wild for.

The Bear & The Rat frozen dog treats are made with real ingredients, have zero artificial flavors, and are packed with prebiotics for gut health, so you can feel as good about giving it as they do eating it.

Find them in the freezer aisle at Whole Foods, Publix, Petco, PetSmart, and retailers nationwide. Or grab them on Instacart for same-day delivery.

MAKE A DOT CAKE FOR YOUR PUP

Thank you to The Bear & The Rat for sponsoring Daily Dig.

Meet Bella, a 9-month-old Golden Mountain Doodle who is already turning heads and melting hearts. Daily Dig reader Ed shared that Bella is a superstar in training, currently breezing through intermediate level with her trainers convinced she has everything it takes to become a certified Service Dog.

And honestly, looking at that face, we believe it. Bella is not just pretty (though she absolutely is), she is crazy smart, uber cuddly, and has the kind of calm, focused energy that makes great service animals. She is nine months old and already living a life of purpose. We love that for her.

Thank you to Daily Dig reader Ed for sharing Bella with us. Want to see your dog featured next? Reply to this email with their photo and a little about them for a chance to be our next Dog of the Day!

• 🍰 This dog dot cake recipe only takes 30 seconds

• 🎂 Boris's Toy Story birthday party

• 🐾 ASPCA's dog birthday ideas

• 🎉 Ariana Grande's dog turns 13

• 😂 Pug refuses his swimming lesson

🐶 Join us on Instagram for more cute dog content

Meet the Dot Cake, the birthday hack dog parents are obsessing over, and it takes about 30 seconds to make.

Grab a Bear & The Rat frozen dog treat from the freezer aisle, spread a thin layer of peanut butter or plain yogurt on top, dip into dog-safe sprinkles, and you've just made your pup the cutest birthday cake they've ever seen.

MAKE A DOT CAKE FOR YOUR PUP

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

🤔 True or False: True! Labs are consistently among the most popular breeds for therapy and facility dog work, thanks to their gentle temperament, patience, and ability to read human emotions. Boris is a great example of why.

🐶 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!

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