True or False?

Dogs can tell the difference between fresh snow and old snow by smell.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

At Rancho Luna Lobos in Peoa, Utah, mornings don’t start slow. Nearly 130 huskies, malamutes, and other northern breeds wake up ready to play. Run by Fernando and Dana Ramirez, the ranch gives rescue dogs something many were missing before: a routine that matches their energy, brains that stay busy, and a clear sense of purpose.

Most of these dogs arrived after families realized that many high-energy northern breeds need more than short walks and a quiet couch life. Instead of being written off as “too much,” the dogs are trained to do what they were bred for: sledding. Suddenly, all that stamina, drive, and intensity clicks. The team has even gone on to compete internationally and represent Team USA multiple times.

But Rancho Luna Lobos isn’t just about racing medals. Daily training, tours, and hands-on care help dogs stay balanced and fulfilled. Some eventually move on to carefully matched forever homes, while others stay on as working dogs and absolutely thrive.

This rescue doesn’t try to tame these dogs or slow them down. It meets them where they are and lets them become exactly who they were built to be.

If it feels like dogs will eat anything, you’re not wrong. Socks, paper towels, dirt, plastic: many dogs explore the world mouth-first, and sometimes that curiosity goes a little too far.

One common reason is pica, a condition where dogs eat non-food items. It can be tied to nutritional gaps, anxiety, compulsive behaviors, or underlying medical issues. In other cases, it’s much simpler: boredom, stress, curiosity, or teething (we’re looking at you, puppies). Dogs left without enough mental or physical stimulation are especially likely to start sampling things they shouldn’t.

Prevention still matters, of course. Ruling out medical causes, teaching a solid “leave it,” increasing exercise and enrichment, offering safe chew options, and keeping tempting items out of reach can all help reduce risky behavior.

The tricky part is knowing when “weird but harmless” crosses into something serious. Vomiting, gagging, drooling, loss of appetite, straining to poop, or visible discomfort are all signs that something may be wrong. And if you ever suspect your dog swallowed an object, it’s important to head to the vet (or an emergency vet) right away. Foreign objects can cause dangerous blockages and often require urgent treatment or even surgery.

Those situations tend to be stressful and expensive, which is where pet insurance can really help. While emergency care can add up quickly, having coverage can help take the financial stress out of getting your dog the care they need.

80% of pets will have some sort of medical emergency in their lifetime. With costs continuing to climb, many dog owners are wondering how they can afford a surgery in case of an emergency.

Some dog owners have separate savings accounts ready to cover these extreme costs, but now there is an even better solution with the Nibbles Pet Rewards Credit Card.

The card comes with free pet insurance for one eligible pet, so your doggo can be covered, and you get 3x rewards at the vet, at pet stores, and on pet services.

Save hundreds annually on premiums alone and potentially thousands in case of an emergency. All this with the no annual fee Nibbles Credit Card.

Nibbles is not a bank. The Nibbles card is issued by Lead Bank. Fees and T&C apply. Eligibility rules apply.

Thank you to Nibbles for sponsoring Daily Dig.

Meet Belly, the sweet-but-spicy pup featured by Daily Dig reader Brooklyn. Belly is a 17-week-old Australian Labradoodle with a big personality and an even bigger love for attention: very fitting, since she’s named after the main character from The Summer I Turned Pretty.

When she’s not exploring everything in sight, Belly is busy playing ball, tugging on her ropes, or enthusiastically chewing on hands. And after all that puppy energy? She’s ready to curl up and snuggle. A perfect mix of playful and cuddly, Belly is already stealing hearts.

Thank you to Daily Dig reader Brooklyn for sharing Belly with us! Want to see your dog featured as a future Dog of the Day? Send us your dog’s photo, name, and a few fun facts for their chance to be featured.

Here are our favorite picks of the week, snowy fun and silly grins included:

• 🐶 How to get free pet insurance

• ❄️ Dog and cat team up for sledding adventure

• 😁 This dachshund’s overbite is too cute to handle

• 🐕 Patient pup gently demands a belly rub

Save hundreds annually on premiums alone and potentially thousands in case of an emergency with the no annual fee Nibbles Credit Card.

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

🤔 True or False: True. Scent strength fades as snow ages.

🐶 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 winter activity for a surprise in your inbox!

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