Wednesday, January 3, 2024

🐕 See the California town run by a dog

"There's just something about dogs that makes you feel good. You come home, they're thrilled to see you. They're good for the ego."
- Janet Schnellman

 
Happy Wednesday! Here's the scoop: 
Did You Know...?
True or False: One way to reflect the health of a dog is through their fur. 

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)
This California Town Has a Four-Legged Mayor
Idyllwild is a small mountain town in the San Jacinto mountains between Temecula and Palm Springs. The town is home to artists and nature lovers, but one thing that sets them apart from other mountain communities in the area is their political leader. Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller III is a one-year-old golden retriever who is hilariously better known in town as Mayor Max. 

The tradition of having a canine mayor started back in 2012, and the current Mayor Max is the third dog to hold the office. The idea came from a local animal rescue as a fundraiser, and they held an election where no humans were allowed to run. Since the mountain town is unincorporated, the county board handles the area's human politics. 

The initial election had 14 dogs and two cats as candidates. People could cast as many ballots as they wanted, but they had to pay $1 for each vote. This helped raise over $30,000 for the animal rescue charity, a truly incredible feat.

The original winner, Max, was the first in his political dynasty. His campaign promise was to hang out downtown Thursday-Sunday each week at 2 PM to help bring more traffic to shops in the area. The mayor also attends private events at schools, nursing homes, and businesses. He's even attended a few weddings. The people of Idyllwild love Max so much that they don't want any more elections—it's Mayor Max for life
Image courtesy of LA Times
Dog Gone Seattle Uses Fosters to Care for Adoptable Dogs
Not all rescue organizations have a facility to visit in order to meet multiple dogs. However, Dog Gone Seattle is the exception. Dog Gone Seattle is a foster-based organization located in Seattle, Washington that uses an incredible network of foster parents to save dogs from high-kill shelters and work with them until they are placed in their forever home. 

This organization has to get creative to get the word out about their adoptable dogs. They've partnered with local breweries to host adoption events, as well as worked alongside the NHL team to make a calendar highlighting the organization and to raise money. You can even meet adoptable dogs at hockey games a few nights each season. 

When working with a foster-based organization, you can view their online list of available dogs and see pictures, size, breed info, and a little background on their origins and personalities. If you are interested in meeting a dog, you can either visit an adoption event or contact the foster parent to schedule a time. They work extra hard to prepare new dog parents and ensure that the dog fits your home.

Dog Gone Seattle also connects all their alumni pups through social media channels where people can get advice on dog-friendly hikes, groomer recommendations, and even dog meetups. We love to see this type of community built around canine companions. 

Check out Dog Gone Seattle's adoptable dogs or donate to them to help them continue their work.
Image courtesy of People Magazine and Seattle Kraken
Why Does Your Dog Bark At The Doorbell?
Dogs' remarkable ability to recognize the sound of doorbells can be attributed to a combination of evolutionary history, associative learning, sensory acuity, and territorial instincts. Descendants of wolves, dogs share a social nature that relies heavily on communication through vocalizations. The doorbell, a distinct and consistent sound in their environment, triggers curiosity and alertness.

Associative learning plays a significant role as dogs quickly link the doorbell sound to the arrival of someone new. This learned association, reinforced by repetitive experiences, becomes deeply ingrained in their memory, prompting an immediate response.

Dogs possess heightened sensory perception, particularly in their acute sense of hearing. The doorbell's frequency falls within their audible range, allowing them to detect it from a distance and anticipate changes in their environment.

Additionally, dogs' territorial instincts contribute to their response to doorbells, as the sound may signal someone approaching their territory. This instinctive behavior, a blend of past evolution and learned experiences, highlights the fascinating ways in which dogs interpret and respond to the world around them.
Upgrade Your Doorbell
Lorex has been a leading innovator in the security industry for over 30 years. Today, Lorex is proud to introduce the industry's first 4K video doorbell. This is NOT like other doorbells; it is full of unique features that separate it from the competition: 

- Expansive head-to-toe 9:16 aspect ratio
- Color Night Vision
- Smart Motion Detection (Person, Vehicle, Animal, Package)
- Two-Way Talk and the ability to pre-program quick responses
- Motion-activated night light

Additionally, footage is saved locally, keeping it private and in the user's control without monthly fees.  For a more robust security ecosystem, this Doorbell can be recorded around-the-clock by connecting it to a Lorex Fusion Recorder along with other wired or wireless Lorex security cameras. 

Shop Lorex Doorbells here.
Thanks to Lorex for sponsoring The Daily Dig.
DOTD 2023 Highlights - Dogs Dressed Up
To help ring in the New Year, we are back with another round of our favorite 2023 DOTD submissions! In the fall months, we asked our readers to send in pictures of their pups playing dress up. There were so many incredible costumes that we just had to take the opportunity to share a few more. Maybe you'll even find some inspiration for your dog. Also, make sure to send in your dog photos for the chance to be featured in future DOTD's. 

This collage features Artemis, Blade, Phoebe, Peanut Butter, Odin, and Dexter. Thanks to their pet parents for sending these incredibly adorable photos in!
Why Caring For The Planet Is Key For Our Pups
Caring for our planet isn't just a responsibility for us humans; it extends to our beloved canine companions as well. Here's why a flourishing planet is in the best interest of our furry friends:
  1. Pristine Air Quality: By being stewards of the environment, we ensure that the air remains pure for our dogs to breathe during their outdoor escapades, contributing to their overall health and vitality.

  2. Abundant Fresh Water: A commitment to a healthy planet involves safeguarding clean water sources, and providing our dogs with an ample supply of fresh water for hydration and play, enhancing their well-being and joy.

  3. Secure Spaces: Environmental conservation creates secure and hygienic spaces for our dogs to explore without encountering harmful substances, fostering an environment where they can roam freely and safely.

  4. Blissful Habitats: The preservation of nature safeguards the homes of diverse animal species, ensuring our dogs can revel in a vibrant and flourishing ecosystem, contributing to their happiness and natural instincts.

  5. Reduced Pollution: Through the reduction of pollution and minimizing plastic usage, we contribute to a cleaner world for our dogs. This concerted effort promotes their overall health and reduces the risk of environmental hazards.

If you're keen on taking specific actions to contribute to the well-being of our planet, we encourage you to explore the thought-provoking content in the Important Not Important newsletter.

Delve into insightful articles such as "Climate Economics: The Math Isn't Mathing," "Explainer: Deforestation," and "How Can We Use AI For Good?" by signing up here! Check out Important Not Important and share your thoughts with us.

Together, let's make a positive impact on our planet for both humans and our cherished canine companions.

Thanks to Important Not Important for sponsoring The Daily Dig. Sign up here!
❤️ Wags and Wisdom: Life Lessons from Our Dogs
We asked our Daily Dig readers to submit some of their favorite inspirational moments, brought to them courtesy of their pups. Check out this heartwarming submission detailing the special bond between MoMo and Lorena. 

🐾 MoMo: The Heroic Chihuahua and Lorena's Guardian Angel
Meet Lorena, a remarkable member of our dog-loving community, and her extraordinary best friend, MoMo, a reindeer Chihuahua with a distinctive mohawk, white and brindle coat, and an irresistible wink. MoMo is more than just a pet; he's a hero with a heart larger than life itself.

Lorena faces the challenge of seizures, but MoMo is her guardian, sensing these episodes before they occur and guiding her to safety. His intuitive presence has been life-saving, especially during a severe incident. MoMo's relentless barking alerted neighbors, leading to her timely rescue. His loyalty never wavered, as he accompanied her to the hospital, staying by her side through thick and thin.

MoMo has been Lorena's rock, offering unwavering support and inspiring resilience, especially during her recovery from a serious health setback. He's a constant reminder that she's not alone in her journey. This story of companionship and perseverance is further brightened by the addition of Bruce and HalfPint, a tiny but mighty Chiweenie, to their family. Together, they show us the incredible impact of a dog's love and the powerful lessons of patience and determination they teach us. Lorena's life, enriched by MoMo's love and now HalfPint's, stands as a testament to the profound bond and healing power of our canine companions. 

Thank you so much to our Daily Dig reader, Lorena, for sharing your story with us. For a chance to be featured, reply to this email with your daily dose of dog inspiration. Be sure to come back on Friday to read another "tail" (no pun intended) of pupspiration! 
 
A Little Treat:
  • ✅ Did You Know: True! A dog's health is reflected in the state of its fur. Dogs need vitamins and minerals to keep their fur healthy.
  • 🐶 DOTD: Give your pup the spotlight by submitting them for the dog of the day! This month's theme is dogs in the winter. This could be anything from your pup playing in the snow, to your pup cozily curled up inside. Reply to this email with the best pics of your pooch, a short description, and their name to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
  • 🐱 Lincoln the Beloved Tesco Cat: In a tail of grocery store drama, Lincoln the Tesco Cat, has been handed a feline pink slip due to...
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