🐕 Why you should plan sniff-aris for your dog

Plus: This young boy got his dream and a Newfoundland dog cares for baby bunnies

"Some days you're the dog; some days you're the hydrant." - Author Unknown   Happy Thursday! Here's the scoop:  A young boy saves for a puppy and gets his wish  Sniff walks are incredibly beneficial for dogs  Creating a dog friendly window-space The cutest video of a dog caring for baby bunnies  Financial planning for dog owners Did You Know...? Joke: Why are dogs incredible musicians? (scroll to the bottom to find the answer!) Young Boy Saves for Months to Get a Puppy Xander Mellor is a six-year-old from Springfield, Illinois. He has spent the last 18 months saving up every single coin he could find and adding it to his change jar. All he wanted was a puppy. He bypassed sweets and treats to put every penny towards his goal.  His grandparents knew about his important goal, so they decided to help him make that wish come true. On a planned visit, they arrived and greeted Xander on the front lawn. His Grandma told him to close his eyes and stretch out his hands for a special surprise. That's when his Grandma placed an adorable new puppy in his arms.  Xander was overwhelmed with emotion. He immediately started crying happy tears as he cuddled with his new puppy. He feels exactly like we do when holding a tiny little pup. Studies have shown that there are links between children with pets and a wide range of emotional health benefits. We are sure these two will make such great memories together! Image courtesy of IHeartDogs Plan Sniff Walks to Boost Your Pup's Mental Health Dogs love a little adventure, but their primary way of exploring is with their nose. Smell is everything to a dog. It's how they analyze their surroundings and learn more about the other animals that have taken this same path.  A dog's sense of smell is estimated to be between 10,000 and 100,000 times more powerful than humans. Their noses have helped humans for decades with search and rescue missions and disease detection. Your dog doesn't have to be a specially-trained pup to get out and put their nose to use.  Giving your dog time on a walk to sniff gives its brain a wild amount of information to process, helping boost mental health. Dogs learn who may have been in the spot before them and what is decaying below the surface. In addition, they can sniff the wind to know what's approaching and plan ahead. Dogs can tell so much by smell. They will quickly learn the age, sex, and health status of other animals who have marked that spot in the past.  So, how do you plan a special sniff walk? It's just a regular walk, but you give your dog extra time to really sniff around. Whether they stop to smell the roses or want to spend extra time at the fire hydrant, allow them time to take in all the smells. Choose new and interesting places, like a nature hike or near a body of water. Incorporate these "sniffaris" daily if possible, even if you just give them some extra time to sniff when they go outside to use the bathroom.  Image courtesy of Daily Paws How to Create a Dog-Friendly Window Space in Your Home Creating a dog-friendly window space in your home can provide your canine companion with a safe and enjoyable area to observe the world outside. Here's how to do it: Firstly, consider the accessibility of the window. Ensure that your dog can easily reach the window without having to jump or strain themselves. You may need to provide a sturdy platform or cushion for smaller dogs to comfortably look out. Next, make the window area comfortable and inviting for your dog. Place a cozy bed or cushion near the window where they can relax while watching the world go by. Consider adding some of their favorite toys or blankets to make the space even more appealing. Additionally, it's important to ensure the window is safe for your dog. Install secure screens or barriers to prevent them from accidentally falling out or getting stuck. You may also want to use window treatments such as blinds or curtains to regulate the amount of sunlight entering the space and reduce glare. Finally, consider the view from the window. Position your dog's window space in an area where they can see interesting sights, such as a backyard, garden, or bustling street. This will provide them with mental stimulation and entertainment while spending time at their window spot. By following these steps, you can create a dog-friendly window space that both you and your furry friend will love. Give Your Pup The Best View Need replacement windows? Now, buy one get one 40% Off, plus $200 Off your order with Renewal by Andersen. You get a premium product with professional installation. A hassle-free experience!  Get Your FREE No-Obligation Quote Thanks to Renewal by Andersen for sponsoring The Daily Dig!  Renewal by Andersen is not affiliated with any government grant or free window programs, all projects come at a cost to the consumer. A Big Dog and Some Tiny Baby Bunnies Newfoundlands are known as gentle giants, and this video proves it. This Newfoundland thinks she's the mom to this bundle of baby bunnies. She's been keeping an eye on them in the backyard. They all nap together, and the bunnies hop all over her. The dog even uses her tongue to try and clean them. What a sweet girl, just trying to care for other creatures.  Financial Planning for Dog Owners Financial planning for dog owners involves careful budgeting to ensure your furry friend receives the care they need without straining your finances. Utilizing credit cards as part of this budgeting strategy can offer convenience and rewards, but it requires responsible management. Here's how to budget effectively using credit cards: Start by assessing your dog's regular expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and supplies. Set a monthly budget based on these expenses to guide your spending. Choose a credit card with rewards or cashback options tailored to pet-related purchases. Look for cards offering bonus rewards at pet supply stores or veterinary clinics to maximize savings. Use your credit card strategically for dog-related purchases within your budget. Pay off your balance in full each month to avoid accruing interest and maintain control over your spending. Consider setting up automatic payments for recurring expenses like pet insurance premiums or subscription services to ensure they're covered on time. Monitor your credit card statements regularly to track spending and identify any unauthorized charges. Adjust your budget as needed to accommodate unexpected expenses or changes in your dog's care requirements. By incorporating credit cards into your financial planning as a dog owner, you can effectively budget for your pet's needs while taking advantage of rewards and benefits offered by responsible credit card use. 6 Things Many People With Credit Card Debt Don't Know If you want to pay off your credit card debt fast, you're not alone — over a third of Americans carry a credit card balance month to month. Read on to find 6 clever ways you wouldn't normally consider that can help you pay off your credit card debt … potentially faster than you thought possible. Thanks to FinanceBuzz for sponsoring The Daily Dig. A Little Treat: ✅ Did You Know: They have perfect pitch. 🐶 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. Share the puppy love Know a fellow dog lover whose day would be brighter with a dose of Daily Dig? Refer them using your personal link:    https://sparklp.co/d10498d6/   P.S. You have referred 0 people so far. Check out the rewards you can earn for referring!  Copyright © 2024 Daily Dig, All rights reserved. You're receiving this email because you subscribed to Daily Dig newsletter or entered a sweepstakes where Daily Dig was a partner. We hope you enjoy our delightful dog news delivered daily to your inbox! Our mailing address is: Daily Dig 1135 Auto Center Drive Ontario, CA 91761 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.