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Your daily dose of doggy goodness!

Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!

Dog of the Day: Doc!

Meme of the day: That’s the answer!

What’s the Deal with Dogs and Sticks?

It's a question that has likely crossed every dog owner's mind who's ever had to wrestle a muddy branch away from their enthusiastic pup. But beyond the occasional inconvenience, this behavior is actually an extraordinary glimpse into the very heart of what makes dogs, well, dogs!

Think about it—the gleam in their eyes when they spot the perfect piece of wood, the proud prance as they carry their treasure, the happy chomping and tossing. It's more than just a random habit; it's woven into their history and satisfies some deeply ingrained instincts.

For one, consider their ancestry. Dogs are descendants of wolves, and while our pampered pooches might seem a far cry from their wild relatives, some primal urges remain. Carrying objects, whether prey or materials for a den, is a natural behavior in the wild. That stick might not be a freshly caught rabbit, but the act of finding, claiming, and transporting it taps into that same instinctual drive. It's a little piece of their wild heritage playing out in our parks and backyards.  

Then there's the sheer joy of the chase and the catch. When you throw a stick, you're essentially initiating a mini-hunt. Your dog gets to engage their senses, track the moving object, and experience the thrill of the retrieval. That triumphant return, stick held high, is a moment of pure satisfaction for them. It's a game that involves physical activity, mental stimulation, and the rewarding feeling of a job well done – all rolled into one simple act.

Let's not forget the sensory experience. Sticks offer a variety of textures and smells that can be incredibly engaging for a dog. The feel of the wood in their mouth, the satisfying crunch (for some!), the earthy scent—it's a multi-sensory exploration. It's their way of interacting with the world around them, investigating and experiencing their environment in a way that makes perfect sense to their keen senses.  

Furthermore, a stick can be a fantastic social tool. It can be an invitation to play, a way to engage their human companions or other dogs in a game of fetch or tug-of-war. That proud presentation of a stick at your feet is often their way of saying, "Hey, look what I found! Let's have some fun!"

So, the next time your furry friend proudly presents you with a slobbery stick, try to see it not just as a messy inconvenience, but as a beautiful expression of their natural instincts, their playful spirit, and their desire to connect with you. It's a small, simple joy that reminds us of the wild and wonderful nature that still resides within our beloved companions. And who knows, maybe that perfectly chosen stick is their way of saying, "You're the best fetch partner a dog could ask for!"

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Family Photo of the Day: Princess Remy!

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Sources:

Dog of the day: IG docthejackrussell

Meme of the day: IG biscoff.the.floof