“The journey of life is best traveled with a dog.”

Happy Friday! Here's the scoop:

• FGF: A Lab that loves the lab

• Homemade paw balm for the chilly winter months

• Have you ever gone on a “sniff walk?”

True or False...
Chow Chows are born with black tongues.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Feel Good Friday: Meet O'Hara the Guide dog, aka "The Goodest Girl in STEM"
O’Hara is one good girl. As a guide dog to owner Bella, who lost most of her sight due to a genetic disease, O’Hara is a huge help.

The sweet pup doesn’t merely assist Bella, a senior Biology student, with everyday tasks. This talented Labrador Retriever also assists Bella in the lab.

O’Hara can be seen on campus in her signature look, wearing PPE that includes protective goggles. “She would never be put in a situation where it would be too dangerous for her to be there," Bella said.

Bella and O’Hara’s joint TikTok account has become super popular, with a recent viral video that shows why they make a perfect pair. We’re so happy these two found each other!

Do(g)-It-Yourself
Does your dog get cracked paws in the cold weather? Help soothe your pup’s paws with this all-natural lickable balm you can make in 5 super easy steps.

Make your own paw balm:

• What you’ll need: shea butter, olive oil, coconut oil, vitamin E oil, beeswax, and a couple of mason jars.

• Add all the ingredients to a mason jar.

• Carefully place the mason jar into a saucepan with 4 inches of water.

• Using very low heat, allow the mixture to slowly melt.

• Once melted, pour the mixture into another, clean mason jar.

• Allow the mixture to cool, then put a lid on it.

• Apply to your pup’s paws as needed!

What is a “sniff walk"...?
Not all walks have the same purpose in a dog’s life. If you’re squeezing a walk into a busy day, odds are you’re taking the lead, directing your dog down a well-worn path.

However, it can be beneficial to your dog to let them take the lead sometimes. Also known as a “decompression walk,” a sniff walk is pretty much like it sounds – an opportunity to let your dog explore its surroundings by following its nose.

Dogs take in a ton of information through their snouts, and letting them sniff their way around allows them to exercise while relieving stress.

Choose a safe and stimulating spot for a sniff walk - whether it’s a hiking trail, the beach, or simply a quiet block in your neighborhood - and watch your dog go to town!

True or False...
Answer: FALSE! Chow Chows are actually born with pink tongues, which turn their signature blue-black color at 8-10 weeks of age.

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