“The kindness lavished on dogs, if evenly distributed, would establish peace on earth.” - William Feather

Happy Thursday! Here's the scoop:

  • This adorable new program uses AI to recommend adoptable dogs based on kids’ drawings

  • Puppy’s 1st Haircut: simple steps for preparing for their first grooming appointment

  • The health-based reasons why your dog is always seeking out the sun spot in your home

Did you know?
This breed is considered the strongest in the world.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)


A new program, Rescue Doodles, turns kids’ drawings into adoptable dogs
For parents who are considering adopting a dog, this groundbreaking (and adorable) new program is helping bring kids the dog of their dreams.

Pedigree is using kid-drawn doodles for a good cause. By partnering with Adopt-a-Pet.com, Pedigree is taking drawings of dogs, and finding similar looking dogs that are locally available for adoption. The program is powered by AI, but for kids it’ll feel like magic – their doodle manifested into a real life furry friend.

There are many benefits to welcoming a dog into a household with kids. Research suggests that dogs help lower a child’s risk of allergies, teach them responsibility, and help to build their self esteem.

Want to give it a shot? The program is running until the end of this month. Text your child’s drawing to (717) 670-6675 with the word “doodle.” Then, you’ll receive suggestions of rescue dogs in your area looking for their forever home!


Do(g)-It-Yourself
Puppy parents know that grooming can be intense. So, how can you prepare your puppy for grooming and teach them that it’s a natural part of life? Check out these simple tips and tricks.

How to prep your puppy for grooming:

  • Start early. You can make an appointment for your puppy around 16 weeks – before their final set of vaccinations. Be sure to choose a groomer who’s kind and gentle.

  • Pro-tip: Book your appointment in the morning to avoid the afternoon rush. With fewer other dogs around, there’s a better chance for your puppy to stay calm.

  • Groom regularly. For the first 6 months, it’s normal to get your pup groomed twice a month.

  • Adopt a “no big deal” attitude about the groomer. This will help normalize the grooming experience for your dog.

  • Wash your dog at home in between trips to the groomer. Use warm water from a squeeze bottle – it’s more gentle than the faucet. If your dog has a long coat, brush them before bathtime.

Soon your puppy will be a grooming champ!


The health-based reasons your dog loves laying in the sun
Dogs love to sunbathe, and honestly who could blame them? Aside from the relaxing pleasure of soaking up the sun, there are actually health-related reasons why catching some rays is good for your pup. So, how does laying in the sun improve your dog’s health?

First, the sun provides vitamin D to dogs, which strengthens their immune system and contributes to the health of the bones, muscles, and brain. While dogs can naturally produce some vitamin D, they can absorb this vitamin through their skin to reach a healthy level.

Sunbathing also boosts serotonin production in dogs. This hormone helps to regulate a variety of mental and physical functions, including mood and appetite.

While sunlight is generally good for dogs, be sure to keep an eye out during the summer months to make sure that your dog doesn’t get dehydrated or overheated. As long as they enjoy the sun in moderation, it’s fine to let your pup get warm and cozy by the window.


Did you know?
Answer: English Mastiff! This one shouldn’t come as a huge surprise, because English Mastiffs are, well, huge. Males can easily weigh up to 250lbs (the largest one ever was 343lbs!), so it’s completely reasonable to think that they can pack a considerable amount of strength inside their massive bodies.

Just how strong are English Mastiffs? Their ancestors were used to fight lions, tigers, and bears in Roman arenas. That’s some heavy-duty competition right there.
Source: Hepper

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