“Dogs live in the present… Every turn of a corner is the opportunity for a clean slate. Every bounce of a ball brings joy and the promise of a fresh chase.” - Steven Rowley

Happy Wednesday! Here's the scoop:

• We have a new favorite kind of potato

• Now that the weather is warming up, learn how to safely go on runs with your pup

• ¿Quieres aprender a hablar un nuevo idioma?

• Protect your pets (and yourself) from this toxic, invasive US plant species

Did you know?
The smallest dog ever recorded was ___ inches tall.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Meet: the "Queen of Potatoes"
Nicole Schmidt, or the Queen of Potatoes as she calls herself, is a model dog mom. Nicole and Sebastian have adopted four rescue dogs over the years, and affectionately refer to their dog family as the “pack of potatoes.”

On TikTok, her pups (@packofpotatoes) have over 350,000 followers. Many of the videos they post feature Sebastian “roasting” the dogs for their quirky behaviors. Nicole says that each one has a distinct personality: Tank, a boxer mix, is the “diva grandpa,” Jo, a German Shorthaired Pointer mix, is the “girl boss,” Mama, an American Staffordshire Terrier, is a true mother hound, and Simba, an American Bully and the most recent addition to her family, is all about having fun.

Nicole’s pack of potatoes bring her a tremendous amount of joy, and they’re also a huge help with the foster pups that she regularly takes in. The pack welcomes in the newcomers, plays with them, and teaches them how to be social. Although her dogs just see it as playtime, they’re doing the important job of helping prepare the foster dogs for finding forever homes.

"There are tons of dogs with so much potential sitting in shelters waiting for a family that can invest time and energy and love into them," Nicole said. She added, "My whole world revolves around them because of the love I have for them. I truly can't imagine a life where any one of us were missing from it."

Do(g)-It-Yourself
Our dogs help us get outdoors and stay active, but running with a dog requires a bit of know-how. Thinking about making your dog your new running buddy?
Here’s what you need to know to keep you and your dog safe.

Safety tips for running with your dog:

• What you’ll need: a leash (experts recommend the 4-foot Kong Traffic Leash), a harness, water, a portable first aid kit, tick protection, and extra poop bags.

• Before you hit the trails, think about the type of running that your dog can handle. Consider your dog’s breed, age, and personality. Some breeds can only run short distances. Some do best in cold weather and will overheat in the summer sun.

• Start slow. You can always increase your speed or distance if your pup responds well to the activity. Remember that just like with humans, a day of rest is important.

• Use a short leash. Between 4-6 feet is ideal.

• Position your dog correctly. Ideally, you want your dog beside you. If your dog is in front, make sure that they’re not pulling and that there’s some slack on the leash.

• Try to stay on a dirt path or grass whenever possible. If you’re on sand, cool, wet sand is safer than hot, dry sand.

• While you might be out there for the exercise, it’s totally fine to reward your pup with a healthy treat for good behavior!

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A Toxic Plant Is Invading U.S. Gardens — Here's How to Protect Yourself & Your Pets
Keep an eye out: Poison hemlock is spreading across the U.S. Although this weed is a member of the parsley family, poison hemlock can cause skin irritation and is fatal to dogs and humans if consumed. So, how can you protect your family and your pup?

The most dangerous part of the plant is the hemlock flower. It looks like Queen Anne's lace. Since this weed thrives all over, you might see it along railroad tracks, rivers, bike paths, and the edges of fields. Typically, the flowers bloom between May and August.

First thing’s first: You want to be able to identify poison hemlock. Keep an eye out for purple spots on the stem, umbrella-shaped clusters of white flowers with five tiny petals, and fern-like leaves that are longer than they are wide.

If you find this dangerous flower in your garden, you may need to call a weed control expert to get rid of it as digging out the plants can sometimes lead to smaller “invasions.” Try your best to keep your dog away from this flower, and if you suspect your dog has gotten close to it, call the vet.

Did you know?
Answer: 3.8 inches tall! According to the Guinness Book of World Records, "Miracle Millie" also weighs a tiny 1 pound. The previous smallest dog was Boo Boo, who measured in at 4.0 inches tall.

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