episode 171

Did you know?

Small Business Saturday was a hit! 🎉 We brought back $10 everything in the Secret Shop — and this was the last weekend to grab a $50 gift card and earn $25 RDC to spoil your pup 🤩

Missed it? There may still be goodies waiting for you! 👉 Check it out here!

Box 132 - Watch our LIVE unboxing here!

Available until December 22nd ONLY, here’s the current lineup:

🐄 Green Tripe

🐖 Pork Liver

🐟 Smelt

🐔Chicken Feet

🦆 Duck Head

🐮 Cow Ear

🦬 Bison Scapula

🦃 Turkey Meatballs

🐮🐑 Beef Liver/Lamb Spleen Food Topper

Your Referrals = Real Rewards!

For every friend you refer, they’ll get a free bag of treats with their first box, and you’ll earn 10 RDC—Wellness Members get 20 RDC!

Each RDC is worth $1 and can be used toward your next order, membership, add-ons, or even in our exclusive Secret Shop! 🤑

Every subscriber has a unique referral link, which you can find in your dashboard! Don’t know your link? Text member services at 858-348-5954 or email us at help@real.dog.

Learn more about Real Dog Coin here!

Puppy Mother by Instinct

A litter of abandoned California puppies got a surprise guardian angel in Tia, a 1-year-old dog who stepped in to care for them. While she isn’t their mother, Tia’s motherly instincts kicked in, keeping the pups safe and showing them love until they were rescued. Volunteers say her sweet, nurturing behavior is an example of “alloparenting,” common among dogs. Four puppies and Tia have already found homes, and the last pup, Serenity, is waiting due to potential health issues. This heartwarming rescue proves that sometimes, family isn’t just about birth—it’s about heart.

Golden Retrievers Share Genes—and Emotions—with Humans

Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that some genes affecting golden retriever behavior—like trainability, fear, and aggression—also influence human traits such as intelligence and anxiety. By studying 1,300 dogs, they identified 12 shared genes, offering insight into why some dogs are more fearful, energetic, or reactive . For example, a gene linked to dog aggression also relates to human depression, and one tied to fear affects how people worry after embarrassment. Understanding these genetic links can help owners train and care for their dogs with more empathy, recognizing behaviors may be biologically driven.

Dachshund Digs Into Trouble

Six-year-old dachshund Tosca got stuck about 3 feet underground in a fox hole at Victoria Park, East London. Firefighters spent two hours rescuing her using specialized tools, including a snake-eye camera, before safely reuniting her with her owners. Station commander Paul Jarrett said the adventurous pup had gone exploring and ended up in quite the predicament. The London Fire Brigade reminds owners to contact the RSPCA first but can assist when specialist equipment is needed. Luckily, Tosca’s “underground adventure” ended happily!

Hero Golden Retriever Polly Saves Owner’s Life

Polly, a golden retriever in Ireland, saved her owner Adam Cooke after he went into cardiac arrest while asleep. Noticing something was wrong, Polly barked to alert Adam’s wife, Hannah, who quickly called emergency services and performed CPR under guidance. Paramedics arrived seven minutes later, and Adam fully recovered after six days in the hospital. Polly and Hannah were honored as 2025 CPR Heroes by the British Heart Foundation for their quick action. The story highlights just how in tune pets can be with their humans—and the lifesaving impact they can have.

Dogs Are Nature’s Stress-Relief Experts

A new study from the University of Denver shows dogs do more than just calm us—they help regulate our stress responses in a balanced way. Researchers measured multiple stress biomarkers, finding that dog owners had lower cortisol spikes but still maintained healthy alertness, unlike those without dogs. This balanced stress response may protect against the harmful effects of chronic stress, like heart disease and PTSD. Dogs’ presence keeps humans in the optimal “stress sweet spot,” helping us stay engaged but not overwhelmed. It’s another reason our canine companions are true wellness partners!

Florida Moves to Crack Down on Puppy Mills

Gov. Ron DeSantis has introduced a bill aimed at making dog breeding in Florida more ethical and transparent. If passed, all breeders would need licenses, follow best practice guidelines, and maintain proper living conditions for animals. The bill also includes a hotline to report abuse, mandates pet stores to support local shelters, and increases protections for dog buyers. Additional legislation would toughen penalties for animal abuse in front of minors. Lawmakers hope these changes will hold bad breeders accountable and improve the welfare of dogs across the state.

Spain Says Pets Are Family, Not Property

Spain has officially updated its laws so pets are legally recognized as sentient family members rather than property. This major shift affects divorce proceedings, custody decisions, and even debt disputes, requiring courts to consider a pet’s needs and well-being. Pets can no longer be sold or seized like assets, and expenses for injured or abandoned animals can now be recovered. The law also strengthens protections against abuse and neglect. Advocates hope this reform will reduce abandonment and better reflect the bond people have with their animals.

Free Workshop?! Yes, please! 📖

This weekend only, get a FREE DIY Dog Food Workshop ($69 value) when you enroll in our Dog Food Basics Course ($149)!

Perfect time to level up your fresh-feeding skills and make mealtime even healthier for your pup. 🐾

👉 Grab your spot now