episode #174

Did you know?

Our December perk is almost over — and it’s too good to miss! Any new friend who signs up for a Treat & Chew Box using your referral link will get a FREE copy of The Forever Dog Life plus an extra treat for their pup!

Even better — you’ll earn 10 Real Dog Coin (or 20 RDC if you’re a Wellness Member) for every friend who joins, all while spreading fresh-feeding joy this holiday season. 🤗

⏰ Hurry — this promo ends 12/31!

Want your own copy of The Forever Dog Life? Reply BOOK and we’ll hook you up! 📖

Box 133 - Watch our LIVE unboxing here!

Available until January 19th ONLY, here’s the current lineup:

🐷 Pork Loin

🐮 Grass-Fed Beef Liver

🐚 Green Lipped Mussels

🐑 Lamb Ear

🐖 Pig Skin

🦃 Turkey Neck

🐑 Lamb Foretrotter

🐄 Beef Meatballs

🐖🐷 Pork Liver/Pork Kidney 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!

How a Person’s First Dog Changes Daily Life

A new Japanese study found that people who get a dog for the first time tend to walk more and stay more socially connected, especially through phone and online communication. Tracking adults over one year, researchers saw significant increases in walking activity among new dog owners compared to non-dog owners, while overall activity stayed the same or declined in others. First-time dog owners also reported stronger non–face-to-face social ties, suggesting that bringing a dog home can quietly reshape daily routines, movement, and connection.

Sharp Cheddar Saves the Day in Icy Dog Rescue

Archie, a 10-month-old Great Pyrenees, found himself stranded on thin ice in the middle of a frozen pond in upstate New York. Rescue teams carefully used a small boat and safety lines to reach him as the ice broke beneath them. To help coax Archie toward safety, responders brought along an unexpected motivator: a piece of sharp cheddar cheese. After several tense moments, Archie was safely pulled from the icy water and reunited with his owner, shaken but unharmed.

Lost for Years, Found for the Holidays!

Choco, a wirehaired Dachshund mix who vanished from his California home in 2021, was unexpectedly found tied to a fence outside a Michigan animal shelter more than 2,000 miles away. His owner was alerted after a microchip scan finally connected the dots, ending years of uncertainty about his fate. With help from rescue volunteers and generous strangers, Choco was safely flown back to California just in time for the holidays. Now 11 years old, the once-missing “escape artist” is back where he belongs — turning a long, painful mystery into a true Christmas miracle!

FBI Crisis Canine Gio Retires After a Decade of Service

Gio, an English Labrador, is retiring after 10 years with the FBI’s Crisis Response Canine program. Over his career, Gio and his handler Melody supported more than 4,100 victims across the country, including during mass tragedies like the Pulse Nightclub and Uvalde school shootings. Crisis canines like Gio help reduce trauma and anxiety, enabling victims to share their experiences while investigators gather critical information. Gio was the first facility dog to assist a victim during federal courtroom testimony, setting a precedent for future crisis canines. Now 12, Gio will enjoy retirement with Melody, finally able to relax after a decade of life-changing service.

Dog Struck by Waymo in San Francisco

Leo, a family dog, was struck by a Waymo autonomous vehicle in San Francisco’s Western Addition on Nov. 30, suffering severe pelvic trauma that led his family to make the difficult decision to put him to rest. According to his owners, Leo was walking with a family member when the vehicle failed to detect him and rolled over him, leaving him injured in the roadway. Waymo acknowledged the incident and offered to assist with medical expenses and a charitable donation, while the family called for a public apology. This follows a similar accident weeks earlier involving a local cat, raising ongoing concerns about autonomous vehicle safety for pets.

Study Says Most Home-Cooked Dog Diets Are Incomplete — But Details Tell a Different Story

A recent study reported that 94% of home-prepared dog diets are nutritionally incomplete. However, the conclusion was based on responses to a single vague survey question asking owners to “tell us everything you want us to know” about their dog’s diet, without requiring full ingredient lists or nutritional analysis. Many owners likely gave brief answers due to survey fatigue, yet the study treated these as complete data. Experts caution that these findings don’t reflect the actual quality of home-prepared diets and shouldn’t be taken as definitive.

Abandoned Dog Found in Box Finds Loving Home

Tangi, a dog left abandoned in a taped-up moving box outside a Pennsylvania SPCA shelter in below-freezing temperatures, has been adopted into a loving home. A passerby spotted the sealed box and alerted shelter staff, who found Tangi inside, scared, shaking, but leaning toward their hand for comfort. She was quickly brought inside, received medical care and behavioral evaluations, and showed she was most at ease when someone stayed close. Placed on a stray hold with no owner coming forward, Tangi was adopted just days later!

Free Workshop?! Sign Me Up! 🤩

Get ready to kick off 2026 the fresh way! 😉 Starting Monday, Dec 29, enroll in our Dog Parent Course ($149) and get our DIY Dog Food Workshop free ($69 value) — no promo code needed!

Perfect for leveling up your fresh-feeding skills, learning portioning, protein swaps, and troubleshooting mealtime with confidence. 🐾

👉 Mark your calendar and grab your spot starting Dec 29!