Shortleash
Newsletter
Podcast

Issue #177

11 stories

Did you know?

February is Dental Health Month, and it’s the perfect reminder that oral health isn’t just about teeth; it plays a role in digestion, inflammation, and long-term wellness, too. One of the simplest ways to support it? Appropriate chewing.

To celebrate, we’re rolling out a Secret Shop bonus for a limited time. From Feb 8–14, any order in the Secret Shop over $75 will automatically receive a FREE 1 lb bag of Beef Trachea Bits added to your order.

Beef trachea isn’t just a fun chew…its natural texture helps support dental health through chewing action, gently scraping buildup while giving your dog something biologically appropriate to gnaw on.

No codes. No hoops.

If you’re shopping the Secret Shop during Dental Health Month, the bonus is added automatically 💚

Just a heads-up though, this perk is only available for a short window, and once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Box #134 is officially in rotation and available until February 16th only. This lineup is all about texture, nutrient density, and rotation…the kind of mix dogs actually thrive on.

Here’s what’s inside right now:

TREATS

🦬 Bison Lung

🐷 Pork Liver

🐟 Salmon

CHEWS

🐔 Chicken Feet

🦆 Duck Wing

🐄 Beef Tendon

Want to tailor things even more? You can still add to your box mid-cycle. Popular add-ons include:

🐑 Lamb Foretrotter

🐄 Beef Meatballs

🐖🐷 Pork Liver / Pork Kidney Food Topper

If you’d like to upgrade your box or need help dialing in the right mix for your dog, just reply UPGRADE and we’ll take care of everything for you 🤗

When you invite a friend to Real Dog Box, they’ll receive a free bag of treats with their first box and as a thank-you, you’ll earn Real Dog Coin (RDC) too. That’s 10 RDC for every referral, or 20 RDC if you’re a Wellness Member.

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

Every subscriber has a unique referral link waiting for them in their dashboard. Not sure where to find yours? No problem, just text Member Services at 858-348-5954 or email help@real.dog, and we’ll get you sorted.

Learn more about Real Dog Coin here!

Penny the Doberman just took home Best in Show at the 150th Westminster Dog Show. The 4-year-old wowed judges with her athleticism and prec ision, celebrating everything we love about strong handler–dog teamwork and breed excellence.

A new report on pet ownership trends shows what many of us already feel: dogs aren’t just pets anymore, they’re full-fledged family members . Shifting demographics and lifestyle s are influencing how dog parents feed, care for, and prioritize their dogs, with more people investing in quality nutrition, enrichment, and long-term wellness.

From how meals are chosen to how daily routines are structured, the modern dog parent is more intentional than ever…viewing their dog’s health as part of the household’s overall well-being. It’s a clear sign that the human–dog bond continues to deepen, shaping everything from spending habits to daily life decisions.

A six-year-old Pyrenean Mountain Dog, affectionately nicknamed the size of a “small polar bear,” has officially found his forever family after his story went viral. The gentle giant received an outpouring of adoption interest, with many hoping to offer the space, stability, and lifestyle a dog of his size truly needs.

Now settled into his new home in the UK, his days are filled with long beach walks, stream paddling, and plenty of room to roam. His adopters say he’s thriving…relaxed, content, and finally able to stretch out into the life that fits him best. Sometimes, it just takes the right match for a dog to land exactly where they belong.

In a dramatic veterinary rescue, a 7-year-old dog named Nelly suffered cardiac arrest after ingesting multiple human medications but was revived and made a full recovery , highlighting the importance of pet-proofing homes, especially around medicines.

In a small town in India, a dog revered by locals as “divine” returned to his temple home after receiving treatment for a serious tick-borne infection and the welcome was nothing short of extraordinary. As he arrived, thousands of devotees gathered to greet him, celebrating his recovery and the bond they share with him.

For many in the community, the dog represents loyalty, protection, and resilience. During his illness, caretakers ensured he received medical attention and rest, determined to see him return safely. His recovery and homecoming became a shared moment of relief and gratitude, drawing people together in support.

The story is a powerful reminder of how deeply dogs can be woven into the fabric of a community… not just as companions, but as symbols of care, connection, and shared responsibility.

Amazon’s Ring has expanded its network with a new AI-powered “Search Party” feature designed to help locate missing dogs using neighborhood cameras. The tool allows users to receive alerts and sightings even if they don’t personally own a Ring device, widening the net when a dog goes missing.

In addition, Ring announced it will donate $1 million worth of camera systems to animal shelters, aiming to support faster reunifications and give shelters more tools to help lost dogs find their way back home.

Eleven-year-old Michayla Hopkins achieved a lifelong dream this week when she competed at the 2026 Westminster Dog Show, handling a Vizsla named Sunny in the Best in Breed competition. Michayla, who was diagnosed last year with a rare, treatment-resistant cancer, has loved dogs since she was a toddler and continued working with them through surgeries, hospital visits, and ongoing treatment.

Despite everything she’s facing, Michayla says being around dogs gives her confidence, comfort, and joy, and stepping into the Westminster ring was a moment of pride she’ll always carry with her. Her story is a powerful reminder of the role dogs play not just as companions, but as sources of purpose, resilience, and hope when life gets unimaginably hard.

The conversation around canine wellness is getting louder and recently, the Feed Real Summit was featured in The Wall Street Journal as part of a deep dive into the evolving world of pet nutrition, wellness, and how dog parents are rethinking food, prevention, and long-term health.

The article explored the growing interest in fresh food, reduced ultra-processing, and a more holistic approach to canine care… conversations that have been central to the Feed Real Summit from the very beginning. It also highlighted how dog parents are navigating nutrition choices with more intention, curiosity, and care than ever before.

🎟️ Tickets for the Feed Real Summit are now available, and if you’re looking to learn, ask better questions, and join a community focused on feeding and caring for dogs more thoughtfully, we’d love to have you there.

Dog news, minus the nonsense.

Shortleash is very boring for non-dog people, or people without dogs.

Latest: Episode #177