In today's issue:

-Meet our adoptable dog of the day

-Learn about our Shelter of the Week

-Enjoy a laugh with our dog meme of the day

-Get great information in our featured article

-Take our action of the week

-Check out our family photo of the day

Join our Facebook group - Post Your Pooch!

Miri’s Haven Senior Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer, foster-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption of senior dogs. Operating primarily in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) and surrounding areas, their mission is to create a kinder world for older dogs by providing them with comprehensive veterinary care, safe and loving foster environments, and placement into permanent, forever families. Guided by the promise that every senior dog matters and is worthy of love, the organization strives to ensure that older, neglected, or medically vulnerable dogs live out their final chapters in comfort, dignity, and deep affection.

What Makes Miri's Haven Special

• Specialized Focus on Complex and High-Need Senior Cases: Unlike organizations that focus primarily on younger or easily adoptable animals, Miri’s Haven routinely welcomes senior dogs with complex, costly, or terminal medical conditions—cases that many shelters or rescues often pass over or cannot accommodate.
• Foster-Centric and Sanctuary Support: Instead of being housed in stressful kennel environments, all rescue dogs live directly in loving foster homes where they are spoiled, closely monitored, and transitioned to good health. For dogs whose age or medical conditions make traditional adoption difficult, the rescue provides a permanent sanctuary program so they are never displaced.
• Entirely Volunteer-Run with a Community-First Philosophy: Operating with zero public funding, the rescue relies completely on a passionate network of volunteers, donors, and foster families. They are deeply committed to public advocacy, educating communities on the joys of older pets, and matching each dog thoughtfully to ensure the best possible fit for both the animal and the adopter.

Meet Gravité: The Men's Cologne Women Love

Buying cologne for the man in your life comes with one big advantage: you get to pick a scent you'll enjoy just as much as he does. Gravité Cologne by Particle blends bright citrus, warm amber, and aromatic rosemary into a bold, masculine scent that smells sophisticated without being overpowering. Better yet, it’s engineered to last all day, so he can smell great from morning to night. For a limited time only: I Love Every Dog readers get 20% off and free shipping with code NEWS20. Buy it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

Get Him a Scent You’ll Love with Gravité Cologne

A Gentle Guide to Introducing Your Dog to Small Pets

Bringing a new small pet into a home with a dog can feel a bit like orchestrating a delicate dance. Whether it’s a sweet guinea pig, a curious rabbit, or a friendly hamster, small animals spark intense curiosity in dogs. Naturally, dog parents often worry about prey drive, sudden movements, or accidental stress.

But speaking from personal experience, it is doable!

Prepare Before the First Hello

Before your dog ever sets eyes on your small pet, lay down the ground rules and secure the environment.

• Establish a Safe Haven: Place your small pet’s enclosure in an elevated, secure area where your dog cannot reach, push, or tap it. The cage should feel like an absolute sanctuary for your small pet.
• Master Basic Commands: Ensure your dog is reliable with core cues—especially "Leave it," "Look at me," and a solid "Sit" or "Down." These commands will be your safety anchors during introductions.
• Scent Swap First: Before a visual greeting, exchange scents. Rub a soft cloth over your guinea pig or small pet and place it near your dog’s bed. Reward your dog with high-value treats whenever they sniff the scent calmly.

The Step-by-Step Acclimatization Process

Take this journey at your dog's and small pet's pace. Never rush a phase; move forward only when both animals are completely relaxed.

1. Desensitization at a Distance: Keep your dog on a leash at all times.

Bring your dog into the room while your small pet is securely inside their closed cage. Keep your dog on a short leash at the far side of the room. As soon as your dog looks toward the cage calmly, offer a treat and warm praise. If your dog whines, barks, or fixes an intense stare, gently redirect their attention back to you and step further away.

2. Bridging the Gap Slowly: Focus on quiet focus rather than total excitement.

Over several days or weeks, gradually decrease the distance between your dog and the cage. Ask your dog to sit or lie down closer to the enclosure. Reward continuous eye contact with you rather than fixating on the small pet. Your goal is for your dog to view the small pet as completely unremarkable.

3. Controlled Face-to-Face Sightlines: Two adults are recommended for this step.

Once your dog displays total indifference or calm curiosity at the cage, hold your small pet securely in your lap or arms while sitting comfortably. Have a second person hold your dog's leash. Allow your dog to sniff gently from a few feet away. Reward any calm, soft body language with treats and gentle praise.

4. Establishing Long-Term Boundaries: Safety remains the top priority.

Even as your dog learns to coexist peacefully, never leave small pets and dogs together unattended. Keep doors to the small pet room closed when you aren't around to monitor, ensuring everyone stays completely safe and stress-free.

Key Body Language Signs to Watch For

Understanding how both animals are feeling keeps the process positive and safe for everyone involved:

Celebrate the Small Wins

Remember that building trust and calm behaviors takes time. Some dogs adapt in a few days, while higher-drive breeds may take several weeks of steady practice. Every moment your dog chooses to look at you instead of hyper-fixating on your small pet is a huge victory worth celebrating!

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• FI - Pet Supplements: Potential Salmonella Contamination
• Northwest Naturals - Chicken Recipe: Potential Salmonella and/or Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
• Fromm - Wet Canned Dog Food: Potential Metal Contamination
• Oma's Pride - Canine Food: Contaminated with Salmonella

Want to help find lost pets?

Download our RoverAlert app to receive notifications of missing pets in your area.

We want to feature your pup!

We want to share your pup with our pack. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.