In today's issue:

-Meet our dog of the day

-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

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3 money habits teens can start building now

With a Cash App Card, teens can take their first steps toward independence with a secure debit card. They’ll learn how to spend, save, and manage money, all with your guidance and oversight to help them get started.*


1. Learn to spend responsibly
A debit card gives them a safe way to practice managing money under your supervision. It gives you the opportunity to teach them how to make smart spending choices.

2. Start saving for their goals

Setting goals can help them see how saving a little at a time can help them reach their short-term and long-term goals.

3. Manage their own money

Whether they get paid with direct deposit or use Cash App to get allowance or gifts, they get real experience with money.

Get started with Cash App

*Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card.

Why Your Dog Objects to Being Picked Up

Imagine you are relaxing on the couch, completely in your own zone, when suddenly a giant pair of hands swoops down, lifts you four feet into the air, and carries you across the room. You’d probably offer a startled "Hey! What gives?" at the very least.

For our dogs, that "Hey, stop!" often sounds like a low, vibrating growl.

When a normally sweet, affectionate dog growls because you’ve scooped them up, it can feel like a punch to the gut. It’s easy to feel hurt, offended, or worried that your furry best friend is suddenly turning aggressive. But before you panic, take a deep breath. That growl isn't a sign of malice; it’s a vital piece of communication. Your dog is talking to you the only way they know how.

Here is what your pup is actually trying to tell you when they object to being airborne.

"Ouch, that hurts!" (The Pain Response)

The absolute first thing to consider is physical discomfort. Dogs are masters at hiding pain. If a dog has an undiagnosed issue—like arthritis, a pulled muscle, a hidden scratch, or stomach sensitivity—being picked up can put sudden pressure on those tender spots.

If this is a brand-new behavior, or if your dog is older, a quick trip to the vet is the best first step. They might just be feeling a little fragile.

"I feel trapped." (The Lack of Control)

When a dog’s feet leave the ground, they lose all agency. They can’t run away, they can’t defend themselves, and they are completely at the mercy of wherever you carry them. For many dogs, especially those with anxious or independent personalities, this sudden loss of control triggers a wave of vulnerability.

A Note on Body Language: A growl is actually a good thing in the grand scheme of dog communication. It is a polite warning. If we punish a dog for growling, we take away their warning system, which can force them to skip straight to snapping or biting the next time they feel threatened.

"You’re invading my personal space."

Just like us, dogs have boundaries. Some dogs love an intense snuggle; others prefer to show affection by sitting near you, not on you. Squeezing a dog or lifting them forces them into an intense level of physical intimacy that they might not want at that exact moment.

How to Rebuild the Trust

If your dog has standard medical clearance but still hates being picked up, you can work together to make the experience less stressful for both of you.

• Ask for Consent: Don't sneak up on them. Approach them calmly, say a specific cue word (like "Lift?"), and see how they react. If they look away, lick their lips, or walk away, they're saying not right now.
• Check Your Mechanics: Many people scoop dogs up by the armpits or under the belly, which can be incredibly uncomfortable. Instead, support their hindquarters with one arm and wrap your other arm around their chest. Keep them tightly secured against your body so they don't feel like they're dangling.
• Change the Association: Practice touching your dog where you would normally pick them up, and immediately give them a high-value treat (like a piece of chicken or cheese). Slowly build up to lifting them just an inch off the ground, rewarding them heavily for staying calm.

Listening to your dog's growl doesn't mean you're letting them "win"—it means you respect them. By tuning into their boundaries, you’ll build a much deeper, more trusting bond with your companion.

*Petition description may be disturbing

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• Albright's Raw Pet Food - Chicken Recipe for Dogs: Potential Salmonella exposure

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