I don't let my dogs play with sticks either, but they do like to fetch tree roots. My ash tree in the back yard has roots that are pretty close to the surface of the ground and the dogs manage to sniff them out, dig them up, and then start yanking. I guess playing tug-o-war with me isn't enough of a challenge for a bunch of Pit Bulls. It's funny to watch as they pull a 5 ft root out of the ground. One of these days they're going to pull the tree up.

I'm glad the little Staffie is ok, they are tough little dogs.