This week’s headlines brought us through a wave of emotions. From a dog being brought to the shelter after her owner tragically passed to a canine attending his first birthday party, these pets experienced the ups and downs of life, just as we do.
But these viral pets are not the only ones causing us to be in our feels. Our Newsweek readers have animals grabbing our attention.
Check out the latest winner and finalists for our “Pet of the Week.” Be sure to follow the instructions at the end of this article to find out how to submit your pet to be featured.
Winner
Michelle Lay originally brought home her black cat, River, from the Mobile County Animal Shelter as a foster. However, he quickly became a foster fail and joined the family who own other cats as well as a bearded dragon. That did not matter to River; he took it as an opportunity to befriend them all.
His playfulness and curiosity about other pets in Lay’s household earned him this week’s Pet of the Week title. In the video, River and Lay’s bearded dragon, Nuggy, are on the grass. He tried rolling over, expressing interest in playing, but Nuggy was not having it. It’s the thought that counts.
“River thinks he’s a dog and loves every animal,” Lay told Newsweek.
Finalists
Our first finalist this week is Joan Carrigan’s rescue dog, Shadow.
Carrigan told Newsweek that 10-year-old Shadow was originally surrendered for biting. The animal shelter placed him in quarantine for several days. While this might’ve scared off potential adopters, Carrigan took a chance on him and adopted the senior dog in February. While he is a reactive dog and does not like to be teased, he’s since turned a corner.
“With love and some training, he is much better,” Carrigan said. “He is a wonderful, loving dog to humans. So glad we got him.”
Next up is Peaches, a brown and white rescue dog, whom Christy Biberston helped save after spotting her running down the road away from coyotes. She told Newsweek that Peaches had a rope tied around her neck.
Biberston never thought or wanted to own a pit, but she quickly sensed how perfect Peaches would fit in. Peaches listens, loves and obeys.
“She is only about 1 and is the best dog,” she said. “She is a comforter to our rotty, who was depressed because her brother died of cancer.”
Last, but certainly not least, is Iris and her excitement for the colder months as they quickly approach.
Carol Ocheltree shared with Newsweek a photo of Iris, rocking a bright pink winter hat. The hat has cutouts on in, allowing the dog’s ears to be exposed. Then it ties under her chin. Iris looked up at the camera with an expression
“Iris is ready for the winter!” Ocheltree said, despite Iris looking up at the camera with an expression that screams she’s not too thrilled with the cold weather nearing.
If you think your pet could be next week’s Newsweek “Pet of the Week,” send us your funny and heartwarming videos and pictures of your pet, along with a bit about them, to life@newsweek.com, and they could appear in our “Pet of the Week” lineup.
