From an alligator’s surprise front-door visit to a special wedding dress reveal with a dog, this week’s stories left us speechless. And it wouldn’t be complete without our Newsweek readers sharing their own pet stories.
And what better way to celebrate this week’s Pet of the Week winner and finalists than a visit to the country’s best-rated dog-friendly cafes?
Read through to see how you can submit your pet to be considered for an upcoming edition.
Winner
This week’s spotlight goes to Kathy Roberts’ lively fur baby, Jasper, a 2-year-old Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever with a personality as big as his bark. Jasper is playful, affectionate, and yes—very vocal.
Like many dogs, Jasper will alert his family with barks whenever someone is at the door, Roberts told Newsweek. However, he saves a special performance just for the landline phone. He won’t bark. Instead, he’ll use his vocals to harmonize with the rings.
In the video, Jasper is calmly lounging on the floor before whipping his head in the direction of a ringing phone. He lets out a quick yelp and whine before standing up for his performance. He howls each time the phone rings. And it is only ever with the landline. A cellphone ring won’t prompt his breakout song.
“We often let the call go to voicemail so we don’t interrupt his ‘singing,'” Roberts said.
Finalists
Our first finalist for this week is Marilyn Formella’s rescued orange tabby, Amberina, who is as elegant as her namesake glass collectible. Formella found her sleeping on a lounge chair on the patio, and without hesitation, took the cat in.
Now, Amberina is living a life of class. Formella told Newsweek that her cat will eat off vintage dishes, her favorite being Royal Albert China. She loves to snack, nibbling on her food in little bits at a time.
“Like most cats, she loves to look out the window for long hours watching the birds and squirrels, making sure they don’t invade her territory,” she said.
And when she’s not observing the outside world, Amberina loves to meditate on the zafu cushion while soaking up some sunshine.
Next up, a 6-year-old rescue cat’s story of transformation.
Owner Gina Brumfield told Newsweek that she believes her cat, Louis, was once an indoor cat who got lost or left behind. She found him at an animal shelter after he was brought in from a live trap. She adopted him about six years ago, although he came home on the heavier side.
“The veterinarian said that he had to go on a diet,” she said. “I slowly cut back on the amount of his food in the evening, with the goal being that he lost weight, but without him being a hangry cat in the middle of the night.”
With a careful diet and patient guidance, Louis reached his ideal weight last year. Now, a laid-back kitty with a fondness for cozy indoor life, he’s proof that love and care can turn any rescue into a happy, healthy companion. And to show off the weight loss, Brumfield’s teenage son used a treat to lure Louis in for a photo op, while she attempted to take a photo.
Last, but not least, is the dynamic duo who patiently wait for their well-deserved treats.
Owner Anthony Beaver shared with Newsweek a photo of his two dogs, Albie and his younger sister Bella, looking up at him as he snapped the picture. They looked at him politely, but a bit impatiently, as they knew treat time was coming.
Albie, the one with a “silver goatee,” knows the drill. Beaver will reward the dogs with cheese as part of their potty treats. After finishing their business, they eagerly awaited their dairy delights.
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.
