Whether they’re showing off unusual and scary talents or finding creative ways to get attention, pets never fail to surprise us. But sometimes it’s the simplest antics that end up stealing the spotlight.
Newsweek readers continue to share stories of the moments that make their companions so special, and we can’t get enough.
Interested in seeing your pet featured in next week’s Pet of the Week contest? Find out how to submit at the end of this article.
Winner
This week’s Pet of the Week winner is a tiny dog with a surprisingly big personality—and an even bigger vocabulary.
Four-year-old Ellie, a Shih Tzu and miniature poodle mix, has become the heart of Carly’s household thanks to her hilarious habit of asking for treats by saying “mama.” Carly told Newsweek she never intentionally trained Ellie to talk. The clever pup simply seemed to figure it out on her own.
Now, she climbs onto Carly’s lap each day and repeatedly “asks” for snacks and affection in the same unmistakable way. And who can say no to the dog’s politeness? Carly said she’ll give Ellie a healthy treat every time.
“She says ‘mama’ all day, every day, asking for treats and love,” Carly said. “She also says ‘I love you’ and ‘I want it.'”
Finalists
Our first finalist this week is Baxter, a 10-year-old beagle from Delray Beach who is fully embracing the comforts of senior life.
The pictures shared by his owner, Thom Butts, show the relaxed pup quite literally “living his best life under wraps.”
Whether he’s stretched out on the bed or settling in on the couch, Baxter has made a habit of burrowing beneath blankets and getting as cozy as possible. The snug routine has become part of his daily rhythm, offering comfort and plenty of smiles for his family.
As he enters his golden years, Baxter’s love of warmth and relaxation feels especially well earned—a gentle reminder that sometimes the happiest moments for older dogs are the simplest ones.
Next up is a 5-year-old goldendoodle named Buddy who got a second chance after being found in “poor” condition, weighing about 38 pounds at the time.
His new owner, Joyce LaRosa, told Newsweek her daughter found him on the streets. A microchip led her to his previous family, but repeated phone calls went unanswered. She waited a month before officially switching the microchip to list her information.
Buddy quickly made himself at home, putting his paws around both of her grandsons without letting go. He’s been groomed, vaccinated, neutered and treated for coccidia and hookworm, LaRosa said. Buddy gained his weight back, and now weighs about 55 pounds.
“Buddy has been good since I nursed him back to health,” she said. “He loves belly rubs and makes sure he gets one every morning before getting out of bed.”
Last but not least is Chloe Jean, a miniature poodle who entered Jessie Powell’s life last year unexpectedly.
“We lost our dog in a car accident,” she told Newsweek. “So we went to the shelter to donate the dog food, and we left with Chloe and the food.”
One look at her made the family fall in love. Now well-trained and deeply loved, she has helped bring comfort and happiness back into the household. And she quickly turns heads. Powell will get the fur on ears and tail dyed a bright pink color.
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 [email protected], and they could appear in our “Pet of the Week” lineup.
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