While it is impossible not to spoil our pets every day with snuggles, treats and toys, Saturday marks an extra special time to celebrate them: It is National Pet Day.
And what better way to kick off the day than by honoring some pets from our Newsweek readers?
Want to celebrate your pet? Read through the article to find out how you can submit your pet to be considered for an upcoming Pet of the Week edition.
Winner
This week’s Pet of the Week winner goes to an unforgettable winter moment featuring a Florida-born husky who finally experienced the snowy life for which she was always meant.
Owner Endora Schmidt, who started an all-natural dog treat brand for her dogs, shared with Newsweek that her husky-pit bull mix, Stella, has what can only be described as a “geographic identity crisis.” While both her canines were born in the Tampa, Florida, area, soaking up sunshine, Stella especially felt deprived of never seeing snow, as she’s a husky. Although her humans jokingly say not to tell her she’s only 66 percent husky.
Now, living in the Chicago area, Stella is part of a dynamic duo with Roscoe, her 8-year-old pit bull-Rottweiler mix brother. The two finally got a winter mix, in Illinois. It had been nothing but light dustings for them until March, on what Schmidt calls “St. Pittie’s Day.”
In the video, Stell waited at the top of the porch, perplexed by the white powder. Then excitement took over as she leaped off the stairs, diving headfirst into the snow. She fully embraced what she was born to do: frolic in the snow. And she thrived.
“Roscoe seemed to think the snow was just cold sand, but Stella—the husky in her shining through—was absolutely in her element,” she said. “She bounced at the back door and dove into the snow like she’d been waiting her whole life for it. Watching her play that day was pure joy.”
Finalists
This week’s first finalist comes from Tammy Ray, or should we say finalists.
Ray told Newsweek that her cat, Mo, came up to her in freezing conditions and starving. The timing came as she was mourning the loss of her beloved border collie, Molly. Mo has blended into the family seamlessly.
Now, around 15 years old, she’s been enjoying company with her younger dog companion, Chase, Ray’s new border collie who will turn 5 in May. But unlike other border collies, he’s on the bigger side. Ray said he’s about 60 pounds.
She described both pets as “incredibly intelligent,” and her photos show how similar they look, rocking the black and white fur.
Next up, owner Candice Kirch shared with Newsweek her rapidly growing 15-month-old pup, Maverick, with an unexpectedly complex DNA background.
His breed mix includes 25 percent German shepherd and 40 percent Labrador and golden retriever. The rest of his makeup includes 15 other breeds, from mastiff to Chihuahua, making him a true everything dog. But he’s 100 percent good boy.
Despite his unpredictable genetics and long legs, Maverick is described as a sweet, good-natured boy still growing into himself, and the picture of him shows that his body has already outgrown his doggy bed.
Last, but not least, is a hilarious tale starring Bob, a fearless cat who takes home security very seriously.
Owner John Remirez told Newsweek that his orange cat believes his home is his castle. When a lizard tried entering his territory, Bob immediately switched into full detective mode—tracking, stalking and investigating every possible hiding spot.
The lizard, however, proved to be an elusive mastermind, escaping Bob’s pursuit and sitting on top of the bookshelf, taunting him and leaving him temporarily defeated but undoubtedly entertained.
“The moral of the story is that Bob successfully defended his territory and earned his Temptations that day,” Remirez said.
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.
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