Doodles celebrate birthday—Puppy's reaction to the party says it all
From owners bringing their dog to see Christmas lights to a special visit from Santa Claus to cheer up a group of rescue canines, this week has been filled with festive stories.
And what better way to round out the year than highlighting the pets from our Newsweek readers in this week's edition of Pet of the Week?
If you think your pet should be featured, read through to the end to find out how to enter.
Winner
While everyone has been focusing on the holidays, one family pivoted to birthday celebrations for two of their dogs.
Owner Jean Seitz told Newsweek that Willow celebrated her birthday on December 4 and her older brother, Hank, will be five in January. Every year, the family celebrates both of their birthdays with singing and special dog-friendly treats. But this year, the family's new pup joined in the festivities
"Baby brother Auggie is new to the party scene and didn't know what to expect," Seitz said.
In the clip, Willow and Hank immediately knew the drill, grabbing their special birthday treats as people sang to them. But Auggie looked around, confused and unsure about the treat. He eventually took cues from the others and nibbled on the treat.
Finalists
Our first finalist for this week is Coco, a cat living near the French Quarter in New Orleans. Michelle Chaudoir told Newsweek that she reached out to a rescuer working with the city's feral cats and wanted to adopt the one least likely to find a home. That was Coco.
Part of the reason she wanted a cat was that her home and yard were being overrun by mice, rats and water bugs, and being against using chemicals or traps, someone suggested a feline.
"We've been together since 2016," she said. "He's a clown...Thinks he's a penguin, does dramatic things like drape over the arm of a couch. He's just funny."
Next up is Melanie Rowan's dog, Sofie. Sofie is a 12-month-old Peekapoo, a mixed breed of a Pekingese and either a toy or miniature poodle.
Aside from her unique breed, Sofie's expression—and eyebrows—melted our hearts
Her eyebrows are a light brown and stand out against the rest of her dark fur. They perfectly frame her face, giving her humanlike expressions. And to match the eyebrows, she has the same color around her mouth that makes it look like a beard.
Last, but not least, is a 4-year-old Labradoodle named Stanley.
Owner Debra Groshner told Newsweek she adopted Stanley when he was only seven months old. He's been nothing but energy and positivity in the home, even as he started having health issues.
"Recently, he started having seizures, but he keeps on giving his love," Groshner 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.