Dog ‘Helping’ Owner With the Garden Wins Pet of the Week

From a dog who made an unexpected plus-one appearance at a wedding to a cat who gave his owner the “silent treatment” after her two-week vacation, viral pet antics haven’t disappointed this week.

But, alongside viral pet stories, we love showcasing readers’ animals in our weekly Newsweek Pet of the Week.

If you think your pet could be next week’s “Pet of the Week,” please follow the instructions at the end of this story to get involved.

Winner

This week’s “Pet of the Week” winner is Parker, a pup who has been helping his owner out with the garden since they moved into a new home.

Working to make the yard puppy-safe, owner Barbara Salt didn’t expect Parker to spring into action so quickly. “Parker thought he would help by bombarding this one plant to clear it away,” Salt told Newsweek.

With boundless energy and good intentions, Parker decided to target a single plant in the garden, repeatedly pouncing on it as if it were the source of all danger.

Thankfully, Wright couldn’t help but laugh at his enthusiasm—even if it meant the plant didn’t survive his version of landscaping, and the hilarious video brought a smile to her face.

Finalists

Our first finalists this week are Camille and Julian, two cats who were never meant to be roommates.

Their owner, B. Smith, set out to adopt only a female cat, but the animals had other ideas.

“Camille was feral, and kept in a room by herself because she was truly a ‘fraidy cat,'” Smith told Newsweek.

Camille also had a bonded brother, and when Smith tried to leave with her new cat, he made his feelings clear about being separated from his sister.

“Julian Lennon tripped me twice to notify me I was not leaving without him,” Smith said. “They remain inseparable two years later.”

Next up is Mashell Thomas’ beloved pup Neeko who came into her life at exactly the right moment.

After losing her mother unexpectedly in December 2022, Thomas was heartbroken. But in April 2023, she met Skyy—a loving dog who seemed to sense her grief. The pup’s affection brought comfort, and, just months later, Skyy gave birth to 11 puppies.

Neeko, born on August 29, 2023, became a symbol of new life and healing. “Neeko and his mother Skyy helped me get through that unpredictable grief,” Mashell told Newsweek. “The love from these dogs filled my heart … There was no room for the pain.”

Last but not least this week is Dolce, a 9-year-old Pomeranian who lives with owner Kirsten Seeger.

After losing her previous Pom, Paprika, Seeger wasn’t sure she was ready—but fate had other plans. In May 2023, she attended an adoption event through Southern California Pomeranian Rescue and met Dolce, who had been found wandering the streets. “I picked her up and placed her on my lap, where she remained the entire hour I was there,” Seeger told Newsweek.

From that moment, they were bonded. Described as a “couch potato,” Dolce is indeed more fond of cuddles than walks—often signaling that the walk is over by sitting down until she is carried home.

Dolce is loyal, gentle, gets along with the cats, and follows Kirsten everywhere. “I’m so grateful this little soul is in my life,” she said. “I can’t believe she’s mine.”

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.