Patient Labrador and His 'In Charge' Pomeranian Brother Win Pet of the Week

Newsweek

2 days ago

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From a "Romeo and Romeo" love story between two cats to a cat who started limping for a hilarious reason, viral pet videos have made us smile this week.
But we also like to feature our readers' pets in the weekly Newsweek Pet of the Week.
If you think your pet should be next week's Pet of the Week, follow the instructions at the end of this story to get involved.
Winner
Gu and Rufus, in the videos where it is clear who is in charge.
Gu and Rufus, in the videos where it is clear who is in charge.
Laura Wasserman
This week's Pet of the Week winners include a returning star. A heartwarming and hilarious video of Gu and Rufus made it clear who rules the roost.
Despite his small stature, 4-year-old Pomeranian Gu (short for Grogu) is undeniably the boss of the house. In the video, Gu confidently eats his brother's meal, completely unbothered, while 1-year-old Rufus, the much larger and ever-gentle Labrador, waits patiently by his side.
Gu won Newsweek's Pet of the Week back in 2024 when he was dubbed a "personal flycatcher" for his unexpected skill at grabbing flies when out and about.
The dynamic between Gu and brother Rufus is a hilarious reminder that small dog can often mean big attitude.
"Gu decided he wanted Ru's food so he had to wait," owner Laura Wasserman told Newsweek. "If he tries to get close Gu growls and jumps at him. I wonder who is in charge."
Finalists
Babbs the dog who is living his best life with new owner.
Babbs the dog who is living his best life with new owner.
Craig Stechman
Our first finalist this week is black and white American bulldog mix Babbs.
Rescued by owner Craig Stechman from All 4 Paws in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, the pair instantly fell in love.
"I went online and I saw a black-and-white puppy that reminded [me of] the 10-year-old French bulldog mix I had to put down in March," Stechman told Newsweek.
It was meant to be, and now the pair are inseparable. "He sits on command at three months old and is getting ready to lift his paw. He's a beautiful pup," Stechman said. "I love him."
A picture of Aizawa when she first arrived, left, and now, right.
A picture of Aizawa when she first arrived, left, and now, right.
Bonnie Cressler
Next up this week is Aizawa, a "house panther" with an interesting backstory.
In October 2021, a friend of Bonnie Cressler's daughter found a newborn kitten alone under a trailer, with no mother or siblings in sight. Her daughter brought him home, already named Aizawa.
Though Bonnie had experience with bottle babies, this kitten's fragile condition made survival uncertain. "I let the girls know that this teeny kitten only has a slim chance of survival because of his very rough start," Cressler told Newsweek.
Not even a day after Aizawa arrived, Cressler's mother sadly passed away. In a background of heartbreak, Aizawa went on to thrive and is now living his best life with his family—who say he arrived at just the right time.
"He was named after the My Hero Academia character and has a very similar personality. I often ask 'who saved who?'" Cressler said.
Lazy but lovable English bulldog Frankie.
Lazy but lovable English bulldog Frankie.
Rachel Kane
Last but not least is Frankie Avocado, a laid-back English bulldog who is infamous in the streets near his home.
"[He is] infamous for lying down and not moving in them and an absolute mush. He has perfected laziness and we love him for it," owner Rachel Kane told Newsweek.
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 [e-mail], and they could appear in our "Pet of the Week" lineup.