Dog Helps Friend Escape Baby Gate Wins Pet of the Week

This week we have seen how dogs left in shelters are now living the best lives with new families and dogs that take serious exception to fridge magnets.

As well as viral videos and stories about animals, we’ve been working on a weekly Pet of the Week lineup with reader videos and pictures.

If you want your furry friend to be Pet of the Week, follow the instructions at the end of this story.

the winner

This week’s winners are two Yorkshire terriers from New Jersey, Bella and Marlee. Owner Sharon Monell shared a fun video of her playing with the security gate.

In the clip, Monell’s young puppy Bella can be seen helping her older canine friend explore the gate by opening it for her.

Monell explained that Bella was separated because she was a puppy, while the older Marlee clearly felt the loss of the act. Wanting to join in the fun, Bella helped open the door.

“The little guy crossed the rainbow bridge in March, but I just thought this video was so cute. I love everything about him. He’s my baby,” Monell said. Newsweekdescribe in a touching video.

Finalist

Our first finalist this week is Tot, an Australian shepherd mix rescued by owner Peter Zheutlin.

“(He’s) the fourth rescue from Louisiana,” Zheutlin said Newsweek. “We adopted him when he was about 6 months old.”

Also a writer, Zheutlin is passionate about pet adoption. In 2017, he published the book Rescued: What Dogs’ Second Chances Teach Us About Living With Purpose, Loving With Leave, and Finding Joy in the Little Thingswhich includes short stories and lessons from families who have rescued dogs.

The next finalist this week is Pepper, a shih tzu who lives with owner Theresa Richardson.

Pepper was originally a friend of Richardson’s daughter who was a police lieutenant. In 2014, when the officer had to go on a business trip and her regular dog sitter was unavailable, Richardson’s daughter volunteered her mother’s services. Richardson has often taken care of his daughter’s dog, so it’s a natural fit.

When the owner of Pepper planned to move across the country, Richardson took him in and has been with him ever since.

“He was 11 years old at the time. Before we took him to the shelter, they asked me if I wanted him to be permanent,” Richardson said. Newsweek. “I’ve had him ever since. He’s 14 now, healthy, smart and very spoiled.”

Last week was Henry, a feral cat who is now living the best life with owner Leslie Honcharik.

“He was a feral cat that I fed every day for two years,” Honcharik said Newsweek. “(I) finally managed to catch him and bring him home.”

With love and patience, over time Henry transformed from a wary stray into a very loving indoor cat who now spends a lot of time with his owner.

“(He) has become a big love bug. He lives as a king,” said the owner. “Here he is on his favorite pillow, living a good life.”

Do you have cute and adorable animal videos or pictures that you want to share? Send it to life@newsweek.com with details about your best friend and maybe appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.