Dog dubbed Houdini as she can escape anything wins pet of the week

From a dog’s unexpected reaction months after seeing a glass break to the heartwarming moment a woman found her “soul dog” in a shelter, pet stories have offered laughter and joy this week.

As well as viral pet moments, Newsweek loves to share our readers’ animals in Newsweek’s Pet of the Week.

If you want yours to be part of next week’s lineup, follow the instructions at the end of this story to get involved.

Winner

Pictures of Riley the dog who has been dubbed “Houdini.”

This week’s Newsweek Pet of the Week is a dog that has an unusual reputation—she is a bit of an escape artist.

“When Riley Riot was a puppy, she could escape anything,” owner Kiki Paris told Newsweek.

However hard Paris tried, the pup would make her way to freedom. From getting out of her crate and harness, to the tallest baby gate and even jumping out of the car window.

“I had to add a third name—Riley Riot Houdini,” Paris said.

Finalists

Pictures of Pavi living his best life in his new home.

Our first finalist this week is Pavel, also known as Pavi. When the feline was adopted from PetSmart, for owner Justin Johnson, it was love at first sight.

“As soon as I lifted my hand toward the glass, he was trying to rub his head against it, but the glass was in the way. It melted my heart,” Johnson told Newsweek.

Before Pavi, Johnson never considered themselves a cat person, but he changed everything.

“I paid $200 to adopt him on the spot,” they said. “He sleeps at my feet on our bed. The lady at PetSmart told us he was talkative and boy is he.”

Pictures of Max enjoying the snow.

The next finalist this week is a dog described by his owner as a “guardian angel.” Max loves to follow owner Deon Ortiz around, even when he takes out the trash—Max is by his side.

“When I have a bad day at work and come home, he will stand and sit by me to make sure I’m OK,” Ortiz told Newsweek.

As well as being a well-loved “Velcro dog,” Max keeps a close eye on anyone who comes to visit. “It’s like he gives his approval after I give it to someone to come into my home. But, all in all, Max is a gentle giant but will begin when he needs to be,” Ortiz said.

A picture of Casper and Cosmo in their new home.

Last but not least this week is Casper and Cosmo, a feline duo adopted from the North Shore Animal League in Long Island New York.

“They had been adopted and returned because they said that Casper the black cat was too shy,” owner Francis Trentacosta told Newsweek.

When Trentacosta arrived at the rescue, everyone was busy looking at the kitten enclosure, but nobody was interested in the older cats.

Trentacosta and their husband, though, were drawn to Casper and Cosmo, and now they are living their best life in a forever home.

“Here they are three months later. Did they look shy to you?” the owners 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 [email protected], and they could appear in our “Pet of the Week” lineup.

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