Goldendoodle turns snow day into one-dog show—wins pet of the week

From a mastermind bird plotting to earn extra treats for the dog to Punch the monkey’s viral toy obsession, pets continue to charm us in the most unexpected ways. And while Punch may be the latest internet sensation, he’s far from alone.

Newsweek readers have shared their own tales of pets and their beloved toys—and we’re obsessed. Want your furry (or feathered) friend featured next week? Check out how to submit at the end of this story.

Winner

Photos of Tenaya, a 6-year-old goldendoodle, playing in the snow.

With the winter storms continuing to roll in, it is only fitting that a snow-loving dog is this week’s winner.

Tenaya—named after a lake in Yosemite National Park—lives in the San Bernardino Mountains in California. Owner Sherry Owens told Newsweek that this video of Tenaya in the snow was during the area’s “long-awaited first snow,” which had about 28 inches.

“She just went crazy when she saw it out the window, barking at the door to go out and play in it,” Owens said. “I have to bribe her with a small treat to get her to come in out of the snow when she goes out on our back deck.”

Knowing how much her 6-year-old goldendoodle enjoys the snow, Owens will leave a small patch on the deck when she shovels for Tenaya to enjoy it. Owens has made about 50 fleece sweaters for Tenaya to keep warm in the winter, while also sharing them with their walking buddies—a group of dog owners in the neighborhood who go on evening strolls together.

Tenaya is always up for an adventure, whether it is the depths of winter or soaking up the summer sun. She’ll jump in the water, go kayaking or hiking with Owens. The two have been inseparable since Owens brought her home as a puppy.

Finalists

Photo of Griz, a rescue dog, sleeping with his ball, which is his favorite toy.

Our first finalist this week is a rescue dog named Griz, whom Danny Guenzler and his family adopted three years ago when he was just 6 weeks old.

Guenzler told Newsweek that Griz loves playing fetch and tug-of-war. But his ball is by far his favorite toy, and the only one he doesn’t chew to pieces. He won’t let the ball out of his sight. Not even when he sleeps. The picture shows Griz using the ball as a pillow—true dedication to his beloved toy.

“We have since adopted another 3-year-old dog named Leroy that had been abused and came from Nebraska,” Guenzler said. “He and Griz love running and playing together. They are both full of energy.”

Photos of Waddles, a 6-year-old Shih Tzu, proudly holding his favorite toys in his mouth.

Speaking of favorites, owner Candice Casalenuovo’s dog, Waddles, can’t go anywhere without his toys. But his toy is a stuffed teddy bear and duck with squeakers inside.

Casalenuovo told Newsweek her 6-year-old Shih Tzu will carry these stuffed animals with him everywhere. He doesn’t seem to mind that the toys are nearly as big as him. Waddles holds them in his mouth, showing them off with pride.

“He’s my life and joy that keeps me on my toes,” she said. “Not only does he have the most interesting personality for a dog, but he is also so hilarious and makes me laugh all the time.”

Photos of an owner’s gray cat named Lyric, who became a saving grace for the woman after her husband passed.

Last, but not least, is a cat who has provided her owner comfort for the last eight years, ever since Anjie Boyd-Fjelstrom lost her husband.

The cat, Lyric Melody, came into her life right after her husband’s passing, Boyd-Fjelstrom told Newsweek. Without realizing it, the cat gave her something to live for, which she said she’ll always be grateful.

“She really is my best friend…she saved my life, and I don’t know what I would do without her,” she said. “I have three babies, but I’ll always have a special bond with her.”

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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