“Meet the Splashing Sensation: Family’s Beloved Swimming Dog Crowned Pet of the Week!”

From a shelter dog and a man choosing one another in a touching clip to a kitten’s astonishing jump from a second-floor balcony, we have begun the year with numerous delightful and entertaining pet tales at Newsweek.

Alongside viral clips and narratives, we have been enjoying our readers’ images and videos of their pets for our Newsweek Pet of the Week series.

If you’d like your pet to be showcased next week, follow the guidelines at the conclusion of the story to submit your pet’s photos and videos.

Winner

This week’s Pet of the Week is Mochi, a vibrant 14-year-old German shorthaired pointer who recently succumbed to cancer.

Owner Christine Del Sordo shared a video of senior pup Mochi, whom she described as a “gorgeous, affectionate” companion with a particular fondness for water and swimming alongside both human and canine friends.

In a touching video, Mochi was seen reveling in the water before swimming to the edge and climbing out of the pool.

“She was truly a hunting dog and always reveled in the water and swimming with the family,” Del Sordo said.

Finalists

Our first finalist this week is Integral, a kitten who was initially discovered crying in a garage and is now living her best life with owner Erin Priest.

“She was discovered in a friend’s garage last summer, crying,” Priest told Newsweek. “Since I was unaware of how long she had been without food and water, she slept in a playpen near me for several months.”

Over time, Integral not only regained her vitality but also developed a playful affinity for water, originating from the many baths necessary to clean her fur.

Now, in their new residence, Integral continues to use the bathtub for play, and now shares her home with feline companion Honey—who isn’t fond of water at all.

Next in line this week is Levi, a blue merle mini Aussie brimming with affection.

Owner Sherri Robertson recounted how Levi entered her life in 2024 after being rescued from the roadside with his siblings. “The moment I laid eyes on him, my heart melted, and I knew he was the one,” Robertson told Newsweek. Levi became her perfect companion, aiding her recovery following the loss of her cherished Spanky seven years prior.

Life took another turn when Robertson’s son-in-law, battling stage 4 sarcoma cancer, requested her to look after Lil Miss, a tiny Chihuahua. Despite her own health struggles, Robertson welcomed Lil Miss, and Levi quickly formed a close bond with her.

Since becoming a trio, the two have become inseparable. “They constantly remind me of the joy and sacrifices that render life exceptional,” Robertson said.

Last but not least is Gabby, a kitten who has bestowed comfort and happiness upon a family during trying times.

In August 2022, Kylene Kleine’s mother was admitted to Hospice Home Health. One day, while they enjoyed the outdoors, a kitten appeared and nestled in her mother’s lap. “Once I opened the door, she rushed inside and directly to our cat litter box,” Kleine said. “Then she returned outside, right back to Mom’s lap.”

Kleine’s mother, a lifelong cat enthusiast, requested to keep the kitten. “How does one refuse the wish of a loved one nearing the end of their days?” Kleine questioned. They named her Gabby, and she quickly became the ruler of the house, presiding over their two male cats and snuggling beside Kleine’s mother each night.

When her mother passed away five months later, Gabby the cat continued to express her love towards her owner. “She’s become the love of my life,” Kleine stated.

Do you possess amusing and charming videos or photos of your pet you wish to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your beloved friend, and they may feature in our Pet of the Week collection.