Pets of the Week: October’s Furry and Four-Legged Festivities
As October ushers in the Halloween season, Newsweek’s latest “Pet of the Week” spotlight brings heartwarming tales of our furry companions embracing the spooky spirit. From howling dogs to sun-loving cats, these animal stories capture the unique personalities that make our pets so special to us. This week’s featured animals remind us why pets are such cherished members of our families, bringing both comfort and unexpected moments of joy to our daily lives.
This week’s winning pet is Ringo, a dog with a secret emotional life that his owner, Lynne Astley, was completely unaware of until recently. Whenever Astley leaves the house, Ringo apparently howls in longing for her return – a heartfelt behavior she’d never witnessed firsthand. What makes Ringo’s story particularly touching is that he keeps these emotions bottled up when his owner is present, only letting his feelings fly when he believes he’s alone. Astley discovered this hidden aspect of her dog’s personality when someone checking in on Ringo recorded his mournful howls. It’s a poignant reminder of the deep attachments our pets form with us, even when we’re unaware of the extent of their feelings. Ringo’s secret serenade speaks to the emotional lives our pets lead, sometimes just beyond our perception.
Among the finalists, Chamaco, a 12-year-old Portuguese water dog, brings festive charm with his willingness to dress up in various costumes. His owners, Neil and Chieko, shared delightful images of their senior dog playing dress-up as both a pilot and a king, showcasing his patient temperament and playful spirit. Despite his advanced years, Chamaco maintains a gentle soul – he’s never once destroyed his toys and remains eager for cuddles with his family. Neil describes him as “a very smart, loving and obedient guy who has a keen interest in plants and boats.” Chamaco’s adaptability and good nature reflect the special bond that can develop between pets and their humans over years of shared experiences, making him a true “family guy” as his owners affectionately call him.
Another finalist, Angel the cat, demonstrates the unique preferences our feline friends often develop. After being adopted by Dee Maimone when her previous owner returned to Japan, Angel has revealed herself to be what many might call a “sun worshipper.” This heat-loving cat spends entire days in the patio enclosure soaking up sunshine, regardless of how high the temperature climbs. Perhaps most endearing is Angel’s habit of scooting under rugs all by herself, creating a warm haven that suits her particular tastes. Maimone notes the similarity between herself and her cat, saying, “I just love that she sits in the patio enclosure no matter how hot the temperature; she and I are a lot alike!” This kinship between pet and owner highlights how we often find reflections of ourselves in our animal companions, creating bonds based on shared preferences and personalities.
The final contender for “Pet of the Week” is Stevie, a Poshie (a Shetland Sheepdog and Pomeranian mix) who came into Dianne Charles’ life just three months ago as a gift from a neighbor. Despite their relatively short time together, Stevie has already captured Charles’ heart with his intelligence and calm demeanor. “Stevie is so smart, he loves walking on the streets and going to the park,” Charles shared, appreciating his quiet and unfussy nature. What made an especially lasting impression was when Stevie unexpectedly waved his paw at a young child – a surprising gesture from a dog who typically ignores people. This small moment of connection demonstrates how our pets can still surprise us with their behaviors, offering unexpected moments of delight that strengthen the bonds we share with them. Stevie’s story reminds us that new pet relationships can quickly become meaningful connections that enrich our lives.
As October continues and Halloween approaches, these pet stories capture the spirit of the season while showcasing the unique personalities that make our animal companions so beloved. Whether they’re secretly howling when we leave, dressing up in costumes, sunbathing regardless of temperature, or surprising us with an unexpected wave, pets bring color and warmth to our everyday experiences. Newsweek invites readers to submit their own pet stories and photos to [email protected] for a chance to be featured in future “Pet of the Week” spotlights, celebrating the special place these animals hold in our hearts and homes. After all, what better way to embrace the changing seasons than by appreciating the consistent joy our pets bring to our lives throughout the year?
