Ghost the Rescue Dog Who Loves to Chase Squirrels Wins Pet of the Week

It’s been another memorable week for pets online, with stories spanning everything from a very naughty dog ​​caught raiding its owner’s trash can after the lid was stuck around its neck to a “cat dad passionate comforting a Golden Retriever puppy.

However, the real highlights of the week came from our readers, who have been busy sending in photos and stories about their adorable pet companions. Picking a winner is never easy, but this week Newsweek The Pet of the Week award goes to a very special pooch who caught our eye with his unique approach to staying cool during the heatwave.

Remember, if you want your pet to be a star on Newsweekscroll to the bottom of the story to find out how to get involved.

Winner

This week’s winner is Ghost, a creative dog who was rescued from an animal shelter when he was just 7 months old. The ASPCA estimates that approximately 3.1 million dogs enter animal shelters each year. Of this number, about 2 million will eventually be adopted.

Ghost was one of the lucky ones, having caught the eye of owner Natalie Cameron’s brother who then decided to give him a chance at a new life in a forever home. Now at the ripe old age of 9, Cameron said Newsweek this Ghost is a beloved member of the family who, like each of us, comes with their own unique eccentricity.

In Ghost’s case, it’s his penchant for staying cool. Ghost likes to stay out of the sun in a special “cool spot” he found in the house last year. “He also likes to lie on the vent or in front of a fan,” she said. “He also likes to ride in the car with his head out the window.”

Ghost currently resides with five human companions and one canine companion. Cameron says that when he’s not relaxing, Ghost “also enjoys running around his big backyard chasing squirrels and birds.”

“Fortunately, he hasn’t caught any yet,” she adds. When evening comes, he loves nothing more than snuggling up with his family and his favorite stuffed pink elephant for a well-deserved rest.

Finalists

Affectionately nicknamed “Flying” Loreal by his owners Mike and Sharron Kantor, this graceful sighthound came in second this time around, but still ranked among the finalists.

Loreal turned 5 in July but is wise beyond her years, having come to the Kantors after a busy career as a greyhound at the Arkansas Dog Track, where she racked up 109 race appearances.

Upon retiring from the sport, Loreal took on a whole new challenge after being adopted into the Greyhound Pets of America initiative.

“We adopted Loreal two weeks after losing our Great Dane, Kloee,” said Mike Kantor. Newsweek. “She adjusted to my wife and me from the moment we brought her home and has been a great companion every day since.”

Like many greyhounds, Loreal suffers from corns on their feet, which can make it difficult to walk on hard surfaces. It’s a whole different story, however, when they put it on the grass.

“We take him for two walks a day, in addition to the time spent in his garden. As soon as my wife starts getting ready for our walks,” says Kantor. “Loreal is overjoyed because she really enjoys her long walks.”

“I can’t recommend Greyhounds enough as family members,” Kantor added. “They love walks, being petted, being allowed to sleep and just being part of the family.”

Another finalist comes in the form of Pache, an adorably cute companion dog whose name, according to owner Tiffany Walton, is derived from rhythmItalian for “peace”.

However, his excited demeanor in the provided image suggests that “peace” is the last thing anyone has around this four-legged friend.

A carefree-looking dog, Pache’s bright eyes and happily hanging tongue suggest he’s a very contented canine.

Last but not least, there’s pet owner John Hazlett’s happy family of cats, Ernie and Mama, and their doggy brother Lolly.

Cats and dogs don’t always get along, but this trio seems happy to coexist and compete for their owner’s affection on a daily basis.

Ernie and Mama certainly seem close, with their affectionate relationship a welcome sight for any cat owner. Lolly, meanwhile, cuts a decidedly cute figure in the provided image, which is just as well considering they’re seriously outnumbered.