Sugar, Dog Who Helps Her Best Friend With Cataracts, Wins Pet of the Week

There's never a dull moment in the world of pets and this week has been no exception.

Over the past seven days, Newsweek has shared stories about everything from golden retrievers wearing super-cute raincoats to one man's uncanny ability to mimic cats on the internet. We also chronicled an adorable "pup party" laid on for the residents of an animal shelter that caters specifically to elderly rescue dogs without a home.

However, no week would be complete without our regular celebration of our readers' pets. As ever, the pictures, videos and accompanying stories you share with us about your animal friends are very much appreciated. This week's Newsweek Pet of the Week award goes to a very special dog who overcame a difficult start in life to settle into a unique role within her forever family.

As ever, if you would like your pet to be a star on Newsweek, scroll down to the bottom of the story to find out how to get involved.

Winner

This week's winner is Sugar, an 11-year-old mixed breed who overcame the odds to enjoy the kind of life every canine deserves.

Sugar's owner, Alli, told Newsweek she got her from Craigslist in Florida. Describing her as a mix of "maybe wolf, fox, or coyote along with Husky" she did a little digging and found Sugar spent some time living around the swamps before coming into her care. "I believe she was abused. it was like she had been kept by one of her owners in a small cage, she could barely run and would scream if you touched her hip area," Alli said.

Though it's thought that Sugar went through several different homes prior, she has settled into life with Alli who describes her beloved canine as "a princess and sweet as the day is long." Sugar has also struck up a friendship with Alli's other dog, Miggy, who was rescued from New York City. "He understands Spanish and has Cataracts so Sugar helps him in his daily deeds as his vision fails," Alli said.

Finalists

There's only one non-canine finalist this week but, boy, is it a special one. Moby the sheep only recently shacked up with his owner Becky Schubert but he's already a much-loved part of the family. "I was first notified of him after my vet was called to examine him at the Agoura Animal Shelter," Schubert said. "Poor Moby was running on the streets of Calabasas dodging in and out of traffic!"

After an initial stint in an animal shelter, Moby was taken in by Schubert where he quickly found kinship with one of her other sheep residents, Elvis. "Elvis is teaching him to smile," Schubert said. "Unfortunately his teeth are super chipped but he's learning how to create his own personality and we are loving every moment of it."

The loss of any pet is difficult to take but it's especially upsetting if that pet has been a part of your family for an extended period. Bachi was 17½ years old when she passed away earlier this month, leaving her owners, the Idrovo family, utterly bereft.

"She was my baby who lived a long life full of love, happiness, and plenty of pets," Esther Idrovo told Newsweek. "You couldn't find a sweeter, more patient, or more loveable girl. We will miss her with all our hearts." An affectionate and loving dog who was a firm fixture in family life, Bachi may be gone but will never be forgotten.

Last but not least, there's 9-year-old Louie, who lives with Valery Marana in New Hampshire. Marana told Newsweek Louie came into her life after his previous owner moved away and was unable to take him with her.

He soon found a kindred spirit in Marana though, who has been doting on the adorably pint-sized pet pooch ever since. "He loves balls but specifically small balls," Marana said. "He also loves his begging snacks and small bones. The best thing about Louie is that I need him as much as he needs me!"