This week we've seen a dog opting to "submerge herself" in mud, much to her owner's exasperation, and a pig living his best summer life.

But we've also put together our favorite pictures and videos of our readers' pets for the weekly Pet of the Week lineup. If you want your pet to be in the lineup next week, follow the instructions at the end of this story to find out how.

Winner

This week's Pet of the Week winners are Ryder and Sampson, thanks to their hilariously spirited game of tug-of-war.

More From Newsweek Vault: The Top Rewards Credit Cards for Pet Owners

In a video sent by owner Lisa Shinn, 10-month-old Sampson, a fawn-colored Bully, is busy pulling West Highland white terrier Ryder around as they play.

Despite the size difference, 4-year-old Ryder has taken it upon himself to train Sampson and establish himself as the boss.

"All along the Westie named Ryder has taken it to be his job to train the Bully named Sampson as to how he sees he should behave," Shinn told Newsweek. "Although Sampson is probably five to six times Ryder's size, he still respects the little guy."

As the dogs grow together, their dynamic continues to evolve. Ryder is often seen stealing toys from Sampson, asserting that all toys should belong to him, and showing that he hasn't quite mastered the art of sharing yet.

But above all, the energetic pair are building a beautiful friendship, with the help of plenty of playtime.

Finalists

Our first finalist this week is Babe, a pit and Ibizan hound mix who lives with owner Kifi Mikell and her husband.

Recently Babe was unwell, sleeping more and eating less. Concerned by the changes, her owners took her to the vet, where, at first, they found no issues. But when the unusual behavior persisted, the vet did a second examination and discovered an enlarged spleen.

Given the seriousness of the situation, Babe's vet agreed to remove her spleen, especially since she had started bleeding from the mass, a condition that could lead to a rapid decline. Miraculously, the pathology report revealed that the mass was benign, and there was no cancer.

Now 13, Babe has made an amazing recovery. Kifi told Newsweek: "She's eating better than she has in a long time, and back to her old lady, sweet self."

Our next finalist this week is Jasmine, a 10-year-old rescue dog who went to live with owner Deedren O'Connor two years ago.

"She still occasionally has PTSD moments, but we reassure her we are here," O'Connor told Newsweek.

Despite these challenges, the family loves Jasmine dearly.

"We are very blessed to have her in our life," the owner said.

Last but not least this week is Tigger Junior, or TJ, a ginger cat who had a rough start in life but is now in a loving home.

Christina Kyriss told Newsweek: "He was abandoned by a sucky group of people, left to roam around as a stray, and then came home with me."

Now having lived in his new home for five years, Kyriss explains that TJ is "so loved and pampered."

She hopes that telling TJ's story will inspire others to "adopt, not shop" when considering adding a new pet to the family.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.