We're halfway through 2022, and it's time to recognize some truly outstanding pets.
Let's be clear, all pets are the best pets, so it was extremely difficult to select such an elite group. To help narrow it down, we focused exclusively on pets that have debuted or done something noteworthy within the past six months.
We would love to recognize all of our favorite petfluencers, but they need to have achieved something significant within the past six months to be considered.
Unfortunately, that excludes fan favorites Bunny the talking dog and Noodle "no bones" from consideration, but we had to draw the line somewhere. Otherwise, this list could go on forever.
Without further ado, here are the best pets of the year, so far.
1. Best hustler
That Little Puff
According to a recent report by All About Cats, Puff is the highest-earning pet on TikTok with a whopping $26,400 per post. Puff, aka @thatlittlepuff, entertains his 28 million followers by dressing up in elaborate costumes (usually as a chef) and often shows off his impressive culinary skills. You know he's working hard for the money.
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2. Best White House aide
Willow
2022 was the year the White House became a cat house once again. Not since the Bush administration has there been a feline presence. But thanks to First Lady Jill Biden, Willow has a new home at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. The two-year-old tabby cat first caught Dr. Biden's attention at a campaign stop in 2020, and finally joined the Biden household this January.
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3. Best performance
The actors in Dog
It's hard to steal the show from Channing Tatum, but three Belgian Malinois did just that. Lana, Britta, and Zuza collectively play the mischievous military dog Lulu, and Army Ranger Briggs (Tatum) is tasked with transporting her to her handler's funeral. In classic road trip movie fashion, chaos ensues. Does Lulu steal Channing Tatum's heart (and the audience's) in the process? You bet.
4.Heroes of the year
Eva
Rest in peace Eva the hero dog. Erin Wilson and her Belgian Malinois Eva were hiking in Northern California when a mountain lion charged at Wilson. Eva ran to Wilson's defense and began fighting the big cat, but was soon overpowered. With the help of a passerby, Wilson forced the cat to release Eva and rushed her to the hospital where she was treated and brought home to recover. Tragically, Eva's condition worsened, and she succumbed to her injuries a few weeks later. She may be gone but she'll forever be remembered as the hero who saved her mom's life.
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Patron
As the war continues, Patron the bomb-sniffing dog has become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance against Russian forces. The Jack Russell terrier is reportedly responsible for detecting more than 200 explosive devices since the start of the war, and was awarded a medal by Ukraine President Zelenskyy. But all the fame hasn't gone to his head — recently Patron has taken on a new assignment visiting children's hospitals.
5. In memoriam
Pot Roast
The toothless cat that captured the hearts of millions crossed over to the other side this year. Pot Roast was beloved on TikTok for her hilarious dynamic with her mom, as well as her fighting spirit in the face of multiple health issues.
Pot Roast's mom had documented their shared life so candidly that "the entire internet joined in the joy of Pot Roast's presence," writes Mashable's CJ Silva. "And in the aftermath of Pot Roast's death, everyone on social media appears to be grieving together." RIP sweet Pot Roast.
6. Lifetime achievement award
Jiffpom
With two Guinness World Records, a cameo in a Katy Perry music video, and 20 million followers on TikTok, Jiff is a living legend. For years, this little Pomeranian who looks like a plush toy has charmed the internet with his irresistibly cute face and jaunty outfits.
Jiff is an OG social media pet that helped define the petfluencers of the modern era. Thanks to Jiff, everyone in the world now asks themselves if they should make an Instagram/TikTok account for their pet. Thank you Jiff, and congratulations.
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