As he introduces his new rescue pup Rodney, Pete Wicks has shared an emotional update with fans months after his beloved dog Peggy passed away.
Pete Wicks has shared an emotional update with fans as he revealed a new addition to his family, months after suffering a devastating personal loss.
The TOWIE star, 36, took to Instagram to introduce his new dog, a four-month-old pup called Rodney, posting a heart-melting photo alongside a deeply personal message. Rodney is now the little brother to Pete’s beloved dog Eric, and the reality favourite made it clear the decision to welcome another dog into his life did not come lightly.
“Everyone meet 4 month old Rodney. Eric’s new little brother,” Pete wrote. He went on to thank Dogs Trust and Dogs Trust West London for helping make the adoption possible, proudly reinforcing the message of rehoming rather than buying.
The loss that has unmistakably persisted in him was then addressed. He openly admitted that “the majority of people know that I lost my Peggy a few months ago and it broke my heart.” She was irreplaceable, she said, “I haven’t really spoken about it and I don’t want to.”
The actor has long been open about his love for dogs, even co-founding his own animal welfare organization Pete Wicks For Dog’s Sake, and his fans were well-known for their close ties to Peggy. Pete was careful to point out that welcoming Rodney is not about filling a void because of her passing.
He explained that “getting another dog” is not about trying to bring back someone I’ve lost. It’s about having the freedom to give another dog the love and care they need, not just my heart.”
Signing off with the hashtag #AdoptDontShop, Pete’s post was met with an outpouring of love and support from followers, many of whom praised him for turning heartbreak into something positive. Fans flooded the comments with messages applauding his honesty and compassion, while others thanked him for highlighting rescue centres and adoption.
JLS star JB Gill said: “Rodneeeeeey Beautiful boy! We feel your pain”. Best pal Sam Thompson also commented: “One of the boys already”. Ruth Langsford also chimed in saying: “Hello Rodney you beauty”. Vicky Pattison commented: “I AM IN LOVE WITH RODNEY”.
Pete’s dogs have long been a big part in his life, and they frequently appear on his social media and interview interviews, where he has expressed his relief at being free of the spotlight. Rodney’s arrival represents a hopeful new beginning for both a puppy and Pete, who has already been given a life of security and care.
Following the success of Pete’s TV show Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake, Pete’s show has sparked a dramatic rise in dog adoptions. The program, which has been available on U since 2024, provides an inside look at Britain’s largest dog rehoming charity.
Dog’s Trust has revealed that staff at their centers also reported increased footfall at their centers, with staff members reporting a 20% increase in dog adoptions and a 25% increase in donations since the release of series two.
Pete, who serves as Dog’s Trust’s ambassador, says he enjoys dogs because of their “resilience and unconditional love.” While his love of dogs first started when his family brought him home with his first rescue dog around the age of 10.
Speaking at the Christmas Special premiere, Pete said: “Rescue dogs often have an ability to love despite being treated terribly – that is such an emotional, yet wonderful thing. If more people could be like dogs, I think we’d live in a better world.”
Source: Mirror
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