Reality television star Pete Wicks has welcomed an adorable new four-legged friend into his home, several months after the death of his beloved dog Peggy left him heartbroken.
A New Chapter with Rodney
The 37-year-old former The Only Way Is Essex star took to Instagram on Saturday to introduce his followers to Rodney, a four-month-old puppy. In sweet snaps, Pete was pictured cuddling the new arrival on his lap, alongside his other dog, Eric, a French Bulldog.
He captioned the post: 'Everyone meet 4 month old Rodney. Eric’s new little brother. Thank you to @dogstrust and @dogstrust_westlondon.' Pete then addressed the loss that prompted this new addition, writing: 'Most people know that I lost my Peggy a few months ago and it broke my heart. I haven’t really spoken about it and I don’t want to…she was irreplaceable.'
He emphasised that getting another dog was not an attempt to replace Peggy, but rather 'about being able to open my heart, home and provide a safe place and love for another dog who needs it.'
Coping with Loss and a 'Heavy Year'
Pete first revealed the sad news of Peggy's passing last month on his podcast, Staying Relevant. He told listeners his dog had died 'about a month ago,' explaining he brought it up because he knew fans would question her absence after he recorded with Eric.
This came just weeks after he had shared that Peggy was undergoing 'months of treatment,' having 'nearly lost' her back in July. The loss has contributed to what Pete has described as a 'heavy year'.
While promoting his U series For Dogs' Sake earlier this month, the star admitted his Christmas plans were subdued. He told Heat magazine: 'I imagine I'll sit on my own with Eric and have a Pot Noodle. It's been a heavy year, so I might go away for Christmas. But I normally spend it on my own with the dogs.'
A Lifelong Commitment to Rescue Dogs
Pete's decision to adopt Rodney follows weeks of filming at the Dogs Trust rehoming centre in Basildon. He had hinted he would be open to another dog, but stressed the importance of finding the right match for his lifestyle and for Eric, who is now 12 years old.
'I've got to ask Eric,' Pete joked. 'He's knocking on, so it needs to be the right dog for him, as well. I really want to make sure that I get it right, as I always have done.'
This commitment to rescue dogs is long-standing. Pete previously adopted Peggy in 2018 from the charity French Bulldog Saviours, and rescued Eric from the Dogs Trust in Basildon, Essex, back in 2016.
The arrival of puppy Rodney marks a poignant new beginning for Pete, blending the memory of a cherished pet with the promise of providing a loving home to another dog in need.
