TV personality Pete Wicks is determined to help rehome a dog with a limited life expectancy, calling it “a genuine mission.” Wicks, known for his roles in The Only Way is Essex and Strictly Come Dancing, met Theo, a Neapolitan mastiff, during a visit to the Dogs Trust centre in Kenilworth, Warwickshire. The meeting was filmed for his series Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake.
Theo, who has been diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that significantly shortens his life expectancy, is only expected to live for another year. Wicks, who immediately formed a bond with Theo, returned to the centre last Thursday, stating his goal was to ensure the dog “lives out the rest of his life happy.”
Tristan Smith, Theo’s caregiver at the centre, revealed that the dog’s condition had been poorly managed before his arrival. “He’s now on medication but won’t have a normal lifespan,” Smith explained. Wicks added, “Nobody knows how long he’s got left.”
Describing Theo as a “gentle giant,” Wicks highlighted the dog’s playful and affectionate nature. “He’s goofy, clumsy, and has so much love to give,” he said. “He deserves to be part of a family and feel the love any dog should receive.”
Wicks, who has previously adopted two rescue dogs, emphasized the importance of giving animals who have had a rough start in life a second chance. “Every dog deserves to know not every human is bad, and that’s exactly what Theo deserves,” he said.