Petey is an ambassador of pit-bulls. A loving, goofy, packed-with-personality and expressive dog who had a rough start but continues to win hearts over everywhere. An 8 1/2 year old pitbull adopted from the city pound when he was three, Petey has charmed and amazed veterinarians, friends, and people on the street. Petey’s tail spins like a helicopter top, and he wiggles his entire body (which looks a little rounded and soft like a large piglet) when someone stops to say hello. He wears a little shoe, a left-over reminder to me of how dangerous it is to let your dog off leash. He runs with stiff legs and dragging his foot, his big head showing a wide smile, and his enthusiasm for balloons, water, and stolen toys from the dog run or even Petco are just a few of the highlights of his days as he happily parades around town. Petey loves to give the destitute extra love, by showering anyone sitting down on the sidewalk with wet kisses and happy wiggles. He also is known for lying down in the middle of a busy sidewalk or anywhere around people, turning over, and showing off his belly with four legs awkwardly dangling in the air and his jowls drooping goofily down, waiting with total trust for a belly rub. Sadly, Petey has a progressive heart disease called Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Everyone can tell Petey’s heart is terribly big, but no one knew it is too big to pump properly. 

Unfortunately, we lost Petey this week. He taught us so much about love and life. We will never forget him.