Reality TV star and animal lover Pete Wicks has left fans in tears with a raw and emotional declaration about his enduring heartbreak over a beloved dog he accidentally lost three years ago. The former TOWIE personality and Strictly Come Dancing contestant, known for his deep passion for dogs, revealed he would “pay every single penny” to track down and bring home the pet that vanished under tragic circumstances.

Wicks, now 37, has long been open about how dogs are the center of his world. His devotion stems from childhood, when he fell in love with the family’s rescue dog, and has only grown stronger through the years. He has rescued several French Bulldogs, including his current companion Eric, a senior dog adopted from Dogs Trust, and the late Peggy, a one-eyed rescue who captured hearts before her passing in late 2025 after a prolonged illness. Wicks’ grief over Peggy was profound, shared quietly on his podcast, highlighting the void left by losing a four-legged family member.

This latest revelation taps into an even older wound – a dog from three years prior that slipped away inadvertently. Though details remain private, sources close to the star describe it as an accidental escape during a moment of distraction, turning an ordinary day into a nightmare of searches, posters, and endless worry. For Wicks, who has channeled his love for animals into advocacy work, including hosting the hit series Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake – which spotlights rescue efforts and rehoming stories – the loss represents unfinished business. The show, renewed for multiple series, has seen him immerse himself in the emotional highs and lows of dog welfare, often breaking down over cases that mirror his own pain.

Animal experts note that lost dogs can survive for years, adapting to new environments or being taken in by kind strangers, fueling hope in cases like this. Wicks’ willingness to exhaust his resources underscores a common truth among pet owners: the bond with a dog transcends time. His public vow has sparked an outpouring of support from fans, many sharing their own stories of lost pets and reunions years later.

Wicks’ journey with dogs also includes earlier heartaches, such as the sudden loss of his French Bulldog Ernest in 2016 to a heart condition. These experiences have made him a vocal advocate for adoption over buying, and against practices like the dog meat trade, where he once joined rescue missions abroad. Today, with Eric by his side keeping him company through a “heavy year,” Wicks continues to prove that for true dog lovers, the search never ends.

This poignant moment reminds us of the unbreakable loyalty dogs offer – and the devastating guilt and longing when they’re gone. Fans are rallying, hoping Wicks’ story ends in a joyful reunion, proving that love, persistence, and a little hope can sometimes bring a lost friend home.