In the bustling world of reality TV and podcast stardom, Pete Wicks has always worn his heart on his sleeve—especially when it comes to four-legged friends. But on a recent episode of his hit UKTV series For Dog’s Sake, the former TOWIE heartthrob and Strictly Come Dancing semi-finalist faced a moment that stripped away his tough exterior, leaving him—and millions of viewers—utterly devastated. The news? Theo, the gentle Neapolitan Mastiff rescue dog whose wagging tail and soulful eyes had captured Pete’s affection during filming at Dogs Trust Kenilworth, has been diagnosed with a terminal heart condition. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and arrhythmia, stemming from severe malnutrition in his previous life as a stray, mean this “gentle giant” may have just months or a couple of years left to soak up the love he so richly deserves.

Pete’s voice cracked like thunder in a quiet storm as he clutched Theo close, his words tumbling out in a raw, unfiltered torrent: “I can’t lose him.” The 36-year-old, known for his cheeky grins and unapologetic vulnerability, broke down outside the shelter, tears streaming as he reflected on the dog’s unbreakable spirit. Theo, now a sturdy 52kg after gaining weight under the trust’s care, arrived emaciated and broken-hearted, his massive frame belying the goofiness within—a clumsy, slobbery “doughnut” with an ocean of loyalty. “He’s got so much soul, so much personality,” Pete choked out, his hands trembling as he petted the Mastiff’s wrinkled brow. “This dog should be in a home, surrounded by family, not facing this alone.”

The diagnosis hit Pete harder than most, stirring echoes of his own battles with health fears. Just two years prior, in 2023, he ignored a suspicious lump for three agonizing months, haunted by his uncle’s history of testicular cancer. The scare, which thankfully turned out benign after biopsies, left scars that For Dog’s Sake has helped him heal through advocacy. “Cancer—or any illness in humans or dogs—is close to home for me,” he admitted in the episode, his voice a whisper of shared pain. Yet, amid the grief, Pete’s resolve shines: he’s personally funding Theo’s medication to buy precious time, vowing to turn his platform into a lifeline. “Every dog deserves to know not every human is bad,” he declared, echoing his mission as a Dogs Trust ambassador. “Theo’s story needs to get out there—there’s a special person out there who can give him the fairytale ending.”

Filmed amid the charity’s Warwickshire center, the series—now greenlit for second and third seasons plus a Christmas special—spotlights the silent heroes of rescue work. Theo’s plight underscores a harsh reality: thousands of large breeds like Neapolitan Mastiffs face euthanasia risks due to their size and medical needs, with DCM affecting up to 1 in 10 predisposed dogs, per veterinary insights. Malnutrition exacerbates it, weakening heart muscles and sparking irregular rhythms that no amount of love can fully mend. Still, Theo’s on meds now, his playful romps a testament to resilience. Pete’s plea has ignited a firestorm online, with fans flooding socials: “Can’t cope with this—Theo deserves the world!” one wrote, while another pledged, “Adopting a rescue because of you, Pete.”

This isn’t just TV drama; it’s a call to action. Pete, a self-proclaimed “single dog dad” to his own rescues, is on a mission. He’s appealing directly to viewers: Contact Dogs Trust Kenilworth for Theo’s forever home—one with space, patience for house training, and endless cuddles. As the credits rolled, Pete wiped his eyes, determination flickering. “Nobody knows how long he’s got left,” he said softly. “But we’ll make every second count.” In a world quick to scroll past pain, Pete’s tears remind us: loyalty like Theo’s doesn’t come with an expiration date—it demands we fight for more tomorrows. Will you answer the call?