In a world where social media can turn a simple sentiment into a full-blown firestorm, reality TV star and self-proclaimed dog whisperer Pete Wicks is proving once again why he’s the ultimate underdog hero. Fresh off the emotional highs of his hit series Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake, which has viewers ugly-crying over rescue pups and cancer battles, Wicks dropped a truth bomb that’s got the internet in a frenzy: “I prefer dogs to most people. Dogs never let you down or gossip about you, give me a dog any day.” What followed? A predictable avalanche of criticism from keyboard warriors labeling him “anti-human” or “ridiculous,” with trolls flooding timelines, mocking his sprawling pack of French Bulldogs and rescue mixes, and dismissing his four-legged family as an “over-the-top obsession.”

But here’s the twist that has true fans howling in approval: Pete isn’t flinching. The TOWIE alum, Strictly Come Dancing sensation, and podcast powerhouse behind Staying Relevant is laser-focused on what matters—his dogs. With a brood that includes the one-eyed wonder Peggy (adopted after a heartbreaking abandonment), loyal Eric (snagged from Dogs Trust Basildon back in 2016), and the ever-energetic Ernest, Wicks’ home is less a house and more a haven for healing hearts. He’s not just collecting companions; he’s building a legacy of love, channeling personal pain—like his own brushes with loss and health scares—into advocacy. His new U&W show, which dives deep into the gritty, tear-jerking world of rehoming centers across the UK, from Basildon to Ballymena, showcases him weighing newborn pups, rehabilitating the broken, and yes, ugly-crying over a senior dog’s cancer diagnosis that hit “close to home.”

The backlash? Wicks is treating it like yesterday’s kibble—utterly ignorable. Sources close to the star reveal he’s blocking out the “rubbish posts” from the perpetually miserable, the attention-seekers, and the anonymous accounts spewing venom at his “pack of mutts.” Why? Because as he told K9 Magazine earlier this year, dogs are “central” to his life—they’re loyal, non-judgmental judges of character who don’t ghost you after a bad day or stir drama over a misinterpreted tweet. And the fans? They’re not just nodding along; they’re unleashing a counter-roar of support that’s gone mega-viral.

On X (formerly Twitter), the sentiment echoes like a pack on the hunt. Wildlife advocate Dominic Dyer blasted the critics as proof of Wicks’ point, quipping, “Ironically, the criticism only validates Pete’s view—dogs wouldn’t care if he said the opposite!” Police dog legend Fabulous Finn polled followers: “Pete faces criticism for preferring dogs to people. I agree. Do you?” Over 11,000 likes and 2,000 replies poured in, with users gushing, “Dogs are loyal, give unconditional love, never judge—100% with Pete!” Animal welfare page Protect All Wildlife amplified his words, racking up 5,600 likes and 1,200 reposts: “RT if you agree—dogs don’t gossip or take offense!” Even casual fans chimed in, one declaring, “Ignore the haters, Pete; keep doing the hard work with those lovely dogs!” Forums like Digital Spy are abuzz, with viewers calling him a “natural successor to Paul O’Grady,” praising his calm empathy and emotional authenticity in the show.

This isn’t Wicks’ first rodeo with scrutiny. From TOWIE heartbreaks to Strictly spotlight pressures, he’s weathered storms, but his furry fortress has always been his anchor. Adopting his first rescue at 19, he’s since poured passion into welfare, authoring For the Love of Frenchies and volunteering at shelters that save thousands annually. The irony? While detractors nitpick his “too many dogs” lifestyle—complete with custom playpens and vet bills that could fund a small yacht—Wicks’ pack embodies resilience. Peggy’s story alone, from ulcerated eye to one-eyed adventurer, mirrors his own journey from Essex lad to animal advocate icon.

As petitions swirl for a second series (fans are begging: “Binged it and LOVED it—commission more with Pete!”), the divide is clear: the chattering class complains, but the dog-loving masses celebrate. Wicks’ response? A subtle scroll-block and a belly rub for the crew. In an era of filtered facades, his raw honesty—preferring paws over pretense—resonates deeply. It’s a reminder that true connection doesn’t need likes; it needs leashes. Will the trolls tire out, or will Wicks’ wagging army win the day? One thing’s certain: in the battle of barks versus bites, Pete’s picking the pups every time. And honestly, who wouldn’t?