When life presents challenges, a little love and support can help us overcome them. For Eric O’Grey, this support arrived in the form of a rescue dog named Peety. Their touching tale of mutual salvation illustrates the power of love and the deep bond that can form between humans and animals. Together, Eric and Peety embarked on a journey that transformed their lives, showing that the right companion can provide the strength and motivation needed to face life’s obstacles and find happiness.

Eric faced significant health challenges. At 51, he weighed 340 pounds and had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. His doctor sternly advised that drastic changes were necessary if he wanted to have a future. Overwhelmed and feeling isolated, Eric turned to a nutritionist for guidance. The nutritionist recommended adopting a rescue dog to encourage a more active lifestyle and aid in weight loss.

This led Eric to Peety, an overweight, middle-aged dog who had been abandoned. From the moment they met, there was an undeniable bond. Eric felt that fate had brought them together. Determined to improve their health, Eric and Peety began taking daily walks, progressively increasing their distance and speed. Eric also adopted a plant-based diet, leading both him and Peety to lose their extra pounds.

In just one year, Eric’s weight dropped by an astounding 140 pounds, while Peety shed 25 pounds. However, their transformation wasn’t solely physical. Eric’s confidence soared, bringing a new zest for life. He made new friends and even discovered love. Meanwhile, Peety thrived, becoming a cheerful and affectionate companion who spread joy to everyone around him.

Sadly, in 2015, Peety succumbed to cancer. Despite this heartbreaking loss, Peety’s legacy lives on through Eric’s unwavering dedication to health and wellness. Motivated by the profound impact of their journey, Eric became a certified running coach, guiding others toward their fitness aspirations. He also passionately promotes animal rescue and adoption, sharing his and Peety’s story to inspire others to welcome animals in need into their lives.

In 2016, their remarkable journey was immortalized in a short film titled “Eric & Peety,” part of the Mutual Rescue initiative. The film beautifully captures the extraordinary bond between Eric and Peety and showcases the transformative power of love and companionship. It stands as a poignant reminder that sometimes, the best remedy comes from the unconditional love of a furry friend.

So, if you’re feeling down or struggling with your own health journey, consider adopting a rescue pet. Not only will you be saving a life, but you might just find the support and motivation you need to turn your life around. After all, as Eric and Peety’s story shows, the love between a human and their pet can truly be a mutual rescue.

Please ‘SHARE’ to pass on this story to a friend or family member