Pet of the Week: Petey, a shy terrier sweetie who lost his owner to COVID-19

Meet Petey, a timid terrier still learning how to run, play and enjoy doggie life after losing his owner to COVID-19.

Here’s what Petey’s friends at Worthy Dog Rescue had to say about him:

Meet Petey! This adorable little scruffy with the pretty blue eyes recently lost his owner to COVID-19. A family member took him in, along with five other pups, and none of the dogs were spayed or neutered or had any vet care. Unable to accommodate all six dogs at once, the family built an outdoor pen to keep the dogs until they could find a solution. They reached out to rescue, and Worthy Dog took in Petey and three other dogs. The family kept the older two dogs, and they are now living indoors.

Even though Petey came from a home, the dogs lived reclusively and didn’t have much exposure to the outside world. They came into rescue filthy with goopy eyes, ear infections and a few had a cough, but after proper vet care and a few weeks to recuperate, they are all doing well. Petey is still timid outside the home and is startled by sudden noises and movement. He has a moderate energy level and loves the companionship of other dogs. We think Petey would do best with another social, confident pup in the home and needs to live in more quiet community. He’s not the best fit for city or condo life.

We checked in with Petey’s foster mom for an update:

‘Petey is such a good little guy. He’s mostly housebroken and crate-trained. He knows to go potty outside, but doesn’t bark to let you know. If you watch him, you can tell when he needs to go. He has become more attached to mom because she is home all day with him. He is still timid and shakes from fear when we have company. He has been playful with mom, but prefers a leather coaster over most toys. He is not a snuggle bug yet, but when he wants loving and belly rubs he comes for them. He’s timid when he’s outside and reacts to noises and movements. I believe he needs another confident dog to show him how to be a dog. When I make him go outside he does pretty well on leash. I mostly walk him in the backyard where he can’t see anything but the woods. When something scares him, he runs back to the door to get in. He is already improving and just needs time. I have yet to hear him bark or make any kind of noise for that matter.’

Email [email protected] for more info on Petey.

Could your alpha dog be the one to show Petey the ropes?