When faced with a devastating diagnosis, most people focus on their own survival.
But for Eric O’Grey, a man whose doctor gave him a grim prognosis, the first thing he did was think of someone else.
He didn’t go looking for an easy solution; he went to a shelter and asked for the one dog no one wanted: an “obese,” middle-aged rescue dog.
This is the extraordinary story of Eric and his dog, Peety, whose mutual love and devotion didn’t just transform their lives, it saved them.
At 51, Eric’s life was spiraling out of control.
Weighing 340 pounds and battling serious conditions like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, his doctor delivered a stark warning: without radical change, he had only about five years left to live.
Desperate for a solution, Eric sought advice from a nutritionist who gave him a surprisingly simple prescription: adopt a dog.
A canine companion, she explained, would force him into a routine, encourage exercise, and help him rediscover joy.
That simple piece of advice led Eric to a shelter where he met Peety. Peety was a middle-aged, overweight dog who had been abandoned by his previous family.
Eric felt an instant, undeniable connection. They were mirrors of each other: both carrying extra weight, both overlooked, and both desperately in need of a second chance.
They decided to save each other.
Their journey began with small, tentative steps. Together, they started with short daily walks, gradually increasing the distance and pace as their strength grew.
Eric also made a crucial lifestyle change, adopting a plant-based diet. Peety, guided by Eric’s devotion, enjoyed healthier meals and regular exercise.
Slowly, miraculously, the pounds began to melt away from both of them. Over the course of a year, Eric shed an incredible 140 pounds, while Peety lost 25 pounds.
The transformation went far beyond the physical. Eric gained a newfound confidence and a sense of purpose he hadn’t felt in years.
He built a community, found new friends, and even found love. Peety, once sad and abandoned, became a joyful, affectionate dog who radiated warmth.
He had a reason to wag his tail again.
In 2015, tragedy struck when Peety passed away from cancer.
Though Eric was heartbroken, he refused to let his dog’s legacy fade.
Peety’s unconditional love had not only given Eric a healthier body but a completely transformed outlook on life.
Inspired by their shared journey, Eric became a certified running coach, dedicating his life to guiding others toward wellness.
He also became a passionate advocate for animal adoption, sharing their story to show that adopting a pet can save two lives—the animal’s and the human’s.
Eric and Peety’s powerful bond gained international attention in 2016 through the short film Eric & Peety.
Their story proves that sometimes the greatest medicine isn’t found in a prescription but in the unconditional, healing love of a dog.
