Rescued Dog Improving, But May Be Turned Over to Animal Control

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Nov 14, 2008 5:15PM

Regis, a 13-year-old mixed breed dog, is recovering from a fire that claimed the life of his owner. John Petrik, 68, died from a heart attack and smoke inhalation as a result of the fire after rescuers had to forcibly remove him from his home; Petrik refused to leave without his dog. Firefighters managed to rescue the 55-pound dog, who suffered burns to his tail and smoke inhalation. The Oak Park vet treating Regis said, "He's much better, but he's not 100 percent yet." As for Petrik, his brother Joe described his brother's dedication to the dog.

Petrik's brother, Joe, described him as a private man who never married. About 12 years ago, John Petrik rescued Regis at a Cicero intersection after watching the dog get thrown out of the car in front of him at a stop sign. He had cared for the dog ever since, rarely leaving the house because he didn't want to leave the dog alone, Joe Petrik said.

What worries us is that according to the Trib, once Regis recovers he'll be turned over to Cicero Animal Control. Our calls to the Cicero shelter haven't been returned, but we're hoping they'll offer us information on how someone can help Regis, including giving him a new home.