In 2010, Sales Manager Eric O’Grey’s health was in serious danger. He was just 51, but years of carrying nearly 200 extra pounds of weight had taken its toll. O’Grey had Type II Diabetes, high cholesterol, unregulated blood pressure, and was taking 15 different medications each day. He sought the advice of a naturopathic doctor and was shocked by her unconventional prescription. She told him to get a dog.
“She knew my underlying problem wasn’t medical, it was being reclusive,” O’Grey told PEOPLE.
He contacted the Humane Society of Silicon Valley and jokingly asked if there was a “middle-aged, overweight dog” like himself available. It turns out there was! The adoption counselor recommended Peety, a 7-year-old, 75-pound Border Collie-Australian Shepherd mix.
How a prescription for a dog helped one man lose nearly 200 lbs. More from Eric O’Grey’s new book #WalkingWithPeety on People – https://goo.gl/Wxa8yn.
Posted by Grand Central Publishing on Wednesday, October 18, 2017
The now 58-year-old co-author of the book, Walking With Peetey laughed as he described the mutual disappointment between himself and the dog at their first meeting. Despite their reservations about one another, O’Grey and Peety embarked on their weight loss journey together.
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Posted by Library Book on Sunday, October 15, 2017
They started out slowly with short walks, and built up to longer strolls. With the help of a whole-food, plant-based diet, O’Grey went from 340 pounds to 180 pounds and Peety dropped an impressive 25 pounds in just one year!
As the weight melted away, O’Grey’s confidence grew, and with Peety as his wingman, he became more social.
“I called him my weapon of mass seduction,” he joked. “You can approach someone with a dog and start a conversation.”
Peety and I found health, happiness, and hope together — one step at a time. Read all about our journey in #WalkingWithPeety (coming 10/10!). https://goo.gl/zzyokc
Posted by Eric O’Grey on Friday, September 29, 2017
O’Grey has since reunited with – and married – his former high school sweetheart.
In his interview with Megyn Kelly, he described his awkward first meeting with Peety and their subsequent bond. He also discussed his belief that pet adoption saves lives – both the animal’s and the human’s.
After five wonderful years together, Peety passed away in 2015. O’Grey has since rescued a new shelter pup named Jake and taken up marathon running.
But he has not forgetten the dog who inspired it all. Walking With Peety is his tribute to a cherished friend and the only “prescription” that actually worked.
“He cured me.” O’Grey said.
H/T to PEOPLE.com
Featured Images via Facebook/Eric O’Grey
via Whisker Therapy