Regis still isn't able to walk yet, but the 13-year-old German shepherd mix is getting stronger every day. The dog has had a long recovery after being rescued from a fire last week.
"He was weak, almost in shock and disoriented," said Dr. Cesar Agustin, A-American Animal Hospital.
Dr. Agustin has been nursing Regis back to health since the fire, which tore through the Cicero home where Regis and his owner, 68-year-old John Petrik, lived.
Petrik had to be forced to leave the home because he didn't want to abandon his dog. As firefighters went in to rescue Regis, Petrik suffered a heart attack and died. Regis suffered burns, smoke inhalation and kidney damage, which is being treated with a form of dialysis. Agustin says there's also the shock of losing his owner.
"I'm sure right now, he's missing him a lot because he's been with him since he was a puppy," the doctor said.
Regis arrives at Waggin' Tails just in time for the shelter's anniversary party Saturday. There's already a lot of interest in adopting him, even though he's still not ready to go home with a new family.
"The response has been amazing, not just from Cicero residents ... but around the globe," said Dan Proft, Cicero town spokesperson.
With a growing waiting list of potential new owners, Agustin says Regis would be ideal for someone who has a lot of time to dote on a pet still recovering from serious injuries.
"It's a long-term, slow tedious process, but given time, love and affection, I'm sure he will respond to people," Augustin said.
