On January 9, 2019, my life was forever changed. That was the day I was rescued. When I was at the animal shelter, they called me Petey. When the loving humans, whom I now call mom and dad, rescued and rushed me to the emergency room, they accidentally recorded my name as PT. Our purpose was made clear. My mission is to change the lives of other rescue dogs like me, to empower the next generation of pet owners through humane education, and to inspire others facing physical adversities of their own.

Now, I am living the good life as a tripawd therapy dog with my forever family in Fort Myers, FL. I go to work every day with my parents, Joe and Angie McGilvrey, who are both PT’s and own Apex Physical Therapy. I am the clinic mascot, spreading joy, making people smile, and inspiring those in pain or recovering from challenges of their own. Me and my parents also want to impact our community outside of the clinic. On our days off, we teach kids about kindness, the importance of adopting rescue dogs like me still waiting to find their forever homes, and the power of positivity through my Never Give Up Workshops.

PT the dog and his family have established their own 501c3 non-profit called Bella’s Heart of SWFL.

Bella was the first rescue dog that Joe and Angie adopted. Bella was a victim of abuse and neglect and nearly lost her front leg while being chained in a yard. Bella was Angie’s “heart” as she commonly called her. She was a white American bulldog mix with a black patch over one eye, just like PT the dog. IN late 2018, Bella crossed the rainbow bridge after her heroic battle with cancer. About 3 months later, Angie saw Petey’s plea for help from the animal shelter on Instagram and her and Joe knew immediately that Bella was sending them an angel, later to be called PT the dog.

Through Bella’s Heart, Joe, Angie and PT hope to change the lives of more rescue dogs by providing funds for the care of shelter dogs requiring medical attention and foster expenses to assist along their journey to a forever home like PT.

This picture book, based on a true story, shares the uplifting tale of PT the rescue dog. PT faces many challenges in life, but never gives up! With the powers of positivity and determination, he overcomes a neglectful family, life as a shelter dog and even the loss of his leg! Find out how the incredible three-legged rescue regains his ability to run free, all while educating and inspiring children in schools and community centers along the way.

All proceeds from the sale of PT Runs Free will go directly to , Bella’s Heart of SWFL. PT and his family believe that if they can change the life of even one more rescue dog like PT, through their education- based efforts, then they have succeeded.

The workshop is a 30 to 45 minute visit with PT the Dog and his parents. During the visit, Joe and Angie will read PT ‘s book and pass out some copies for the kids to follow along. Afterwards, PT likes to go around to the kids and pass out high fives and spread his message to Never Give Up! The workshop is a perfect event for schools, summer camps, YMCA’s or church groups. If you are interested in having PT come visit, please click here.