An elderly dog that won the hearts of hundreds after his owner tried to save him from their burning Cicero home died on Thanksgiving Day.

Cicero town spokesman Dan Proft said Friday that Regis, a 13-year-old German shepherd-mix, died about 1 a.m. Thursday at Waggin’ Tails animal shelter in Cicero.

“We don’t know precisely” what caused Regis’ death, Proft said.

Dr. Cesar Agustin, the veterinarian at A-American Veterinary Clinic in Oak Park where Regis first was taken for treatment after the Nov. 12 fire, thought Regis may have died as a result of kidney failure, Proft said. He had suffered burns and smoke inhalation during the fire.

Regis’ owner, John Petrik, 68, died Nov. 12 after firefighters were called to his home about 1:20 a.m. in the 1600 block of south Lombard Avenue for the blaze. Petrik died shortly after of a heart attack and from inhaling smoke and soot during the house fire, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office said at the time. His death was ruled accidental. He had to be removed from his home because he didn't want to leave without first rescuing his dog.

About 15 days later, he was joined by Regis.

“I think that might have been part of why he died. He didn’t want to hold on anymore,” said Melissa Brannam, a friend and neighbor of Petrik’s.

Cicero residents, and those throughout Chicagoland, loosed a torrent of support and requests to adopt the black and brown dog with the doleful expression and haunting, sad eyes. Proft said they received more than 500 well-wishes, questions and requests to adopt Regis since the fire.

The fire appeared to have been sparked by a short in a space heater in a hallway.
Proft said Regis was transferred Nov. 21 to Waggin’ Tails from Agustin’s care at the veterinary clinic.

He said they plan to cremate Regis. Petrik’s wake is scheduled for next week at Hallowell & James funeral home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Regis’ ashes will be buried with Petrik inside of Petrik’s casket, Proft said. 

Brannam said she last visited Regis, whom she said Petrik nicknamed Reggie, about a week ago. She said he was sick at the time, and had vomited.

Her boyfriend, Jim Hartigan, said he often ran errands for Petrik, and had painted his front room.

“The dog and him were so close,” Hartigan said. “John would go into another room, and Reggie would go and follow him.”