HGTV star Ty Pennington asks for 'prayers and healing' after beloved pet dog suffers emergency

Ty Pennington has asked fans to send ‘healing thoughts and prayers’ on his 61st birthday after an emergency trip to the vet.

The HGTV star, who is best known for appearing on Trading Spaces, revealed that his celebrations came to a dramatic halt after his beloved pooch Dory suffered back problems and had to be rushed to surgery.

Taking to Instagram to share news of his stressful predicament, Ty shared two photos of him with Dory perched on his lap.

Captioning the upload, he said: ‘Welp, I made it to 61 today… and it wasn’t quite the birthday weekend we had planned.

‘Spent several hours at the emergency vet yesterday. Instead of birthday wishes I’m gonna be selfish for a moment and ask that you send Dory some healing thoughts and prayers.

‘This little girl is dealing with a bad back and we’re really hoping she doesn’t need a second surgery. I love her more than anything, she’s my #souldog as they say.’

Ty was flooded with well wishes directed at his dog, Dory, as well as birthday messages.

Fellow HGTV star Jenny Marrs commented: ‘Happy birthday, Ty! Praying for your sweet Dory!’

Ty Pennington rushed his beloved pet dog Dory to the vet on his 61st birthday

The HGTV star took to Instagram to ask fans for prayers amid Dory’s recovery

Southern Charm’s Chelsea Meissner added: ‘Sending prayers of healing to your baby… Trust me, I know the unbearable pain of feeling helpless. You got this, Dory! Also sending a birthday hug your way.’

TLC’s Trading Spaces star Vern Yip said: ‘It says so much about you that your priority is Dory.

‘I’m so sorry she’s not feeling her best and our whole family is sending positivity her way for a quick recovery.

‘Still, wishing you a very Happy Birthday and more love (especially from Dory ) than you can possibly handle!

‘One more year is something, so I wish you a happy belated birthday! Our fur babies are everything and it’s obvious that Dory is the canine apple of your eye. Right now I’m sending love and healing vibes.’

Best known for his roles on home renovation series, Ty started his TV career on Trading Spaces in 2000, where he became a fan favorite, before becoming the face of long-standing show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in 2003.

During his time on the program, he would rally volunteers to dramatically overhaul the homes of ‘deserving’ families, shouting the now-famous line: ‘Move that bus!’ to reveal the extravagant transformation.

The popular series ran from 2004 until 2012 before being rebooted with a new host and team, which premiered on January 2 with Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin as hosts.

Ty started his TV career on Trading Spaces in 2000 before becoming the face of long-standing show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in 2003

In 2021, Ty went on to front his very own TV series, Ty Breaker and another renovation series, Rock the Block.

Two years ago, in 2023, he suffered a nasty health scare when he was rushed to ER in Denver after having trouble breathing due to an abscess.

The scare occurred just after he attended the Barbie premiere, with the design wiz sharing photos to Instagram from his hospital bed.

Eight months later in March 2024, Ty provided an update on his recovery.

‘I’m great,’ he told ET, before showing off his signature wit. ‘You know what’s great is if you almost die, you get so much attention. It feels so nice to be that loved.’