Port-A-Pet back in business after anonymous donor steps in following crash

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - An anonymous donor has provided a replacement vehicle to Trevon Petty, owner of Port-A-Pet, a local pet transportation company that lost its only vehicle in a crash on July 9.

The donation came one day after the story of Petty’s situation was first reported. Petty said the vehicle was central to both his business and his family’s daily life.

“It was not only my work vehicle, but it was my only vehicle,” Petty said. “That was the way I could get my kids to and from school, get to these appointments.”

Community response

Petty spoke by phone to express his gratitude to those who supported him following the report.

“To my community from the bottom of my heart — thank you,” Petty said. “The love, prayers, donations, kind words and support shown through my GoFundMe have been overwhelming in the best way. This has been one of the hardest seasons of my life — but you reminded me that I am walking through it not alone.”

Loss of nephew preceded crash

The donation comes during a difficult period for Petty and his family. Less than two weeks before the crash, his nephew, Tyler Smith, died in a shooting that remains under investigation by Lexington Police.

Petty said his work moving forward is inspired by Tyler’s memory.

“He said to me, ‘You know, Uncle, a lot of people can say these things and do these things, but it takes a real man to implement and show these things,’” Petty said. “I was able to do just that for him. Everything I do from this moment forward will be in honor of my nephew.”

Port-A-Pet has resumed operations with the replacement vehicle.