Whitney Way Thore’s romance with the Frenchman may have fizzled, but that doesn’t mean she’s giving up on love. The star of TLC’s My Big Fat Fabulous Life is still hoping to meet that special someone.

In this exclusive clip from the show’s July 16 episode, she’s introduced to a new potential love interest — and his somewhat unusual pet. But will lingering feelings for her long-distance ex-boyfriend keep her from moving forward with someone closer to home?

Whitney meets Kenny in the next episode of ‘My Big Fat Fabulous Life’

Kenny is a family friend whom Whitney is meeting for the first time. In an effort to break the ice with Whitney at the family gathering, he’s brought along a surprising companion: a squirrel.

“Oh my gosh,” says Whitney, who is sitting next to Kenny on the couch. “It’s like a hamster with a long tail.”

“My advice? Let her sniff you,” Kenny says as he prepares to hand the frightened squirrel over to Whitney. The squirrel makes a run for it before Whitney can get ahold of her, but the encounter gives her and Kenny a chance to touch hands.

“I don’t even treat her like I should,” Kenny confesses.

“You’ve admitted you don’t treat her like you should,” Whitney says flirtatiously, raising her eyebrows. “So no hope for a human woman?”

“No, no way,” Kenny replies with a laugh.

Whitney is intrigued by Kenny, but she can’t forget the Frenchman

In an interview, Whitney’s brother Hunter wonders if there could be a spark between Kenny and his sister.

“I mean, Kenny’s got a good in. You know, ‘Is that a squirrel in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?’ It’s pretty good, I think. It’s an A-game move.”

Her dad Glenn agrees.

“Kenny, I think this is the best pickup line you could have,” he says.

“Women love animals,” Whitney agrees.

While Kenny’s flirting technique might be a bit out-of-the-box, Whitney is intrigued.

“Some people might think it’s strange to bring one’s squirrel. But for me as a pet lover, it’s just extra points in my book.”

But despite her interest in Kenny, Whitney can’t put her elusive Frenchman out of her mind.

“I’d probably be showing more outward enthusiasm if I weren’t still so in love with the Frenchman,” she says. “But I am intrigued. I do want to get to know Kenny better. And one day, I would definitely like to hold his squirrel.”

​​My Big Fat Fabulous Life airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on TLC.