Michael Vick Dogs - Where Are They Now?
Rehabilitation is Working for the Former Fighting Dogs - Hope is Alive for Michel Vick
But what about the dogs? Part of the punishment meted out to Michael Vick required Vick to forfeit about a million dollars to pay for the rehabilitation of the more than 45 fighting dogs that were confiscated from his Surry, Virginia dog fighting headquarters. The story about these former fighting dogs is poignant, interesting and demonstrates that with proper training dogs such as these pit bulls, if given a chance, can actually be rehabilitated and lay claim once again to being man's best friend.
The dogs were sent to rehabilitation sites throughout the United States, with 22 dogs going to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in southern Utah. Here the dogs receive the love and care they should have received from birth. National Geographic has detailed the progress of these mistreated, sometimes sickly and frequently malnourished fighting dogs in their television series "DogTown". Their progress has been well documented and it appears that the vast majority are on their way to a successful rehabilitation. Some will be fully rehabilitated and placed in adoptive homes, others may spend the rest of their lives in the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.
All dog lovers can take heart in the fact that this is a success story. One would be hard pressed not to experience a moment of thankfulness that there are people willing to provide their knowledge, expertise and love of animals to undertake the rehabilitation of these former fighting dogs.
Michael Vick will likely continue to fight in the NFL arena. Perhaps the majority of these dogs will find loving owners. One can hope for the best outcome for all involved in this tragic occurrence and maybe, just maybe, dogfighting will be condemned and laws aggressively enforced throughout the country to extinguish this sadistic activity.
Here are some links to stories and videos about the Michael Vick fighting dogs.
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/dogtown#tab-Videos/05691_00
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/dogtown#tab-Videos/05058_00
http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/newsletter/dp-local_wvickdogs_1114nov14,0,5958395.story
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/07/06/ST2008070602429.html
Published by Clark Richards
Clark Richards is a retired soldier, business owner and teacher that has traveled extensively throughout Europe, South America, Asia and Australia. View profile
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9 Comments
Post a CommentThe dog fighting thing is a gruesome practice.
Forgot to sign in below...that was me.
I watched a few specials on the Michael Vick dogs on the National Geographic Channel and Animal Planet. There are some good people out there who are really making a difference in these dogs' lives, including other dogs in need of rehabilitation. As a dog owner, it breaks my heart to see people treat animals this way. Michael Vick deserved every ounce of the punishment he received, and while I don't think it will deter others in the future, it's still comforting to think we, as a society, will prosecute those who participate in this barbaric behavior.
Great write-up. I ditto Amanda.
The Vicktory Dogs Wine Collection features colorful portraits of 22 dogs confiscated from Vick's place. Excellent write-up Clark.
As a dog lover, I was horrified to hear of Michael Vicks horrible hobby. It is good to hear that the dogs have been given a chance for a better life. I've long contended that you don't usually see bad dogs.. just bad owners. Great Article Clark
Thanks for the update.
I am so happy for these poor dogs they need all they love and care they can get
Thanks for the update. Though this story brought much light to the horrible practice of dog fighting here in Virginia, there still exists absurd amounts of puppy farms with questionable breeders getting simply a slap on the wrist. We have a ways to go but one step at a time.