Michael Vick Wants a Dog for a Pet. Isn't That...Ironic?

Michael Vick has had a stellar year in the NFL while helping to lead Philadelphia Eagles to have a winning record the 2010 season. He had been well received by some NFL fans, despite his recent absence from the sport for the past couple of years - because he was in jail.

Michael Vick served 21 months in a federal prison and two months of home confinement after being convicted of dog fighting and animal abuse in 2007. At his home, he had more than 60 dogs that were being bred, trained, and used for dog fighting purposes. The last stipulation of his release from prison is that he is to never own a dog ever again.

The dogs were beaten, strangled, electrocuted, hung, killed and who knows what other forms of torture remain a secret that only Michael Vick carries with his soul. He drowned dogs by forcing their heads into buckets of water. He hung dogs to death by hanging them from a nylon cord between two trees.

After being released from prison, the NFL welcomed Michael Vick to play for the Eagles in 2009, after sitting out a two game suspension. There were over 20 teams who were not interested in signing Vick, initially the Eagles being one of them. For many football fans and the American population in general, it is a huge disappointment that higher standards in behavior off the football field don't have a higher impact in a team deciding to hire a player.

Michael Vick has said that his time in prison has made him "a better player and person." And now he wants to be able to own a dog. What is striking is the priority of Michael Vick's words - being a better football player before becoming a better person.

Michael Vick should receive a smidgen of credit. After contacting the Humane Society of the United States, he became a mentor that speaks to young people on their behalf about the wrongs of dog fighting. He is not required to do this as a part of his sentence from the court. Vick has admitted that no one told him dog fighting was wrong during his upbringing, or that it is wrong to abuse animals. To watch his interview where he reveals he wants to own a dog, click here. A huge tinge of doubt says that this could all be a publicity stunt.

What is concerning is that Michael Vick has not had any long term counseling. He has not had any long term training on how to properly care for, train, or respect animals. He has not volunteered his time at a rescue shelter or animal rehabilitation center. He has not been in an environment which teaches and encourages respect for animals while handling them. He has had no time being in the presence of animals while under supervision.

Michael Vick did complete a one day course through PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). The course he completed was "Developing Empathy For Animals." Vick took this action before his trial.

Besides a large number of animal rights groups, there are others who do not feel Michael Vick should own a dog, and should have had a heavier sentence. Tucker Carlson, a conservative media personality, stated in December 2010 that Michael Vick should have been executed for his cruel treatment of dogs.

On the other hand, President Obama thanked the coach of the Philadelphia Eagles for giving Michael Vick a second chance in the NFL.

Until he has training, counseling, and supervision in caring for and respeciting animals, perhaps Michael Vick should let the thought of animal ownership float away with each football he throws.

Sources:

http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2010/12/15/michael-vick-wants-dog-help-rehabilitation/

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/giants/eagles_vick_says_dog_as_pet_would_m6HIYZtciL1dgrrdoSh7UK

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Tucker+Carlson+Michael+Vick+should+have+been+executed+role+fighting+ring/4041698/story.html

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/2009/08/13/2009-08-13_vick_lands_in_eagles_nest.html

http://articles.latimes.com/2010/dec/29/nation/la-na-obama-vick-20101229

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,299166,00.html