Pooches rebound with love
In 2007, then-Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was indicted on charges relating to an illegal dogfighting ring.
The pit bulls involved in the fighting faced abuse and death by strangulation, electrocution and drowning. The Humane Society of the United States, as well as other organizations, felt that the animals were damaged beyond rehabilitation.
However, the Best Friends Animal Sancturary disagreed.
The sanctuary took in 22 dogs from Vick’s group and proved that the dogs’ lives could be turned around.
Barkpost, a website devoted to dog news (thebarkpost.com),recently took a look at nine of the 22 dogs.
Cherry, described as “a dog who slept with one eye open to a cuddly pup who goes to events and gets the word out that abused animals aren’t inherently evil.” He was featured on the National Geographic television show DogTown. A Facebook page, called “Vicktory 4 Cherry,” has more than 9,400 likes.
Georgia adopted to family life quickly, according to Amy, who adopted her. She died in 2013.
Halle lives with two other dogs. “Whenever she sees another dog, her tail starts wagging and she does a happy dance,” Barkpost wrote.
Handsome Dan was very skittish and fearful when he first came out of Vick’s home. In 2010, Dan’s human family welcomed a baby girl and he became the “pawfect nanny dog.” Handsome Dan has a dog rescue named after him.
Little Red spent five years in Vick’s dogfighting ring and was used as a bait dog. “Bait” animals are animals used to test a dog’s fighting skills. Dogs like Little Red are often mauled or killed in the process, Barkpost wrote.
Little Red’s owner, Susan, said that he lives a life full of treats and zooming around six acres of pasture.
Oliver died from cancer in 2009.
Squeaker lives with six other dogs.
Mel was adopted by radio host Richard Hunter. Hunter reported the Vick story on the radio and became emotionally invested in the well-being of the dogs. He drove to Utah from Dallas to pick up Mel, who continues to recover and goes on car rides with Hunter.
Oscar’s dogmom, Rachel, wanted a pit bull. But she adopted a Vicktory dog in Oscar.
Meanwhile, Vick, who served 21 months in prison followed by two months in home confinement, signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009 after missing the 2007 and 2008 seasons.
Vick was released by the Eagles in February and signed with the New York Jets last month. He will compete with Geno Smith for the starting quarterback position.
Currently, there is a petition trying to ban Vick from the campus of SUNY Cortland, where the Jets hold their training camp.
More than 12,500 supporters have signed the petition.
Really?
Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy was asked by a TMZ.com reporter at Los Angeles International Airport who were the best NFL free agents remaining.
Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow’s name was thrown out as a possible name.
McCoy wasn’t having it, though.
“Tim Tebow?” McCoy said. “My son’s 2. I’ll take my son over Tim Tebow.”
McCoy eventually went with former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson. Johnson was released by the Titans earlier this month.
They said it
From the satirical sports website sportspickle.com:
“St. Louis Blues to hold playoff switch-flipping ceremony Wednesday at noon”
“Joe Mauer kind of hurt that pitchers only throw to him on pickoff attempts now”
Quote of the day “I don’t know of a track that’s in a better position than we are right now in America.” Oaklawn Park General Manager Eric Jackson on his facility’s success after the 2014 horse racing season
Sports, Pages 20 on 04/15/2014