Post by DogGoneGood on May 31, 2009 15:37:30 GMT -5
Michael Vick’s dogs: Update
By Mary Fran McQuade, ARTICLE, LIFESTYLE
Part of the most sensational dogfighting scandal in recent years will wrap up this summer. That’s when Michael Vick, star NFL quarterback, will complete his 23-month sentence for his role in running a secret dogfighting ring.
but what about Vick’s dogs?
At the time of his conviction, 49 pit bulls were warehoused in shelters in the Washington, D.C., area. Technically, they were no more than evidence in the court case. Usually dogs like these are euthanized. Even several notable animal welfare/rights groups saw no future for them.
court grants dogs a reprieve
However, the widespread publicity and cries from outraged dog lovers made this case different. In an astounding decision, the court gave the Vick dogs another chance at living a safe, comfortable life.
Today, the former fighting dogs are being rehabilitated by experts at shelters and rescue organizations in several U.S. states. So far, 14 have found permanent homes, three are working as therapy dogs and one is involved in a program that builds kids’ reading skills.
strenuous efforts to save lives
The journey to their new lives hasn’t been an easy one. The dogs were in a heartbreaking state when they were seized from the grim, black-painted dogfighting compound by law enforcement officers. Most were scarred. Several froze in terror at the sight of humans. One female’s teeth had all been surgically removed to make it easier to breed her and produce more pups destined for the fight ring.
A team of animal experts led by the ASPCA, evaluated each dog individually to determine its rehabilitation needs. Next, a “Guardian/Special Master” was named by the court to work through the long process of assigning the dogs to their new caretakers.
The dogs and their behaviour were evaluated repeatedly over a period of several months to ensure a good fit. Instead of the vicious killers they expected to find, members of the evaluation team discovered many of the dogs were friendly towards humans and even other dogs, once they adjusted to their new conditions.
rescue groups handling rehabilitation
Of the original 49 dogs, 16 were sent to specialized shelters and rescue groups in four states, though sadly one was euthanized due to inoperable tumours. Another 10 dogs went to BAD RAP (Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pitbulls) in San Francisco. (BAD RAP was one of the groups that had contacted the court to plead for the dogs’ lives.) Finally, 22 were sent to Dogtown, a last-hope, no-kill sanctuary in Utah run by the Best Friends Animal Society.
Only one dog was euthanized due to extreme aggression.
learning to be dogs again
The pit bulls who survived the dogfighting horror are having to learn how to act like normal dogs, rather than abused and terrorized creatures. Some are learning to accept other animals around them; others have first had to understand that human touch doesn’t always lead to pain. Endless patience, vigorous play and exercise, and regular training sessions are healing their internal scars.
Viewers of the National Geographic channel have been able to see the amazing transformation first-hand in an episode of the Dogtown series. ‘Georgia,’ the toothless Dogtown pit bull, has become something of a media celebrity, making appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and staying in swanky Hollywood hotels.
good lives at last
Many of the animals still aren’t ready to take their place with a family, but the majority are making progress toward that goal. Those who must remain in care are sure to have a good life filled with affection and activity. Even better, the “Vicktory dogs,” as they’re known, are demonstrating that even the toughest pit bulls can change. Their experiences will provide solid evidence and techniques that other rescue organizations can learn from.
Finally, a happy ending for this group of sadly demonized dogs.
Mary Fran McQuade is a Toronto-based writer and dog lover. She shares her life with ‘Seti,’ a Border Collie mix.
Source: Dogs in Canada Magazine Online
