I know we have intended this blog to be lots of fun, but I read a follow-up report today about Michael Vick, the top football player who invested in Bad Newz Kennels for the purposes of dogfighting. It’s not a fun subject but one that is important for people who love dogs and people.
Michael Vick is presently paying back his debt to society in connection with his illegal dogfighting ring by presently serving 23 months in the federal prison in Leavenworth, Kansas. The NY Times reported, under the category of Pro Football, that Vic is paying $928,073 (and one wonders what that extra $73 provides – why not round it up to an even million?) for the care and evaluation of the dogs which have been sent to 8 rescue organizations for adoption, rehabilitation or lifetime care in sanctuaries. They report that only one of the Vick dogs was so aggressive that it was euthanized for aggression against people. Surprisingly, the rest are making good progress and many of them are expected to be placed in homes. Their stories are pathetic and their scars everlasting.
It’s worthwhile to pay the article a visit – it includes some exceptional photography of some of these dogs and the injuries they sustained, yet they are learning to trust humans.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/02/sports/football/02vickdogs.html?scp=1&sq=dog&st=nyt
Just reading about what happened to these dogs is painful. How can any human look at a dog and then look forward to watching it tear flesh or be torn? We all know that a person capable of cruelty to animals is capable of cruelty to humans. These acts have dehumanized Vick (and one wonders what happens in a home that can create "a Vick") and, sadly, we know there are many like him who believe that dog fighting should come out of the back alleys into our front yards. Colliseum events. In other words, if enough barbarians throw their dogs into the rings, it may not take long for this to become socially acceptable. Think of greyhound racing which is legal in many states. The owners of those greyhounds make money off the dogs and then dump off the losers or the older champs into shelters for other people to clean up after them (and I suppose that those are the luckiest of dogs). We can’t let this happen with dogfighting which must remain illegal and enforced to the fullest extent of the law.
In any event, prison is not likely to bring out the very best in anyone – it’s not like you can find a good mentor there. So, what about Vick? I remember a documentary about a jail in which each of the inmates were assigned a dog and were responsible for taking care of the dogs and training them under the supervision of a dog trainer. Some of the dogs needed rehabilitation -- all of the humans did. This had a very positive affect on both the inmates and the dogs. Perhaps that is what Vick needs. Perhaps he needs to learn how to love and care for a dog. And, in doing so, transform himself into a human. A dog can teach a man.
Hug your dog today. I gave Jake some extra belly rubs and back scratches because it's such a privilege to take care of the little guy. It’s a tough world out there and he helps me stay in touch with what is important and good.
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