8.1. Can Fighting Dogs Become Pets?
At doc55the-investigation-and-trial-of-michael-vick-april-2007-_-aspca , it is stated,
“The Michael Vick investigation began in April 2007 with a search of Bad Newz Kennels, located on Vick’s Surry County, Virginia, property. The ASPCA assisted in the recovery and analysis of forensic evidence from Vick’s property, including carcasses and skeletal remains of numerous “Pit Bulls”. The evidence helped to convict the football star of operating a competitive dogfighting ring, a federal offense that resulted in a prison term for Vick and three co-defendants.
The ASPCA also led a team of certified applied animal behaviorists in behavior evaluations of the rescued dogs, making recommendations to the USDA and U.S. attorney’s office regarding the dispositions of the dogs.”
and
“Of the 49 Pit Bulls evaluated by the ASPCA-led team, only one was deemed behaviorally unfit for rehabilitation and recommended for euthanasia. A federal judge determined the final disposition of the 48 remaining dogs, who were then taken in by sanctuaries, rescues, foster homes and adopters throughout the country.”
Note that only 49 so-called “Pit Bulls” were found in Vick’s “competitive dog fighting ring”. Of the total so-called “Pit Bulls” in Surry County, Virginia at the time of the Vick arrest, how many more were used for “dogfighting”? I would suspect that it was a tiny minority which would probably be the same for all “Pit Bulls” in the world. So why are all so-called “Pit Bulls” being labeled as dog fighters?
At http://bestfriends.org/sanctuary/explore-sanctuary/dogtown/vicktory-dogs, part of the story of the Michael Vick dogs is told after they were rescued.
“The brave, beautiful dogs out of Bad Newz Kennel
Though bred to compete in the fighting ring, the dogs rescued from the property of professional football player Michael Vick went on to become champions of resiliency. Their astonishing courage proved that there’s no such thing as “too damaged” or “beyond hope.” And that no dog is inherently vicious, no matter her breed or background.
Uncertain future
At Vick’s Bad Newz Kennels, dogs endured cruelty that to most people is unimaginable. And sadly, when the dogs were finally discovered by authorities, they were in danger of being killed. Even some humane groups argued that these dogs were too traumatized and had been made too vicious to live.
Second chances where they matter most
Best Friends was among those who first advocated for these dogs. In the end, their lives were spared, and 22 of the most traumatized came here, to the Sanctuary, where the quest to heal them began. A new documentary film called “The Champions” follows several of the dogs in their journey and offers an uplifting glimpse into where they are now.
Hope, healing, and health
The journey wasn’t easy. Some of the dogs would flatten themselves like pancakes to avoid being noticed by people. Some expressed fear toward both humans and other dogs. But they all received the training, veterinary care, compassion and in-depth emotional support they needed. For caregivers at the Sanctuary, the priority was to ensure the dogs’ happiness and safety. But of course, there were questions. Could they be turned around? Could they lead normal lives? Could they ever be adopted into homes?
A resounding yes
The dogs that began life at Bad Newz kennels are now referred to as the Vicktory dogs, and with good reason. Many have earned their Canine Good Citizen certificate and are now adored family members in loving homes. Some went on to become service dogs or therapy dogs. Only two were ordered by the court to remain at Best Friends for life. Lucas, Vick’s grand champion, blossomed at Best Friends, but passed away in 2013. Meryl is healing and blossoming, enjoying comfort and companionship here among the red rock canyons.”
At http://stories.barkpost.com/vicktory-dogs/, it is stated,
“The pups we’ve featured below are a few of the “Vicktory Dogs,” the dogs who were rescued from Atlanta Falcon Michael Vick’s dog fighting ring back in 2007. When the dogs were discovered in Vick’s home, many people said even though the situation was horrible, these dogs should be put down because of their obvious violent natures and killer instincts.”
and
“Almost 8 years later, the Vicktory dogs have some incredible stories of perseverance and hope. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary took in 22 dogs and set out to prove that these dogs could be turned around– they could live normal lives in cozy homes. Below are snippets about 9 of those pups, snippets that show the flexible, fiercely-loving natures that live inside every dog.”
and
“Cherry went from 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. People watched him grow as one of the tough pups on the show “Dogtown” and now he’s a bit of a celebrity. Even though he was bred and taught to fight, today that’s the last thing he wants to do. He prefers constant snuggles with his family– including his canine sister and his cats.”
and
“One thing that surprised Georgia’s adopter, Amy, when she came to her new home was how quickly Georgia adapted to a loving family life. Georgia’s favorite thing to do was go on walks and she taught Amy powerful lessons on forgiveness, love, and learning to trust again. (Georgia passed away in 2013 but her legacy will always live on.)”
and
“Halle’s story continues to reiterate that no one should give up on a dog because of their past. Today Halle lives with two dog brothers and constantly plays with them. One of her brothers climbs on Halle, sits on her, bites her back legs to play–and she hasn’t gotten angry at him once. Whenever she sees another dog, her tail starts wagging and she does a happy dance. The first Vicktory dog to be adopted, Halle and her human started a dog enrichment program for shelter dogs called Halle’s Enrichment Club.”
and
“When Handsome Dan first came out of Michael Vick’s home, he was very skittish and fearful. As he’s grown older, Dan learned how to be more trusting. In 2010 his family welcomed a baby (human) sister to the family and Handsome Dan, like many pitties, was the pawfect nanny dog.
Today Handsome Dan has a dog rescue named after him and he has his own Facebook page with almost 600k likes. Handsome Dan also received the 2014 Barkie Award for the Best Dog on the Internet!”
and
“The five years Little Red spent in Michael Vick’s dog fighting ring, she 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. Little Red’s owner, Susan, never thought that Little Red needed to be rehabilitated, instead the pup needed time to recover. After being rescued from the dog fighting ring, Little Red lives a life full of treats and zooming around 6 acres of pasture.”
and
“The thing that Oliver’s adoptive parents were most surprised about after they brought him home was how willing the Pit pup allowed his new family to love him to pieces. Oliver had no fear in his new home or surroundings, despite the fact that his original evaluation stated that he was extremely fearful of people. Oliver would jump on his mom Erika’s lap and shower her with kisses.
Oliver passed away from cancer in 2009. He died in Erika’s arms.”
and
“When new people meet Squeaker they continuously say, “Wow I can’t believe a former fighting dog is so sweet.” Even though the beginning of her life included violent interactions with dogs, today Squeaker lives with her adoptive human family and their pack of 6 additional pups. Her adopter says that “Squeaker also stares at you like she is in love with you. Her eyes are filled with love and tell a story.”
and
“Richard Hunter, Mel’s adoptive pop, was a radio show host in Dallas back in 2007. Richard reported on the gruesome details of the Michael Vick dog fighting story and became emotionally invested in the well-being of the pups. When the opportunity came to adopt one of the Vicktory dogs, Richard jumped at the chance and drove to pick up a very scared Mel at the Best Friends sanctuary in Utah. Today Mel continues to recover and goes on car rides and sleeps on the pillow with his pop.”
and
“Oscar’s mom, Rachel, never set out to adopt a Vicktory dog. She just wanted a Pit Bull. But after Oscar came into her life, Rachel realized she didn’t just adopt a dog. She herself was adopted into the Vicktory dog family where everyone stays in close contact swapping stories, advice, and support to spread the word that unconditional love, forgiveness, and a bit of understanding goes a long, long way.”
and
“Curly still lives with his Best Friends family as the head dog over at the Dogtown Management office. Although he still struggles a bit when in unfamiliar territory, he is gaining confidence with the help of his best dog pal, fellow Vicktory dog Mya. In the summertime, Curly enjoys splashing about in the pool.”
and
“Sweet Layla passed her Canine Good Citizen test in February 2013, which is a huge deal for the fearful pup who had trouble relaxing due to her past. When she first arrived at Best Friends, Layla would shy away from people, but today she has her own Facebook page, where fans can follow along on her journey through recovery.”
The following is from a copy of an ASPCA webpage that I saved, but failed to save the URL.
“On July 8, 2009, the ASPCA participated in a multi-state dog fighting raid, the largest federal crackdown on dog fighting in U.S. history, resulting in the rescue of over 400 dogs, most of whom were Pit Bulls.”
and
“A team of pet behavior experts, including HSMO behavior staff, Dr. Lockwood and other ASPCA experts, has also evaluated each dog to determine suitability for possible placement with qualified rescue groups or experienced adopters. A complete veterinary and behavior report for each dog was submitted to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which is responsible for providing information to the courts for the final determination for each animal.”
and
“Meet the Survivors
Jakob
One-year-old Jakob now lives in California, where he has worked with Our Pack, Inc., Pit Bull Rescue to be trained as a therapy dog for hospital patients, residents of retirement homes and school children.
“The most important characteristic of a therapy dog is temperament, and as we know, Pit Bulls have loving, affectionate nature that often make them perfect for this kind of job,” said Marthina McClay, Founder of Our Pack, Inc.
Fae
Meet Fae, whose face was disfigured after losing her lips as the result of a dog fight. After working with St. Louis rescue group Mutts-n-Stuff, Fae is getting ready to start classes for the Canine Good Citizen tests. Fae has undergone reconstructive surgery and, with her inspiring story, she will make a wonderful ambassador for overcoming the cruelty of dog fighting.
“It’s amazing to watch her discover new things and receive love for the first time,” says Mutts-n-Stuff founder Gale Frey. “Fae is a sweet dog who loves nothing more than to be around people!”
UPDATE: In a tragic twist of fate, Fae passed away on December 30, 2009, after undergoing her third round of reconstructive surgery. The ASPCA convey our deepest condolences to Gale, the staff of Mutts-n-Stuff, and to everyone who was touched by Fae’s tragic, yet deeply moving, story.
Darmah
Darmah lost part of her left front leg as a result of being forced to fight. She is now working to become an ambassador to children who have experienced similar losses. Darmah is living in her new forever home in Chicago, where her new pet parent hopes to work with her at the Shriners Hospital for Children.”
At http://www.newsjs.com/url.php?p=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/jan/17/rescued-bait-dog-from-dogfighting-ring-blossoms-in/?page=all, it is stated,
“Most of Gordon’s teeth are filed down. Others are missing, probably yanked out with pliers so he couldn’t defend himself from the bites of other dogs.
His bark is gone, too. It’s more like a high-pitched squeal now after someone shoved a pole, stick or something else down his throat to damage his voice box so neighbors wouldn’t hear him yelp in pain.
Gordon, his trainer recently said, was a “bait dog” in an Akron dog-fighting ring.”
and
“Men running the dog-fighting ring stripped Gordon of his defenses and then let their fighting dogs attack him again and again to improve their ferocity, strength and endurance.
Many bait dogs like Gordon don’t survive. They’re killed during one of the training attacks or fed, cut and bleeding, to the fighting dogs as a treat.
But Gordon was rescued in 2014 when law enforcement busted up one of Akron’s dog-fighting rings.”
and
“After enduring a lifetime’s worth of hardship, Gordon finally found his happy ending.
He was adopted Jan. 9 after Charlene Knerr, a 20-year-old nurse’s aide from Sandusky, read about him on Cleveland Dog Rescue’s Facebook page.”
and
“Gordon didn’t waste any time making himself at home with the Knerrs.
Knerr said in just one day he befriended her 1-year-old daughter, Cataleya, playing with her on the floor and putting his paw around her when she puts her arm around him. He even found himself sleeping in Knerr’s bed the first night.
“He’s got a forever home here, that’s for sure,” she said.”
Note: as at March 10, 2017, the preceding link was broken. Apparently, the Washington Times deleted the referenced article from their archives.
However, the same story can be found at https://www.ohio.com/akron/lifestyle/gordon-a-bait-dog-rescued-from-an-akron-dog-fighting-ring-slowly-blossoms-into-a-pet and there are countless similar accounts of so-called “killer Pit Bulls”. One only needs to look and learn.
The studies cited in Semyonova’s article contradict the most significant “facts” claimed by the Semyonova in her article, and consequently, in my opinion, it appears that Semyonova has an agenda and is trying to “support” that agenda with “science” that is for the most part not applicable and/or inflammatory, biased, baseless conjecture, “half-truths”, falsehoods, misapplication of facts, etc. in the belief that no one will verify her statements and/or check her “sources”. However, this is not unusual for detractors since, based on my research, the scientific evidence or studies to support their positions doesn’t exist, and thus, they resort to hyperbole.
Nevertheless, the consumer is welcomed to form their own opinions.
