Happy Valentine's Day

to the 47 dogs that survived

All the dogs pictured here were once were part

of Michael Vick's illegal dogfighting operation in Virginia.

What's happened to them since -- between the work of the courts,

the outpouring of public support, the efforts of the eight rescue groups

that took them in and the nurturing foster parents helping to rehabilitate them --

may be the greatest love story of the year.

If you'd like to send a Valentine's Day greeting to them, they can be reached through the following organizations:

Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road
Kanab, UT 84741-5000

Recycled Love, P.O. Box 6476, Baltimore, MD 21230

Animal Rescue of Tidewater, PO Box 11535, Norfolk, VA 23517

Our Pack, 708 Blossom Hill Road, #128
Los Gatos, CA 95032

SPCA of Monterey County, 1002 Salinas Highway, Monterey. CA 93940

BAD RAP (Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pitbulls), PO Box 320776, San Francisco, CA 94132

Richmond Animal League, 11401 International Drive, Richmond, VA 23236

Georgia SPCA, 1175 Highway 23, Suite 109, Suwanee, GA 30024

(Photos courtesy of Best Friends Animal Society)

Comments

What wonderful people . . everyone who has opend their hearts and homes to these poor dogs. I have a pitbull and I find it so very unfair that they are always referred to as "mean and dangerous" dogs. . . All you need to do is take a look at how and by whom they are being raised. They are a wonderful breed.

Posted by: Roseanne Lantz | February 13, 2008 9:33 AM

What has amazed me as I've read all these stories and watched the videos is that several of these guys are making huge strides towards being therapy dogs. That's so great!

I can attest to the fact that chocolate valentines are probably not the best gift. :) I suggest that engraved portraits of various Presidents, rendered in green, would make great tokens of Valentines Day love.

Posted by: Anne | February 13, 2008 11:15 AM

Don't forget that Baltimore shelters are full of pit bull and pit mixes who need homes who were not used for fighting by Vickn. They are a wonderful breed who only wants to please their human families. I hope that all of the attention to the 47 dogs who made it out will make others consider adopting this wonderful breed!

Posted by: Marie | February 13, 2008 12:21 PM

Looking at all of those happy faces in the pictures, I cannot imagine what life was like for them a few months ago. It's great to see them so happy. I have 3 pit mixes in my family (I'm a proud Aunt!) and they are the most loving dogs you would ever want to meet. I get attacked with kisses every time I come to visit!! They don't deserve the bad rap they get. Hopefully something good will come from this tragedy and people will be more understanding of this breed and see that it's the OWNERS, not genetics, that make a dog mean--no matter what the breed is!

Posted by: Chastity | February 13, 2008 4:10 PM

What a wonderful article. It brought happy tears to my eyes. I am not unbiased because I am part of one of the groups that has one of the dogs. I am so glad that the government gave them a chance. Leo is such a wonderful example of what can be done when they are in a positive environment. These dogs also show the overwhelming need for foster homes to continue to give not only the Vick dogs but all dogs sitting in shelters a chance at a better life. Thank you so very much for giving them such a beautiful valentine!
Mary

Posted by: Mary | February 14, 2008 1:03 PM

It's wonderful to see these happy and contented faces. Thank God they were rescued. And God bless the people who are giving the time, love, and patience to rehabilitate these abused dogs.

Posted by: Jan | February 7, 2009 11:42 AM

Great post! the dogs looked so happy now! they are all lovable! nice to know that you all really care for them.

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