Vick's dogs: an update
Daisy and Lily -- two of the three Michael Vick dogs that ended up in Maryland -- are now Sweet Jasmine and Sweet Pea, and they've come a long way since they were turned over to the Baltimore-based rescue organization Recycled Love.
The dogs were completely “shut down” when the organization received them from Washington Animal Rescue League, where they lived for six weeks after being seized from Vick's estate in Virginia.
Foster mom Catalina Stirling says Jasmine had to be carried out to the back yard, because she could not be leashed. Now a routine has been established for the two girls, and they are taken, along with Stirling's own dog, on two-hour walks daily. Stirling said they will soon be attending obedience school.
“They have proven that they have life in them and that they want to love. Whatever happened to them in the past is over," Stirling said. "They just like to move forward.”
A third Vick dog spent six weeks at Animal Farm Foundation, where she was originally so fearful she would move by crawling on her belly, before coming to Recycled Love. The organization is keeping the location of that dog private.
To catch up with all the Vick dogs, read this excellent article by Jennifer Hayes, a member of the staff of Best Friends Animal Society in Utah -- where 22 Vick dogs now live.
(Photos courtesy of Catalina Stirling and Best Friends)
Comments
As someone who is rehabing an abused APBT I know how much work goes into lifting these dogs spirits and getting them back to where they can be happy and trusting of humans again.
I commend each and every one of you who have been involved in helping these dogs. You deserve a lot more thank yous and credit than anyone could ever give.
Posted by: Jaclyn | February 12, 2008 12:04 PM
I commend and am so grateful to the people who have taken in these dogs and worked with them to give them a happy ilfe. It brings tears to my eyes every time I think of how these dogs(and others) have been treated. I have no tolerance for people who are abusive to animals. My dream is one day is to open up a shelter for animals. God Bless all.
Posted by: Donna White | February 13, 2008 10:04 AM
It is SO good to see mainstream media doing updates on the Vick-toms. It is time that society sees these dogs for what they truly are...AMAZING.
For the first time these dogs will be able to speak for themselves. The dogs will show what overcomer's they are and the true nature of THEIR loving spirits.
Thank Goodness the JUDGE wanted to do something for these dogs, as the Humane Society and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, wanted them destroyed (after they had raised serious funds of course).
Thank God for Animal Rescue Organizations and thanks to the Baltimore Sun for the updates. Please keep up the good work..
Posted by: Fran Coughlin | February 19, 2008 1:54 PM
A positive article on pit bulls,how delightfu!
My thanks and appreciation of the BaltimoreSun, without informative press and coverage of this kind, we may well be on the road to viewing and seeing the last days of an extinct, magnificent, breed of canine.
Posted by: Liz Sullivan | February 19, 2008 9:18 PM
Just thank you!
Posted by: Rebecca | May 21, 2008 3:10 PM
I would like to say thank you to all the folks that are giving these dogs what they have never recieved in their lives, LOVE! My heart goes out to every APBT that goes thru torture and pain like these dogs have. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking of how someone could be so abusive and cold hearted towards not only APBTs' but every animal thru out the US. I have two Pitbulls of my own and I don't know what I'd do if I ever lost them.. Thank you so much for giving these dogs' (Mike Vick's Dogs') a second chance. My heart goes out to you folks!! Keep up the good work, I know you folks can't save them all but saving one at a time, means the world to me! Thanks again..
Posted by: ku'uipo degrand | February 27, 2009 2:11 AM
God Bless those families that stepped in to give those dogs a second chance and a loving home...one they have deserved and were robbed of. It breaks my heart to see those pictures of the conditions of those dogs when they were rescued. I am a firm believer that animals need a voice...they have no say in who takes them home and where they are to live, and what conditions they face. Those horrific stories of what was done to them sickens me and brings tears to my eyes. There are many of us who have signed lots of petitions and tried to speak out against that monster that created, financed and enabled such a gruesome act. The Eagles should view this man as a disgrace, and he should never have been allowed back in to the NFL to serve as a "role model" to young athletes everywhere.... What does this say to our children..... I am an animal owner and lover, and try to do my best by donating to the local ASPCA and participate in the "walk for animals" MSPCA..and donate when I can financially. This story truly enrages me and touches my heart. Those dogs deserve a lifetime of love and enjoyment and I am sooooooo relieved they are finally getting that.... Thank you..
Posted by: Rachelle Young | August 14, 2009 9:35 PM