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Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Michael Vick

The more time I spend with my cats, the more I love them. I cannot see how anyone could be so disconnected from animals that they cannot see how wonderful they are. And I cannot understand how people can be OK with hurting innocent beings.

In particular who I am speaking about is Michael Vick. If you have not heard of him, he is an NFL quarterback and he was arrested for dog fighting in 2007. 51 of his dogs were rescued from his farm and their fates were uncertain at the time.

Pit bulls saved from dog fighting rings are often found to be unsafe around humans and are put to sleep.

Miraculously, 47 of the pit bulls taken from Vick's kennels were deemed fit for rehabilitation. Thanks a number of rehabilitation groups, those dogs are now leading happier lives. Some have been adopted by families; others, are working as therapy dogs.

So... where am I going with this information. I work with a young woman who is adopting a pit bull puppy this week and I asked her what she was going to name her dog. She told me Vic. I knew right away who she was talking about. She told me her boyfriend wants the puppy to be named Vick because he is such a good football player and he is on their favorite team. In my head, I am thinking, are you really aware of what this man has done, to pit bulls, that you say are your favorite dogs? You are going to name your sweet new puppy after an animal abuser? This, to me, is the disconnection factor.

I'm not really sure where I am going with this post. I guess I was just a bit shocked that anyone would idolize that man after the agony, pain and suffering he caused his dogs.

3 comments:

  1. This is sad beyond words...I am not sure what I would have said if a coworker told me the same thing. I keep thinking of those involved in pit bull fighting saying 'It's the culture we were raised in'...and I also know there are those who think the Holocaust is a myth.

    Being a vet tech and knowing I cannot help every animal, I have to take it one at a time but I do end each day knowing I helped at least one.

    Maybe you could buy her this book:

    http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Dogs-Michael-Rescue-Redemption/dp/1592405509

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  2. I feel the same way. I love football but I am furious with the NFL and the Eagles in particular...

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