Tito is a friendly young Pit waiting for his own second chance at the Pennsylvania SPCA in Philadelphia
As you may have heard, convicted dogfighter Michael Vick has signed a two-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Vick served 23 months in federal prison on charges of conspiracy and running a dogfighting operation. Announcing the deal, Eagles coach Andy Reid told reporters: "I'm a believer that as long as people go through the right process, they deserve a second chance."
While the dogs killed by Vick's dogfighting associates and Vick himself, as several commenters have pointed out will never get their own second chance, many of the Pit Bulls rescued from Bad Newz Kennels have. For some of their stories, check out
the incredible work done by BAD RAP in Oakland, CA.
But they're not the only Pits in need. There are at this moment 11,751 Pit Bull Terriers and 3,851 American Staffordshire Terriers available for adoption on Petfinder.
How can you help?
- Adopt a Pit Bull. I am a proud rescued-Pit parent, as are my mother, several coworkers and many of my neighbors. They are devoted, affectionate and joy-inducing pets with as great a range in personality as any other breed. As with dogs of any breed, not every Pit is perfect for every family. Read more about things to think about if you're thinking of adopting a Pit Bull after the jump.
- Volunteer with Pit Bulls. At many city shelters, Pits and Pit mixes make up the overwhelming majority of the canine residents, and because Pits have been bred to bond closely with humans, the isolation of shelter life is particularly hard for them. You can visit the shelter to help exercise and socialize the dogs; open your home to a foster dog; photograph and write bios for local adoptable dogs' Petfinder profiles; start a bedding drive at your office to collect old blankets and towels to donate ... the possibilities are endless. For more ideas, read our article on volunteering or visit BAD RAP's How You Can Help page.
- Educate others about Pit Bulls. Once you've fallen in love with a Pit (and to know one is to love one), you'll start to notice how many offhand Pit-Bull stereotypes people throw around in everyday conversation (and I'm not just talking about Sarah Palin). Learn the facts about Pits and you'll be able to shoot down the myths (no, they do not have locking jaws). Some great resources include Petfinder's book The Adopted Dog Bible (you'll find an excerpt, Pit Bulls: The Myths, the Legends, the Reality, after the jump), as well as BAD RAP's Monster Myths page, Pit Bull Rescue Central's breed info page and Animal Farm Foundation's Fear vs. Fact document. (All three sites are excellent, and I'd encourage you to click around on them.)
The following is excerpted from the article "Pit Bulls" by Certified Pet Dog Trainer Jacque Lynn Schultz. Read the full article in the Petfinder library.
If you're thinking about adopting a Pit Bull ...
The following is excerpted from The Adopted Dog Bible by our own Kim Saunders. Learn more about this excellent book, including where to buy it, here.
Pit Bulls: The Myths, the Legends, the Reality
Mention the words "Pit Bull" and an intense debate will almost inevitably follow. Unscrupulous breeding by less-than-upstanding citizens, negatively sensationalized (and often false) media accounts, and longstanding myths surrounding these types of dogs have led to their vilification.
Some people, in response to misperceptions about the breed, believe that all Pit Bull-type dogs are to be feared and promote banning these breeds. Pit Bull advocates, deeply dedicated to protecting dogs they know to be friendly, loyal, loving family companions, can be as tenacious as the dogs to whom they are dedicated.
The general term "Pit Bull" refers to a number of breeds and mixes, including American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers, American Bulldogs, and any dogs made up of or resembling these breeds. Pit Bulls are physically powerful, strong, agile, and energetic dogs with an unrivaled joie de vivre. They are also known for the determination they bring to any task. These traits can sometimes combine to make the Pit Bull "too much dog" for an inexperienced pet parent or a family with small children, but that certainly doesn't mean that they can't be loving, wonderful dogs in the right homes.
Let's take a look at some common Pit Bull myths and the corresponding realities.
Myth: Pit Bulls have locking jaws and a higher biting power than other breeds.
Reality: There are no unique mechanisms in the jaws of Pit Bulls, and these dogs cannot lock their jaws. Additionally, in a test of biting pressure that included a German Shepherd Dog, a Rottweiler, and an American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Pit Bull Terrier had the least amount of bite pressure.
Myth: Pit Bulls are vicious to people or more dangerous than other dogs.
Reality: There is no room for human aggression in a behaviorally sound Pit Bull, and the reality is that most Pit Bulls are not aggressive toward people; many are extremely sociable and adore children. A Pit Bull who passes a behavioral evaluation poses no more of a threat to people than any other large dog. The American Temperament Test (see The American Temperament Society at www.atts.org) shows that Pit Bulls consistently score above the average for all breeds tested over the years. As of December 2007, American Pit Bull Terriers had a pass rate of 84.3 percent compared to a pass rate for all breeds tested of 81.6 percent.
Myth: Adopting a Pit Bull is the same as adding any other type of dog to your family.
Reality: While behaviorally sound Pit Bulls make excellent family companions, the reality is that adopting a Pit Bull does require some special considerations:
The reality is that, as with all breeds, there are great Pit Bulls and Pit Bulls who -- due to poor breeding, handling, or socialization -- are not suitable as pets. While we urge shelters and rescue groups to perform a behavioral assessment on all dogs who enter their programs, it is particularly important to be sure that this has been done with the Pit Bull you are going to adopt. While a mistake in judgment with even a small dog can have serious consequences, a similar mistake with a large, strong breed such as a Pit Bull (or Akita, Rottweiler, Mastiff, Labrador Retriever, etc.) can be deadly.
If you are prepared, know your local laws, and have decided that a Pit Bull is a good fit for your family, do consider adopting one from a shelter or rescue group who carefully evaluates their dogs. My adopted dog Mojo possesses the characteristic Pit Bull enthusiasm, determination, energy, love of life, and smile that the breed is known for. His stubbornness is sometimes a challenge for my other dogs and me. At times they have difficulty convincing him that they really don't want to play tug again. Likewise, I often cannot convince him that having him sit on my lap and lick my face is not my favorite thing in the whole world (but, truth be told, it's not far from it!).
--The Adopted Dog Bible
If you're thinking about adopting a Pit Bull ...
- Dog-to-dog aggression is a serious issue with this breed. While early socialization is important for all puppies, it is essential for Pit puppies. But your best efforts cannot override a dog's genetics. Some Pits will become dog-aggressive when they reach social maturity (two to three years of age) regardless of early experience. A Pit Bull that doesn't like other dogs cannot be let loose to exercise in dog runs or other public areas. Unless fenced in, they must always be on lead and under the control of a responsible adult. If engaged in a fight, they are capable of severely injuring or killing another dog. Some are also dangerous around cats. Choose carefully if you have other pets at home.
- Many Pit Bulls are extremely social dogs with humans and especially delight in children. However, due to strength and exuberance, in most circumstances they are generally best placed with older children.
- Pit Bulls are enthusiastic learners. They enjoy trick training and many graduate at the head of their obedience classes.
- As a Pit Bull owner, you are likely to experience breed discrimination. Legislation may prohibit you from living in certain communities. Landlords may bar you from their buildings; neighbors will shoot you disdainful looks, and homeowners insurance will be harder to find. Before you adopt, call your local City Hall, Bureau of Animal Affairs or animal shelter to find out about laws pertaining to your neighborhood. If Pit Bulls are forbidden, you will be forced to either move or relinquish your pet. However, if you are prepared, you know your local laws, and if a Pit Bull is a good fit for your family, don't let this discourage you from adopting the dog described by more than one owner as "eager to please, loves to work and only wants to make us happy."
- Hardy, tenacious dogs, Pit Bulls are moderately active indoors and extremely energetic when outdoors. Be prepared to spend a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes twice a day engaged in aerobic level activities such as Frisbee tossing, bicycle road-working or agility coursework with your dog. Without suitable exercise, they are more likely to be destructive.
The following is excerpted from The Adopted Dog Bible by our own Kim Saunders. Learn more about this excellent book, including where to buy it, here.
Pit Bulls: The Myths, the Legends, the Reality
Mention the words "Pit Bull" and an intense debate will almost inevitably follow. Unscrupulous breeding by less-than-upstanding citizens, negatively sensationalized (and often false) media accounts, and longstanding myths surrounding these types of dogs have led to their vilification.
Some people, in response to misperceptions about the breed, believe that all Pit Bull-type dogs are to be feared and promote banning these breeds. Pit Bull advocates, deeply dedicated to protecting dogs they know to be friendly, loyal, loving family companions, can be as tenacious as the dogs to whom they are dedicated.
The general term "Pit Bull" refers to a number of breeds and mixes, including American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers, American Bulldogs, and any dogs made up of or resembling these breeds. Pit Bulls are physically powerful, strong, agile, and energetic dogs with an unrivaled joie de vivre. They are also known for the determination they bring to any task. These traits can sometimes combine to make the Pit Bull "too much dog" for an inexperienced pet parent or a family with small children, but that certainly doesn't mean that they can't be loving, wonderful dogs in the right homes.
Let's take a look at some common Pit Bull myths and the corresponding realities.
Myth: Pit Bulls have locking jaws and a higher biting power than other breeds.
Reality: There are no unique mechanisms in the jaws of Pit Bulls, and these dogs cannot lock their jaws. Additionally, in a test of biting pressure that included a German Shepherd Dog, a Rottweiler, and an American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Pit Bull Terrier had the least amount of bite pressure.
Myth: Pit Bulls are vicious to people or more dangerous than other dogs.
Reality: There is no room for human aggression in a behaviorally sound Pit Bull, and the reality is that most Pit Bulls are not aggressive toward people; many are extremely sociable and adore children. A Pit Bull who passes a behavioral evaluation poses no more of a threat to people than any other large dog. The American Temperament Test (see The American Temperament Society at www.atts.org) shows that Pit Bulls consistently score above the average for all breeds tested over the years. As of December 2007, American Pit Bull Terriers had a pass rate of 84.3 percent compared to a pass rate for all breeds tested of 81.6 percent.
Myth: Adopting a Pit Bull is the same as adding any other type of dog to your family.
Reality: While behaviorally sound Pit Bulls make excellent family companions, the reality is that adopting a Pit Bull does require some special considerations:
- Dog-to-dog aggression can be an issue with these dogs, and despite your best socialization efforts, a Pit Bull may become dog aggressive upon reaching maturity (roughly two years old). This will affect your ability to have other pets in your home as well as your continued responsibility for ensuring that your dog never has the opportunity to injure someone else's beloved pet.
- Pit Bulls face misunderstanding and prejudice from many people who do not know much about them, so adopting one requires a willingness to consider your friends' and neighbors' concerns and to educate them about Pit Bulls in general and your dog in particular.
The reality is that, as with all breeds, there are great Pit Bulls and Pit Bulls who -- due to poor breeding, handling, or socialization -- are not suitable as pets. While we urge shelters and rescue groups to perform a behavioral assessment on all dogs who enter their programs, it is particularly important to be sure that this has been done with the Pit Bull you are going to adopt. While a mistake in judgment with even a small dog can have serious consequences, a similar mistake with a large, strong breed such as a Pit Bull (or Akita, Rottweiler, Mastiff, Labrador Retriever, etc.) can be deadly.
If you are prepared, know your local laws, and have decided that a Pit Bull is a good fit for your family, do consider adopting one from a shelter or rescue group who carefully evaluates their dogs. My adopted dog Mojo possesses the characteristic Pit Bull enthusiasm, determination, energy, love of life, and smile that the breed is known for. His stubbornness is sometimes a challenge for my other dogs and me. At times they have difficulty convincing him that they really don't want to play tug again. Likewise, I often cannot convince him that having him sit on my lap and lick my face is not my favorite thing in the whole world (but, truth be told, it's not far from it!).
--The Adopted Dog Bible
I watched Michael Vick on 60 Minutes. He was full of it when he said to Art Blank that he was so so sorry about the mess he had at Bad Newz Kennels. What he was sorry about was getting caught. What he was sorry about was losing 135 million dollar contract. He showed no remorse for the torture he inflicted on those pathetic dogs. If he did cry ( which I doubt) it was because of the mess he is in money wise. He said he had been going to dog fights since he was 8 years old. I think most eight year old would have vomited at the sight of dogs killing each other.Micahel Vick is a socialpath and that says it all.
Vicki McDonnell Victor, Montana
I have 4 Dogs of which 3 are pitbulls. all came into the home one after the other from shelters and all were adults. not once has there been any issue as far as dog-to-dog-aggression or aggression towards humans.
I absolutely adore this wonderful, but misunderstood breed and will own one and fight for the better understanding of them until the day i die.
all 4 of my babies are inside dogs and spoiled rotten :)
I don't think Micheal Vick deserves a second chance after what he had done to those poor dogs and i think he should go back to federal prison for 30 more years or at least give micheal vick the death penalty. He dosen't care about the unwanted dogs at animal shelter and the dogs that were rescued from his place. He doesn't realize the pit bull can be nice and well-trained dogs if socialzed when young and he doesn't realize that pit bulls needed a second chance at life in a home. he thinks that pit bulls don't deserves another chance but I care about them and they need another chance at life. All dogs including pit bulls deserve another chance at life in a home.
I too am disgusted that he is going to continue to make millions
and show his face on the football field. I would like to see the public ]
boo at him when he plays. They would have to be careful though,
macho football fans would turn on them. I don't think he has a
conscious and really isn't sorry for the dogs. He just sorry he was
imprisoned and couldn't play football. I am glad he was caught and
the terrible sport of pit fighting has been more publicized. These
people involved in pit fighting all need to go go jail.
Any dog lovers who are appalled by the eagles hiring Michael Vick and are going to the Thursday(8/27) game should show their displeasure by pelted Vick with dog biscuits when he takes the field the first time. That will send a message to him and the eagles organization that people don't believe he is remorseful or rehabilitated, as was proven in his first interview as an eagle, when he still claimed he didn't take part in the dog fighting and he wasn't aware of what was going on on his property.
Michael Vick was forced to admit (when ratted out by his cohorts) to personally killing dogs via electrocution, hangings and beating to death. (Please correct the misinformation on this site.) To refer to premediated, vicious acts purely INTENDED TO CAUSE HARM, TORTURE, INJURY AND DEATH to other living beings as "mistakes" is like referring to Hurricaine Katrina as a cool breeze. Come on, people. Wake up! This guy has as much "remorse" for what he did to dogs as a flea or tick does when sucking the blood and life out of dogs. Vick's vacant-eyed interview on "60 Minutes" was an exercise in PR spin and handler-programed response. Vick was especially careful in avoiding the mere mention of dogs. HSUS has made a huge error in recruiting Vick to be a so-called, "spokesperson" against dog fighting. This is akin to some women's organization recruiting OJ Simpson to be a spokesperson against spousal abuse. While it is true that some ex-animal abusers can sometimes make the best advocates for animals, such people have some kind of "epiphany" or "awkening" on their own -- not because they have been arrested, proven guilty of crimes and want to get back to a multi-million dollar career. What NO ONE WANTS TO TALK ABOUT is how the egregious and violent world of dog fighting has impacted our nation's animal shelters and rescues. For every litter of Pitbull puppies bred, only one or two pups are kept to be trained for fighting. The rest (if not outrightly killed) are usually either sold, given away or abandoned in the communities. In New York City, Pitbulls now comprise about 85% of ALL dogs arriving at the city animal shelters. The overwhelming majority of these animals are "euthanized." This costs taxpayers millions of dollars a year, as well as it guarantees that virtually NO LARGE AMERICAN CITY CAN BECOME "NO KILL" in our lifetimes -- that is, unless we find a way to declassify Pitbulls as "dogs." And all this crap about the "happy endings" for some of the Vick dogs? Give us a break! What about the THOUSANDS of these dogs viciously killed in fight rings or by their "owners" when they don't fight or win? What about the MILLIONS OF PITBULLS BEING KILLED IN SHELTERS EVERY YEAR? Where are THEIR "happy endings?" So sick of all the spin, lies and sugarcoating fluff of deadly serious problems. No accountability in this culture anymore. Just PR and La La Land spin -- One reason, I personally am considering getting out of rescue after more than 20 years in it. It is hopeless and overwhelming -- especially with the scurge of dog fighting now being tacitly accepted by welcoming back one of its biggest culprits to a multi-million dollar career. -- PCA
Michael Vick's dogs didn't get a second chance. Why should he get to go out and make millions. I agree with the previously stated person that maybe he should take a minimum wage job. I disagree with him working in an animal shelter because it doesn't bother him to put animals down. He might put more down than necessary. I predict within the next year or two, he is going to get busted for some sort of crime. I thought about organizing a protest, but didn't seem to get much support from the rescuers in my area.
I believe in second chance's as some of the pit are given. BUT... I feel Vick has to prove himself. I feel he needs to work community time working in a shelter (under supervision). I am with our local humane society and see the "pit bull " issue daily. I'd like to see him poop scooping, cleaning wounds after dogs that are brought in for fighting and assisting with euthanasia if results are that dogs can't be saved.
He needs to feel what us rescuers feel. I only think time will change my opinion of him.
Since the guy killed dogs with his bare hands, I don't believe Vick should have gotten his job in the NFL back, but I'm glad he will be talking to young people that are at risk of becoming dog fighters to try and prevent it. They're more likely to listen to him than most anyone else.
I think Vick should be allowed back in the NFL when and if he proves he is a changed man. That has not happened yet. Only time will tell if it ever will happen. I don't think subjecting animals for many years to the kind of abuse these dogs were subjected to by Vick and company is simply a "mistake" that was made. I think it goes much, much deeper than that, and it will take a lot to change the heart of a person who is capable of behaving the way Vick and his cohorts behaved.
Below are some links that show the Vick dogs and their new lives:
Happy Ending Vick Dogs that have been adopted: http://vickdogsblog.blogspot.com/
Best Friends' 22 Vicktory Dogs: http://www.bestfriends.org/vickdogs/
Follow the "toughest cases" that were sent to Dogtown: http://www.bestfriends.org/dogtown/index.cfm?csid=3725&csii=3782&csit=Set
I am puzzled why this blog only references Vick's dogfighting associates as being the killers when Vick has himself admitted that he participated in the killing of the dogs in a variety of absolutely horrific ways.
I don't think the blog statement which starts out, quote, "While the dogs killed by Vick's dogfighting associates" . . . is accurate in that Michael Vick participated firsthand in the killing of the dogs. If Vick had merely allowed it to happen, it would have been bad enough, but he also has firsthand accountability.
When a man is able to nonchalantly kill dogs who were not good fighters with his own hands by means of hanging, electrocuting and drowning them, I think it will take more than sitting in a prison cell for that man's heart to change. If it is possible, he has to learn empathy.
I am willing to forgive people who are sincerley remorseful. I had not ever seen Michael Vick speak previously, but in watching him speak on 60 Minutes on Sunday, the words he spoke seemed to me to be staged and hollow and lacking in sincerity. I truly hope I am wrong, but I don't think I am.
Having said that, Vick still has the potential to deter a great many individuals who are at risk of becoming dog fighters from so doing by speaking out against dogfighting. Many will listen to him more than they would ever listen to you or I or anyone else.
I lastly want to give kudos to Best Friends for taking in the majority of the dogs from the Vick case and for taking in the hard-case dogs, so to speak. The dogs Best Friends took were not the ones that were ready for adoption in short order, and Best Friends has spent countless hours working toward building trust with these dogs and in rehabilitating these dogs.
The way you hear some of these people speak it's as if Mike Vick Killed people, not dogs. I am a dog lover, but at the same time I believe we all make misatkes and deserve a second chance. Dante Stallworth killed a man drunk driving! He did maybe 25 days in jail, and the roger Goodell suspended him for a year. I don't hear anyone talking about him! Will we hear the same disagreements when Stallworth is reinstated to the NFL? I doubt it! Pacman Jones was involved in a shooting that left someone crippled! Does anyone care about the poor crippled man who got shot?! It seems to me some of these people love dogs more than humans!!! Michael Vick served his debt to society. He will do more good working to help stop dog fighting in this country as an Ambassador for the ASPCA, than he would if he were no longer a popular athlete playing in the NFL.
I am appalled with the NFL, the NFL Commissioner and the Philadelphia Eagles organization. Michael Vick committed a heinous crime, on multiple occasions. If the average working class citizen committed such a despicable crime of violence, they'd never work in their chosen profession ever again and be happy to find menial work at minimum wage or less. They'd never pass a background investigation and no reputable company would, nor should, hire someone with a history of committing such horrifying acts of violence against another living creature. I watched the Michael Vick interview last night on 60 Minutes, and he is remorseful about one thing and one thing only -- he got caught. If he really wants to do the right thing, why doesn't he walk away from football and take an average paying job at an animal shelter or ASPCA and use his second chance dedicating himself to preventing dog fighting full time? The NFL's decision to reinstate Vick proves they don't care about setting good examples or being responsible corporate citizens in our communities. What's next? Reinstating teachers convicted of rapping their students back in the classroom? Shame on the NFL and shame on Michael Vick.
I love it. In a city where dog fighting is very popular, and more popular in the outskirts of the city, it will great to have such a popular face speaking out on the wrongs of dog fighting. As cruel as this may sound, those dogs are dead, and there's nothing he can do to save them now, except by helping to save dogs from future harm. He payed his debt to society, more so than any other dogfighter, or kennel owner i've seen. Besides... he has to work. Playing in the NFL may be a privilege, but he has the right to get back into society and work just like the rest of us. I hope he has been rehabilitated, and ready to make a change in my community. Honestly, i think it's un-american if we don't give him the chance to live a normal life.
P.S.- I love my Yorkie
I believe micheal vick doesn't deserve a second chance because what about all those dogs that he killed and tortured do they get a second chance, no because they are dead and there not coming back and neither should vick come back to the NFL. This is so not fair I love animals especially dogs and what he did was cruel and mental. Remember while he gets to play football and enjoy life again those dogs that he killed can't!
I emailed the Commisioner of football and expressed my concerns about not allowing a person who tortures dogs to represent the NFL. I see that money talks and you know the rest! How much money did the NFL donate to the ASPCA and others to get everyone off their backs?
I don't believe Micheal Vick should have been accepted back into the NFL period.These two basic reasons are first in my mind. As a key player, he becomes a role model and hero to kids who might see him as someone they aspire to be like. Second, Good conduct outside of work is essential in high profile, high paying jobs. The guy killed and abused animals in the worst way. I hear people say he deserves a second chance...Maybe, but not in the NFL, not on Television and not as a role model for sports.He's not a sportsman....He's cruel.
Let him do something else...His second chance came when they released him from his sentence.