New Book On Michael Vick’s Dogs

September 20, 2010

New Book On Michael Vick’s Dogs

Jim Gorant from Sports Illustrated has a new book that follows 49 surviving dogs seized from Michael Vick’s Bad Newz Kennel. (You can read about the history of this case on the Michael Vick archive page.) Gorant says:

As odd as it may seem, Michael Vick may be the best thing that ever happened to the pit bull. He gave the forum to discuss this and make it possible to get the message out there that these dogs are not what they’ve been made out to be in the headlines, that they really are just sort of dogs. And a lot varies from each one to another and then how they’re raised and socialized and all of these issues that go around them. You can find the sweetest, most loving pitbulls in the world and you can find other dogs that are as mean as you want.

Listen to the interview with the author. It was first thought that most of the dogs seized would be euthanized, happily this hasn’t been the case. Four dogs have even become therapy dogs.

The Michigan State University College of Law has a very informative page on dog fighting that covers the history, the training, the culture, the societal cost, the criminal links, laws and legal issues, and evidence, including less obvious things such as the drugs/vitamins/medical supplies used. You can also find out about the signs of dog fighting. And the Humane Society of the United States has a FAQ on dog fighting. (Note: None of the these pages have gruesome photos of dogs showing the barbarism of dog fighting. They do have a wealth of information.)

August 27, 2010August 27, 2010

News Bites: Climbing, Driving, Parole Hearing, Goat, Seals, Dog Park Violence, Bin Lady

Climbing

Lucy the dog could have ended up just being another dog that died on the streets of Puerto Rico after being hit by a car, but she was lucky. She was adopted by some wonderful people. With their help, a wheelchair, and conditioning similar to the conditioning marathon runners practice, Lucy became the first disabled dog to climb Mt. Washington in New Hampshire.

Driving

Have you been hearing about the results of that AAA survey on the hazards of unrestained pets in cars? Turns out the survey is inacurate— the statistics and hazards are actually worse.

Parole Hearing

In Alabama, the canine victim was present for the parole hearing of his attacker. Louis the dog still has the physical scars from being set on fire and beaten with a shovel by Juan Daniels who was denied parole.

Goat

First there was a male goat and a female dog, who are best friends, wandering loose around a wedding chapel, then there was the threat of goat rustling charges, then add their friend Lucky, a tripod dog, and you’ve got one of the oddest rescue stories I’ve heard.

Seals

In Washington, a dog swims after seals, a boy paddles after the dog, the boy rescues the dog, the seals swim after the boy and dog.

Dog Park Violence

The man who repetedly stabbed a woman’s dog at Fort Funston in San Francisco has been identified and is expected to be arrested. Lenny the dog survived the attack, but lost his spleen.

Keith Elgin Shepherd, the off-duty police officer who shot and killed Bear-Bear, a husky, at Quail Run Dog Park in Severn, Maryland was charged with two misdemeanors and that is only after public outcry. He claims he shot Bear-Bear with a hollow point bullet after the dog attacked his German Shepherd. His German Shepherd apparently received no injuries. Bear-Bear’s family & friends say he was not an aggressive dog and the woman who initially rescued and foster Bear-Bear agrees.

Bin Lady

Mary Bale, the wack-job woman caught on camera dumping a cat in a trash bin, is being investigated by the RSPCA and may face charges. The cat was trapped for 15 hours until her person heard her cries.

August 6, 2010August 6, 2010

Stanley’s Most Recent Update

What an amazing journey. It all started with Cathy at CampCocker quietly going about the hard work of rescuing Cocker Spaniels when she saw a dog in desperate need like so many dogs, except this wasn’t a Cocker, it was a pitt bull. Cathy stepped up, made an amazing video, and Stanley’s rescue started. It’s so inspiring to see how far he’s come in this latest video and the other dogs who have been saved as a result.

But, I think we have to remember he is just one dog. There are thousands out there every day who are also desperately in need of medical care, kindness, and a home. Stanley really isn’t any more special than all those other dogs. Every dog needing rescue has a story, a will to live, a personality, a spirit, and a mind. Please consider adopting a dog instead of purchasing a dog. They’re all special. And your journey with them will be so rewarding.

Lastly, I want to say I do not understand how people can demonize a breed of dog. Stanley has been through hell, but just look at the tail wagging when he gets out of his crate at the airport.

Stanley’s story wouldn’t be possible without these groups and they all need donations including LA Animal Services:

Los Angeles Animal Services—they have programs to improve the welfare of animals in their shelters, to provide foster homes, for spay/neuter campaigns in low income areas, & to provide medical treatment for “severely injured, abused, and neglected animals rescued by Animal Services”
CampCocker
Respect-A-Bull

August 2, 2010

Offspring Of Hero Dogs Rescued Too

This is so neat! Five other stray dogs, Bear, Alph, Low Rider, Jackie and B, have been brought to the U.S. from Afghanistan. They are offspring of the 3 dogs—Rufus, Target, & Sasha–who attacked a suicide bomber at a U.S. base.

Here’s coverage of Low Rider’s story–who got her name from her laid back personality & her fondness of sleep. I’m thinking her short stature might have something to do with it too. What incredibly lucky dogs!

August 2, 2010November 16, 2010

Hero Dogs Reunited With Soldier

Target, Rufus, & Sasha, stray dogs in Afghanistan that hung around a U.S. base, sensed something wasn’t right about a man wearing an Afghan Border Police uniform. They started barking and then attacked what turned out to be a suicide bomber trying to enter the base The bomber was forced to detonate before he had gained entry. Sadly, Sasha was mortally wounded and had to be euthanized, but no soldiers were killed.

Now Rufus will be living in the U.S. with Sgt. Christopher Duke, one of the soldiers who was saved. And Target will be living with a medic from the base. Duke notes the irony that it wasn’t weaponry or equipment that stopped the bomber, it was just ubiquitous, stray dogs.