Anyone else out there having one of those days/weeks/millennia in which they consistently question the goodness of mankind? Most of the news cycle is designed to point to awful people doing awful things. It’s hard – especially on Thursdays – to be an optimist. Anyone recall, for instance, CURRENT NFL player Michael Vick’s heinous, terrible, disgusting dog-fighting ring, for which this miserable scumbag served a mere 21 months in federal prison?
April 8th marked the ASPCA’s annual National Dog Fighting Awareness Day, and in honor of their programming The Bark Post published photos of the deeply mistreated pit-bulls recovered from the cretinous quarterback’s home in 2007. And where are they now? Prepare to believe in the good:
Here’s Handsome Dan:
Dan, once a highly skittish puppy, is now a de facto dog nurse. His adopted family has recently had a baby. Something of the leader of the pack, Dan has his own Facebook page and associated pit bull rescue.
This is Oscar, resting peacefully on the couch of his new home. His mama (Rachel) never even set out to adopt a Vicktory dog:
And Mel:
And Oliver!
Oliver sadly passed away from cancer earlier this year, though his adopted mom Erika had this to say of the wonderful years spent in his company: “Look at each dog as an individual. Do not judge. Do not ever give up on any animal.”
Squeaker is supposedly the cuddliest in her large pack-of-dog-family, which has surprised her owners to no end. Many abused pets can never quite thrive in groups again, but Squeaker is impressively affectionate:
These are of Cherry:
…a big sweetie, who’s also got a web presence.
Here’s Little Red:
Little Red was used as a bait dog in the fighting ring, meaning she was bred to be attacked. Her owner Susan says that this sweet puppy has outgrown much of her understandably fearful nature.
Thanks to heroic efforts from the Best Friends Animal Society, many of the Vick dogs were saved and successfully re-integrated into happy, loving homes. Most of these animals were bred to be extremely violent, but just look at them now! Debunking the myth that a puppy from a bad situation can never readjust! And that a lovely, trusting character can endure even the worst scenario!
And let’s keep hoping that those of us on two legs can follow their example.
Images courtesy of the Best Friends Society.
