Where the Former Michael Vick Dogs Are Now
Sox and Hector both received therapy dog certification, and spend their days at hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. Sox, who came into rescue as one of the worst of the low-response cases, has improved dramatically since being adopted by her foster family. Hector, with scars over his chest and legs bearing testament to his past life, was adopted into a home with a pack of six dogs, and has made many friends, canine and otherwise.
Photos © Joshua Grenell; Rhoda Tucker/Superior Portrait Studios;
Bonita, who was used in the dog-fighting ring as a bait dog for others to practice on, came into Best Friends rescue with scars, worn or broken teeth, and an instinct to flee from other dogs. She also had babesia, a blood-borne condition common in fighting dogs, and nerve damage in half of her face, so when she smiled nervously, it was crooked. She learned to crave warm laps to sleep in, and found a little bit of peace there. In 2008, she required dental surgery and never woke up from anesthesia.
Photo © Best Friends Animal Society
Jonny Justice was adopted by a foster family who discovered his love of children, and he participated in a program called Paws for Tales, where dogs provide a nonjudgmental audience for children struggling with reading. Jonny excelled at it, until the librarian banned Pit Bulls from the program after receiving some complaints from parents. Jonny and his family resigned from the program in protest, and volunteers from BAD RAP looked into state law, finding the breedbased discrimination unlawful. When they brought this to the librarian’s attention, however, the library withdrew from the Paws for Tales program.
Photo © Amado Garcia
Zippy, a small, energetic dog,
has found peace and companionship
with the Hernandez
family, spending her days
romping and rolling around
the floor with two fellow
dogs and three young children
under the age of 10.
Photo © BadRap.org
