Living in the UK I was unaware of the Micheal Vick case when it happened and I'm sure this is the case for alot of people in the UK. It was only last September when I was reading a copy of Cesars Way that I became aware of this terrible and horrifying case.
For those who don't know Michael Vick is an American Football quaterback and had a huge career with the NFL. He is a big sport superstar.
In April 2007 while investigating drugs on his property the Police found evidence of a major dog fighting operation on the grounds of Vick's property. Over 50 dogs, the majority Pitbulls were found on the property and seized by Police.
Over the coming days more information was being leaked and the truth was beginning to come out. At the back of Vicks' house, out of view were big black sheds, this is where the dogs were witnessing and enduring terrible things. Some sheds were used for training, others breeding, others to stitch up and treat the injured dogs. The biggest shed held the biggest secret, on the second floor of this shed was where the dogs were made to fight. The room was filled with blood soaked carpets and a fighting ring was outlined on the floor, ready for use. Vicks also took part in killing and torturing dogs that weren't up to his high standard of fighting. All this had been going on for 6 years.
After all the initial horrifying details about the dog fighting operation, we soon learn about the dogs. They were held as police evidence and were sent to various shelters and sanctuary's until the court case was over. It seemed they were all on death row, these dogs had been bred to fight, fighting is all they know. Surely they couldn't be given a second chance? Well this is where this book is one of a kind. These dogs WERE given a second chance at life. A small group of people believed they should be given a chance. These people assessed each dog and hoped to be able to save at least 10% of them. I'm happy to say that they excelled there own expectations. I won't go into too much detail because you'll have to read the book!
These dogs weren't given up on and had a great group of people fighting for them, helping them prove that they could be put back into society and live like any other dog. Many people helped make this possible, those included were Debbie Reynolds and Tim Racer who own Bad Rap, a rescue organisation that for over 10 years has been rescuing pitbulls and rehabilitating them. Debbie and Tim took 13 of the Vicks pitbulls into their home. They were under a gagging order so no one could find out these were the Vicks dogs. Through Bad Rap they found good homes for the dogs.
The book documents about each foster career and their dog. The trials and tribulations they go through on the road to a better life. It's so great to read about each dogs triumphs, how they come on leaps and bounds and overcome great fears.
The assessments proved to be greatly accurate and 4 years on none of the dogs placed into foster care or that have been adopted have shown any sign of behavioural issues.
When I first started reading this book I questioned whether I wanted to finish it. It's tough in places, especially the early chapters when the scene is set and you picture the dreadful things these dogs endured and witnessed. The information that unravels is truly horrifying in places BUT without a doubt this is the best book I have ever read and I would urge anyone to read it.
This book is a fantastic story of second chances and hope. I am a huge dog lover and never judge dogs on their breed but even I would have thought that dogs raised in an aggressive environment and that are bred to hate one another would never be able to be rehabilitated truly and I'm happy to say I've been proven wrong!
The people involved in this story are true heroes that put there necks on the line for the well-being of these dogs.
This story really touched my heart and it's great to know that these dogs have gone on the live great happy lives!
Below is a great video showing some of the Vicks dogs and how they live their lives now. A must see! Get your tissues ready!
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