I have friends that abandoned the Eagles until he's gone from the team. And that's understandable, what he did was heinous in the extreme.

I believe he's genuinely contrite and humbled from his experience in jail. Losing everything tends to put things in perspective. It wouldn't bother me if he goes and gets a Collie or whatever for his kids.

But if it bothers others, I get it. I too have a dog and I'd kill to protect her as I would for my kids. I can see where someone might never want to see him with a pet of any kind.

Vick comes from my part of Virginia, and there's a culture there.

I saw my father do monstrous things to dogs. If I knew then what I know now, I would have turned him in. But I saw my dad do wonderful things with them too, as we had numerous dogs growing up. So I know things can turn around.

Just so you know where I'm coming from.

respect a dog, so just leave them be. Anyone that disrespects them by allowing them to fight is no friend of a dog.

Please Michael, get a bird or some other pet, but leave dogs alone.

Instead of making Best Friends and other orgs pay for it?

He should still be in prison on RICO charges, and barred from ever owning another pet.

THIS MAN USED HIS SO-CALLED PET DOGS AS BAIT DOGS FOR HIS FIGHTING DOGS.

My first reaction is "WTF?!? No way!"

Then I thought about my own experience with dogs... We had a dog and multiple cats as a family pets when I was a kid... I thought they were cute and loveable, etc.

But, I discovered the first dog that I actually loved when I was in my 30's... I took care of my friend's Jack Russel terrier whenever he left town... over a period of seven years until she died of breast cancer. She was amazing and I learned so much about dogs as companions. Then a couple of years ago I rescued a my pooch, and not only do I love her more than anything... I think she's made me a better more patient person.

So, Vick has had a long time to reflect and "evolve" his thinking (and his own false indoctrination) about dogs... And, I'll bet he could rescue a dog, love it, learn more about himself, and teach others in the process.

& not you.

But about the dog.

The dog can never speak for it's self- all he or she is give you the live & joy he or she can.

If it's about the kids or you - the risk - especially in Vick's case - that may not be enough - then it's another wasted dog.

Vick? Your kids will be fine without a dog.

Or a cat.

Or a hamster.

Or a lizard.

Or a gold fish.

Or a bird.

Or a etc.

Last edited Wed Jul 18, 2012, 03:34 AM - Edit history (2)

... and being responsible for another living creature. Never again. Fuck him.

On edit: Yes, I'm a hardass on this. I believe a person capable of committing such crimes against a completely and utterly helpless creature is missing something ... a piece of their heart, a particular gene, something that prevents them from feeling mercy and compassion and anything in the ballpark of affection for a creature that is dependent on them for sustenance, protection, a kind word and a gentle touch. I don't believe this can be taught, but I do think it can and should be regulated with a lifelong ban on ever owning another animal again.

I'm sorry, I don't believe you can participate in dog fighting, and allow the horrific abuse that happened to those dogs and ever be a loving pet owner. There is something missing in people who treat animals that way. I believe in the premise that you learn a lot about a person by the way they treat animals. I think he got off easy and its too bad he is back to making his millions when he should have to be working cleaning out kennels and helping care for abused animals under heavy supervision and then maybe in my opinion he might be trusted with a dog but only if the humane society visited periodically.

My animals have always been members of the family. I would no more give Michael Vick a puppy as I would a child molester a toddler. Having a pet is a privilege and he lost that right.