Dogtown

[Afreet]

I know there were many threads about the Michael Vick dogs when the whole thing blew up, and I'm pretty sure I read some threads here back in the spring when the show was first announced on National Geographic channel, but I had to ask anyway...

So, "Dogtown": Anyone else watching this? It's AMAZING! I'm so happy for all the dogs! I also love everyone at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary soooooooooooooooooooooooooo much right now.

Lisa

 

[kathryn]

I didn't watch the show you're refering to, but I did watch one on Animal Planet: an episode of "Animal Witness," where they showed the history of the case (I had to keep my hand ready to shield my eyes when they showed the dog-fight footage) and what happened to his dogs afterwards.

I don't recall Best Friends being mentioned, but I send thanks out to the couple who rehab fighting dogs for taking them in and working with them. One thing they said was very interesting: the distinguishing characteristic of Pit Bulls isn't their violent nature, but their desire to please their human, which humans exploit for their own purposes.

Of all the Vick dogs, only one was euthanized because of an agressive disposition (and one because she was suffering from some health problems). One even became a therapy dog, and visits people in hospitals and hospices.

Maybe Best Friends took in the ones they hadn't yet found homes for when the "Animal Witness" program was filmed?

 

[EVCT]

My husband and I saw that show! What a wonderful organization Best Friends is. We plan on donating! The dogs we saw were absolutely amazing and so were the people who worked with them!With what he did to those dogs, I hope Michael Vic NEVER gets out of prison.
Ellen

 

[Afreet]

Kathryn;

I saw the "Animal Witness" program, too (and also had to grit my teeth through the dogfighting footage - WHY do people find cruelty entertaining??). This show had a much more upbeat premise and focused mainly on the positive progress the dogs made with some veterinary attention and TLC. Check out Best Friends/Dogtown here:

http://www.bestfriends.org/atthesanctuary/animals/dogs.cfm

You make a good point about the smaller, less well-known and well-funded shelters, though. I used to work at an independent no-kill shelter in Virginia and it is really a labor of love. All rescue workers deserve endless kudos for what they do.

Lisa

 

[kathryn]

I hope Michael Vic NEVER gets out of prison.

I never had any sympathy for the guy, but when I saw his 'apology' for what he'd done---basically saying "I made some bad choices," never saying he was sorry for the pain and suffering he caused, and basically seeming like he was saying "I'm sorry I got caught"--he disgusts me even more.

 

[vikinyc]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this show!!!

 

[Afreet]

I never had any sympathy for the guy, but when I saw his 'apology' for what he'd done---basically saying "I made some bad choices," never saying he was sorry for the pain and suffering he caused, and basically seeming like he was saying "I'm sorry I got caught"--he disgusts me even more.

Ugh, me too. I rarely believe in any kind of violence, but animal abusers (really, anyone who takes advantage of an essentially helpless being, human or animal) make me want to stab. I'd settle for a longer prison sentence. And a permanent wage garnishment (even on his prison earnings!!) to take care of his dogs for the rest of their lives. And possibly lifetime community service cleaning cages at the local no-kill shelter. And I can think of lots of other things but I'll stop there.

 

[chachi]

I absolutely love this show. It's 2:15am and I just finished watching it
I'm having one of those insomniac nights but was happy when I saw this was on. I haven't watched an episode w/o crying, it just touches my heart. I've told DH a few times that I want to live in Dogtown

Chastity

 

[fit44]

I watched both Animal Witness and Dogtown specials for the Vick dogs. It warms my heart to know there are good people who will take the time to help these poor animals.

I'm haunted by the images of the girl pitbull who had all her teeth pulled (by a vet) and that rape rack.
What kind of human being is capable of these acts? Someone evil if you ask me.

I am filled with nothing but anger towards Michael Vick and never want to see him play ball again. He doesn't deserve any mercy. He tortured those animals for years and he deserves the same treatment.

I also wanted to add....
I know these shows are difficult to watch, but I feel they serve a greater good. I hope they re-run the heck out of these documentaries and produce more.
People need to see ALL the cruelty that goes into dog fighting. These poor animals live a horrible existance in AND out of the fighting ring.