VICKtory Dogs!

Are Pit Bulls naturally aggressive towards humans?

While many Pit Bulls do tend to be aggressive towards other dogs (as are most Terriers), the normal, well-raised Pit Bull has NO human-aggressive tendencies! In fact, human-aggression was actually bred out of the breed. The majority of Pit Bulls are affectionate, intelligent, trainable dogs. The highest obedience trial record of all time is held by an American Pit Bull Terrier named Maddy!

At the end of 2007 all the media was buzzing with the story of Michael Vick and his shocking and cruel dog fighting ring. I have good news. Twenty-two of the dogs seized from Vick’s fighting farm have been taken in for evaluation and rehabilitation by Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah!

GUIDEPOSTS’ January 2008 issue has a wonderful story about this sanctuary entitled Room For All by Ptolemy Tompkins.

Every one of these adorable, hungry-for-love dogs are improving; some more quickly than others. Best Friends calls them the "VICKtory Dogs!" Staff at Best Friends is to be congratulated and applauded for their willingness, strength and positive outlook in taking in dogs who never knew a gentle word, touch or hope in their entire lives. And now, their world has been turned upside down in the most beautiful way by people who believe "where there’s a will, there’s a way."

When you see Lucas, Little Red, and Ellen—among others formerly forced to fight and breed—now smiling, kissing and being hugged by their caregivers, you are witnessing a miracle.

Kudos to Michael Mountain, inspired founder of Best Friends Sanctuary, as well as all the volunteers dedicated to caring for these dogs. And bravo to all for going the distance at a time when other organizations were recommending the dogs be euthanized.

See Ray, Little Red, and Lucas, among others of the 22 who were seized from the Vick fighting farm. Each and every one is lapping up and looking forward to the great care and love they're receiving 24/7 from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

For the full story of the “VICKtory Dogs” see the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary site and also this link.

Find more information on the Pit Bull breed.

Photos in order of appearance: Ellen, dreaming of a better future now that her fighting days are over; Ellen with a friend; Little Red is ready to face a better life; Lucas, former breeding dog for Michael Vick, when he first came to Best Friends; a woman hugs a recovering VICKtory dog

Send in a photo and prayer for your pet!
 
Sharon Azar is an assistant to the editorial staff at GUIDEPOSTS. In her spare time, she rescues dogs and does portraits of furry, feathered and scaled companion animals. She lives in Brooklyn, NY.

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