Where Are They Now?

I was reading my new Dog World magazine and was amazed to find out about where some of the Michael Vick dogs ended up and how they were adapting to a normal life. A life of love, not fear and gentleness instead of violence. The magazine focused on 5 of those 44 dogs. Gentle Jonny, Red, Gracie, Leo and Hector.


Believe it or not, Jonny is a dog that has gotten his CGC (Canine Good Citizen) certificate and his Therapy dog title from Therapy Dog International. He is involved in a program called Paws for Tales, a reading program for children at a local San Fransisco library, listening to young people read out loud to him. He is a non-judgemental audience for these children, who are having trouble reading. It seems that children do better reading to a dog than a person. They know a dog won't judge them.


Grace or Gracie, does public relation work. Her job is to let people know that Pit Bulls are not all monsters. She travels to rally's and fundraisers to help promote her breed as loving, gentle dogs. Which they are if raised and bred right, they are one of the more people-friendly dog breeds. Leo, is another therapy dog. He works with at risk teen boys in San Jose CA.


Red is just a mellow fellow. He is used to teach dog safety in local schools sponsored by the Monterey County SPCA. He also has his CGC certificate. His foster handler said that stay was the hardest for him because he likes to follow people around and get love and pats.


Now Hector is a cuddle bug. It said that he just becomes a rag doll when he is picked up or a rub on his stomach. He works with domestic abuse victims. If a dog can come through the violence these dogs did, and survive, people can too. It said he thrives on getting petted