Is Michael Vick Ready for a Dog?

Following his indefinite suspension in 2007 by the NFL, along with a two-year prison sentence, of which he served 23 months on the criminal charges of dog-fighting -- Michael Vick was reinstated by the NFL in 2009. Now the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, Vick is back in the game and in the news again. Vick announced he is eager to have another dog, according to a recent NBC interview and theGrio. Vick said, "My daughters miss having one, and that's the hardest thing: Telling them that we can't have one because of my actions." Since part of the terms of his probation, Vick is not permitted to buy, sell or own a dog, to which many animal rights groups and dog lovers agree. They hold steadfast to their belief that Vick should never be allowed to have a dog. But Vick disagrees. He feels he is ready to demonstrate that he is a responsible pet owner and if given the chance to share his home and heart with a dog again, he would not take this break for granted. He said, "I would love to get another dog in the future. I think it would be a big step for me in the rehabilitation process." Vick added, "I think just to have a pet in my household and to show people that I genuinely care, and my love and my passion for animals; I think it would be outstanding." Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States supports Vick's position. In expressing his opinions about Vick's wishes, to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution last Wednesday, he said, "I have been around him a lot, and feel confident that he would do a good job as a pet owner." However, other experts such as Lisa Lange, vice president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals voiced her completely opposite opinion to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She said, "All things considered, it is a very small price to pay, especially compared to the suffering endured by the dogs who were abused and killed in the Bad Newz Kennels." While Vick wants to put his past behind him and move on, can a leopard really change its spots? In this writer's opinion, it is far too premature for Vick to be allowed to take on the awesome responsibility and the precious gift of owning a dog at this juncture. What are your opinions? Share them in a comment. Image Source: Flickr user Amber