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Is Michael Vick Ready for a Dog?

by Jo Singer
Published December 20, 2010
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
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Jo Singer

Shortly after retiring as a social worker and psychotherapist, I discovered my "writer's voice"…

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Comments (14)

fourhorsegal
Added 12-22-2010 02:24pm
Wow, What an interesting topic. I do not know Vick personqlly, so I don't think I can stand in judgement of him. But I will say this. If he is ever allowed to own another dog I think he should be strictly observed. Unannounced visits from authorities, etc. I just don't think his word is good enough. He needs proof that he is capable of properly taking care of another dog.
Rani (Unverified)
Added 12-22-2010 01:16pm
I'd like to see him put in some time during the off-season working in a controlled environment, such as doing volunteer work at his local SPCA. Let the man work through his issues by taking care of sick and abused animals, with supervision. After doing that for two or three off-seasons, then let the courts read reports of his supervisors there and evaluate whether he's demonstrated that he can be loving and compassionate with animals. Depending on his kids' ages, they may be able to do some volunteering, too. Even if they are too young, it'd be good for them to see their father taking true responsibility for his actions. BTW,my radar perked at the quote from Lisa Lange. PETA is anti-pets, aren't they?
PamH (Unverified)
Added 12-22-2010 12:30pm
I say, "No." He's not ready. It's part of the terms of his probation, which he accepted in order to be released. He should "man up" and explain to his kids that he did some very bad things and it's unfortunate, but they have to bear that burden as well. Yes, his kids are innocent but he isn't. He should have thought of his kids when he was into dog fighting and breaking the law, particularly if he cares for them as much as he says he does. I'm appalled that he's left even a glimmer of hope for his kids. That's just plain wrong.
Ruth UK (Unverified)
Added 12-22-2010 11:02am
No he should never be allowed a dog again, once an animal abuser, always an animal abuser and his sob stories about no dogs in his life are disgusting after what he did. Who is to say if he was allowed to get a dog he wouldn't set it on other dogs or cats for the thrill of it. Animal abuse to me is not hard to forgive, it's impossible !!!
Kathy (Unverified)
Added 12-22-2010 08:48am
I certainly understand everyone's concern about Michael Vick being able to own another dog. However, I do believe that people can change and grow through experiences. He spend 23 months in prison, that is very punishing; lost a fortune in salaries, endorsements, etc.; and will carry this conviction on his record for the rest of his life. He clearly did not see his fighting dogs as creatures deserving of any kind of comfort or support from human beings. They obviously were not living creatures to him, but, instead, were just commodities. I think that, perhaps, his wife or children could "officially" own a dog. The dog's well being should be monitored by the court, and, if there is any indication of abuse, taken away with Vick going back to prison. I do think his family should have a chance to have a pet and he should have a chance to prove that he has learned for his experience. Maybe, he should be asked to use his dog as a therapy dog so he can see firsthand how much of a difference in people's lives a well treated dog make. I'm sure many will disagree with me, but I do hold with the concepts of forgiveness and redemption.
Iniki (Unverified)
Added 12-22-2010 08:38am
No! He shouldn't have another dog ever. Sorry for whomever feels mushy about this. He is an abuser. Yes, he did his time and has paid his debt to society but because he has a "Name" for himself he thinks he can beg the court to change it's mind. NO! We have every day, ordinary people. People that are animal abusers and they are not allowed to have animals again ever. If they bend over on this ruling and allow him to have an animal it will set a very dangerous precident. No No, this cannot happen. If he gets a pass then the nastry woman in our area who abused animals will have a right to ask for her right to have animals back. NO! This should not happen! Do I sound positive about this? I should hope to heaves I DO!! The answer should be NO and it's time to contact everyone I know and tell them the same. People who are famous need to learn that name is not privilage.
Sharon from NY
Added 12-22-2010 08:29am
Whoa..... well that was an interesting reaction from John to say the least.... but I'm just going to respond to the story and not him. My reaction to the story is that the Vicks family should remain without pets. Best Friends Animal Society took some of the most badly affected dogs. One dog was so badly hurt that the Judge ordered that the dog never be adopted. They have had to work extremely hard to rehabilitate these dogs. So have the other rescue groups that took some of the dogs. People can, indeed, change. However, a dog cannot call the police and report that Mr. Vick's "rehabilitation" has hit a snag, if necessary. I would not be willing to trust any animal into his care.... ever.
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