Op-Ed: Vick is No Pet Person, Here's Who Is

Philanthropic celebrities, a creative seamstress, volunteer pilots, and a trekking spokesperson are just some of the people being recognized for their efforts to help animals in 2010. The Petside feature, 25 Pet People of 2010 is one of the many feel-good lists that appeared as the year came to a close, guaranteed to promote hope and positivity. The honorees have earned their places on the list through hard work and sacrifice, all to make the world a better place for our companion animals. So why is Michael Vick on the list? Petside stated, "We based our rankings on the individual's impact on the welfare of pets this year, their capacity to raise the public profile of pets in need, and finally their ability to inspire others to action." One could argue that the publicity surrounding the Vick case, and his subsequent "redemption," brought the horrors of dog fighting into our living rooms. Dog fighting is no longer a shadowy concept, and because of Vick, people are working in record numbers to end it. According to Petside, Vick was a catalyst, and because of that he deserves to be on the list. I don't see it that way. To honor Vick -- a man responsible for killing innocent dogs in ways too disturbing to mention here -- for his ability to raise awareness and inspire others to action is a little like honoring Clarence Bush, the drunk driver who caused the car accident that lead to the creation of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Admittedly Bush did nothing to help himself or other alcoholics after the fact, but he also had no fans to answer to. Rather than honoring the criminal, let's look to the people picking up the pieces and bringing about true positive change; the canine welfare organizations like BADRAP and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary working to rehabilitate the Vick dogs. Who really deserves recognition for their contributions to animal welfare? A convicted dog abuser with a canny PR team? Or the people putting in the time to heal Vick's broken dogs? Michael Vick's community service speaking engagements pale in comparison to the animal rehabilitator's hands-on efforts to turn "born fighters" into household companions. BADRAP and Best Friends deal with the fallout of extreme animal abuse but still manage to find hope and happy endings -- now that's something to celebrate. Like many Petside readers, the wounds are still too raw for me. The reasons behind his inclusion -- impact and inspiration -- are better illustrated in those working to correct his wrongs. Let's hope to see these real heroes getting the kind of attention and accolades they deserve. Image Source: Flickr User robswatski