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A Final Tribute To Pit Bull Denzel, Rescued From Michael Vick’s Dog Fighting Ring

Written by: Dina Fantegrossi
Dina Fantegrossi is the Assistant Editor and Head Writer for HomeLife Media. Before her career in writing, Dina was a veterinary technician for more than 15 years.Read more
| Published on January 12, 2017

It has been almost 11 years since NFL player Michael Vick was exposed for his crimes against Pit Bulls. Twenty-two of his canine victims were taken in by Best Friends Animal Society and several were adopted into loving homes.

A special dog named Denzel was kept in the devoted, capable hands of the Best Friends staff due to a chronic blood disorder often suffered by victims of dog fighting.

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He passed away peacefully on January 10th surrounded by those who loved him.

 

Just because Denzel could not be adopted into a traditional home does not mean that he never experienced the joys of family. In fact, Denzel had a huge extended family of Best Friends trainers, caregivers and veterinarians who loved him as if he were their own.

Unlike many of the other “Vicktory” rescue dogs, Denzel did not give his love freely. His trust had to be earned, but those lucky enough to break through his hard outer shell discovered a devoted friend for life. Denzel will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of those closest to him and the millions more who were affected by his story of survival and redemption.

To learn more about Denzel’s remarkable life, read the blog post dedicated to him at bestfriends.org.

 

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