Michael Vick’s former Virginia property was a dog fighting horror scene back in 2007, resulting in the seizure of dozens of dogs who had been forced to be involved in the illegal “sport” known as dog fighting. Since then, these 15 acres of land have been transformed into the rescue site of nonprofit organization Dogs Deserve Better, whose mission is to “provide a better life for abused, neglected and abandoned canines; especially those which are chained or penned without human companionship.”
On April 30th, Dogs Deserve Better held a beautiful memorial ceremony in remembrance of 51 of Vick’s helpless victims, honoring their strength, suffering, and lives.
Attendees included adopters and rescuers of “Vicktory” dogs, as well as investigators who worked tirelessly to uncover the truth that freed them from their dog fighting hell.
“Retired USDA Special Agent on the Vick Case – Jim Knorr.”
When their stories were shared, hearts were touched, “and when Janet Hopkins from the Metropolitan Opera sang ‘You Will Never Walk Alone’ there was not a dry eye in the house,” recalled Stacey Williams, Board Treasurer and lead planner for the memorial.
During the ceremony, each dog was memorialized. Some had been adopted into loving homes, but have since passed.
“Hector’s Mom and Dad….no words needed.”
…but some were able to accompany their humans that day.
“Uba – seized 9 years ago as a little pup. He’s a very happy dog now.”
“Together we planted dogwood trees with plaques in honor of each and every dog seized nine years ago, and a weeping cherry to honor those who never made it out,” Williams said.
“Alf’s Mom planting her tree for Alf.”
“It was a day of peace, a day of closure and a day to remember the dogs of the Bad Newz Kennels,” she said.
And although the ceremony is over, the dogs’ legacies will live on at the Dogs Deserve Better rescue by way of stunning portraits, blossoming trees, and most importantly, the continued inspiration to keep rescuing dogs from lives of neglect and abuse.
“All 51 dogs have a portrait in the foyer of Dogs Deserve Better.”
“The photo in the center was created by Melissa Crampton. It represents the three dogs that never made it out of animal control. They were never named. Only one out of 51 dogs were evaluated as too aggressive to be saved. ONE out of 51!“
What a beautiful way to commemorate such beautiful souls! Not only is Vick’s former property a wonderful dog rescue, it’s a memorial for the dogs that endured needless suffering, the ones who never had a chance, and the ones who overcame adversity.
Click here to see more pictures from the April 30th tribute day. To learn more about the Dogs Deserve Better rescue, visit their website and Facebook page.
