Well said.

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Good Advice! Love on a pittie, your heart will be full! Keep the attention on the dogs!

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Beautifully put!!! Could not agree with you more. Thank God for the caring wonderful people at Best Friends. You truely are the best!!!

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Well said. As a lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan, I was devastated upon hearing the news of the signing of Michael Vick. I cancelled an order of Eagles merchandise I had purchased for the upcoming season and will donate those funds for animal welfare instead.

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To return to society is one thing..but to get millions for being a mass murderer, serial killer is insane. NO football in this household as long as he is on the field...All monies that usually went to Eagle's sponsored products now goes to local rescues!!!

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beautiflly said.how can his behavior be rewarded .i wonder if he was just an average guy,would he be given another chance.kind of makes you think it's all about the money.i wonder if his contrition is about the behavior or just being caught.how can the nfl hold up this type of person as an example for our children.thank you to best friends for focusing on the victims .it seems that the media has convieniently forgotten about them,thank god for best friends.keep up the good work

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Aloha All: So very well put. I agree. Perhaps he will find it in his heart to donate a portion of his contracted salary to helping the Pit Bull breed in general, or if not, then all animals in need. Ironically an NFL franchise which has the American Eagle ( an animal ) as its symbol & mascot should even think of doing what it has done. It has to be about the green, not the teams colors, just MONEY. Maybe the Franchise owners would like to donate some MONEY to helping animals in need? This would be the right thing to do, should they be looking to do the right thing? Take care. Dennis Lubrano Hawaii Go Local Team Leader

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I am disgusted, but not suprised that the NFL would welcome Vick back with open arms. Greed is the motivating factor which is behind the NFL. The only way to make a difference is to not support these teams by not buying tickets, t shirts, etc. Until people start standing up for whats right and wrong nothing will change. A convicted dog torturer and murderer is making millions of dollars a year. Whats wrong with this picture?

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Very well said. I have never heard Vivk actually say he was sorry for killing anf harming these dogs. He has never said the words. How can any believe he is tryly sorr. (ONly for losing all that cash) Again very well said Thanks

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I absolutely agree with everyone's comments, and we should not support the Eagles, the NFL, nor Michael Vick. He should be held responsible for his poor choices, and I feel that he definitely should give back to the community and the animals that he has hurt. Thank you, Best Friends, for all that you have done. You are an amazing sanctuary.

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I think the only thing this scum bag is sorry about is getting caught. And shame on the NFL for letting him back in. He gets to come back and make all that money but what about the dogs he killed, what about the remaining dogs and what a struggle it has been for them. This whole thing upsets me with this horriable man. I want to thank all you people at best friends that are there for these awesome dogs and hope someday they will be in a forever home were they will be showed love like they deserve.

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I agree to the above article, but, also. Vick, should have paid for the burial/cremation of all the dogs that died unnecessarily through his violent and suffering actions! Vick, should be held responsible and pay for all the animals that needed medical care, extensive rehabilitation, sheltering, food and spay & neutering of every animal he tortured!!! I myself am SICK to see Vick (a less then animal), receive this kind of "slap on the hand" after HOW & WHAT VICK did to TORTURE these smart and gentle dogs by nature. If you treat anything like he did, well, this is why the dogs became mean! * Serial Killers" start out first by abusing animals & then becoming desensitzed and then torturing people next! Vick, has a big problem in his future in regards to humans that will cross his path!

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i agree with all the comments above and with the statement made by BF. I have never been a fan of football so needless to say I wouldn't watch Vick play!! I personally think he does not regret anything but being caught and losing money. The NFL in my opinion is showing just how shallow they really are. It is all for that Holy Dollar!!! Shame on the NFL for letting this sick human being again become a symbol that young people will look up to. I am totally disgusted that this man is going to be in the public eye again and making a fortune. I just hope and pray he does not take up his activity of dog fighting again, if he does I will not be the least bit surprised.

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Very well said, and kudos to the Eagles fans that are donating $$ otherwise spent on Eagles merchandise to animal rescue and welfare. I know that can't be easy for lifelong fans, but you're sticking to your principles and you are to be commended for it. Well done.

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There are hundreds of thousands of folks involved in the dog fighting business as we speak. M. Vick is only one. He has paid his dues. He is in bankruptcy. Let him now go out and make a living. It would better serve the animal community to change the existing laws and mores concerning animal fighting. Direct your anger towards the law makers that allow animal atrocities to exist. The same goes for puppymills, downers and chained animals to name but a few.

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I made myself watch Michael Vick's press conference. One of the things that really stood out to me was that he thanked everyone he could think of connected to football and the NFL. He even made a small mention of the HSUS. But never once did he mention BF or any of the other resuces that went in and cleaned up his mess. Not one word of thanks for all the money and effort being expended to rehab these dogs. Sorry? I don't think so!

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I agree with what has been said - he is remorseful only for having been caught, and his so-called repentance is just a well-orchestrated and well-coached means of getting him back into the spotlight and into the $$$. I had the TV tuned to CBS when 60 Minutes came on. After no more than a few minutes of Vick's interview, I said out loud to my little pittie and his two dog brothers "I can't listen to this bull****, let's go outside" - and we went out for a glorious walk out on our country property. Time much better spent!

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I used to be a huge Eagles Fan for about 20 years. I refuse to represent a team that allows convicted Dog Fighting Killing Felons on their team. I love football and know that they do alot of good in the communities but for some reason they like other sports allow felons back to the team with open arms. I just don't get it! I had tickets for the opening game here in NC but I sold them. I don't care to see them at all this year. I will continue to spend my extra money at BF not the Eagles team. Also, I took all of my Eagles Fan stuff down from my office and home and will put it on EBay and send my profits to BF for all the Vck Dogs! Thanks BF for all you do.

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Very well written. Deep down I don't believe Vick really is sorry for what happened, only sorry that he got caught. He should have been made to volunteer for an animal organization for a year. I'd like to think he will make good on his work with the Humane Society, but sadly I have a feeling that his "busy football schedule" will somehow get in the way of him doing any volunteer work at all.

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How do we get a lifetime donation of 1/3 of Vick's hefty salary? Can't undo the past. Vick is only sorry he got caught. 1/3 of his salary shows remorse. How do we begin to get this done? Also, I'd like to see Vick do PSAs during games. Let's see how involved he becomes in helping our loving animals.

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Michael Vick has sociopath written all over him. It doesn't matter what he says, anyone who could do what he did in the first place is not going to change.

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So far, every time Vick has spoken about himself-it's about his MISTAKE!!! He also claims that it was not until the prison door slammed shut that he realized the severity of his MISTAKE!! I guess it didn't occur to him even when he was arrested. Great idea of Best Friends-let everyone donate the money they would have spent on Eagles tickets or merchandise. Personally, I hope the Eagles lose every game that Vick participates in-and remember how he rewarded his "losers"!

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No doubt that the majority of us here are in agreement that the only thing Vick is sorry about is that he got caught...Truthfully, there is little that he could have said on 60 Minutes last night that would have changed my mind about his lack of remorse. I felt he was carefully coached on what to say and what not to say by his large group of image makers who are doing all that they can to improve his public image. I had to laugh when he said that losing 130 million $$ didn't matter to him and that he felt that he deserved that...Really?? He expects us to believe that statement? If it's true then I look forward to seeing how much of his future salary will be donated to the animals...should be interesting to say the least. I'm also very disturbed by the HSUS role in getting him back into good graces with the NFL... There are many unsavory aspects of the HSUS and Wayne Pacelle that most folks don't know about. A great article that will shed light on some of their antics is "In Bed with Monsters" by Nathan Winograd and can be found on http://www.nathanwinograd.com. It's well worth taking the time to read...

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What's next for Michael Vick - induction into the Football Hall of Fame. Shame on Commissioner Goodell. He has let us know that - CRIME PAYS!

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First of all, Vick should not be allowed the luxury of a multi million dollar contract and live in the lap of luxury he was accustomed to before he was caught. The dogs he tortured, abused, maimed and killed do not have that luxury. Secondly, I have never actually heard him say he was sorry. And there is the admittance to having made "a mistake". As a friend of mine put it, making a mistake is forgetting to pay your electric bill, not remembering to sign your tax forms or forgetting to put your gas cap back on the car. Vick made decisions. For anyone who needs a reminder of why so many animal lovers are so angry about this, go back and read, in graphic details, what he and his thugs did to those dogs. Read about HOW he maimed and killed them. Read about the swimming pool and the electrocutions. Look at the faces of Georgia, Handsome Dan and the others. Look at their scars....those are only the physical scars, what about the emotional scars they endured? Give Vick a second chance???? Only when and if you can give those who paid with their lives a second chance....... If Vick had not been caught do you think his conscience would have kicked in and he would have put an end to this? Oh h*** no, he'd still be doing his thing...his only remorse is in having been caught, that's it. For anyone interested in reading "the truth" pick up just about anything by Nathan Winograd or check out his website. Very informative and a real eye opener.

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Best Friends Official Comment, like Best Friends is perfect. Vic should be made to donate at least 90% of his NFL earnings to Best Friends....... If you get the chance, please read the mindless comments on the NFL /Eagles web page unbelieveable........ how soon they forget or maybe they never really cared, after all, Vic might help them make more MONEY!!!!!!!!\please boycott the Phil Eagles in every way possible

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just posted but forgot to say we hae done canine rescue ( bulldog breeds ) for the last 20 years and that is why I am sooo passionate , angry, depressed, etc about this Vic Thing...... He is a scam, a liar and will probably , when this " dies down" try to do it again!!!!!!!! lets all keep a watch on this worthless person

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Whenever I hear about a person being cruel to an animal, I feel hate in my heart for that person. I do not like having hatred take hold of me this way, so what I always end up doing is praying for the person. This is what I am doing regarding Michael Vick. I pray that he turns to the Light. Besides praying, I also make it a point to spend a lot of time with the pitties up at Best Friends. I am a local volunteer and I walk several pitties five mornings a week. They love their walks (and their kisses and treats!), and it does my heart good to serve them in this way.

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As a Christian and an animal lover, I have struggled with this situation and Vick from the beginning. I want what's best for the dogs. I'll have to let God handle Vick. But, Best Friends, thank you for saying it the best. I've heard the HSUS and ASPCA make comments about this situation, but I truly believe, BF, you said it from the heart and on behalf of the dogs. Thank you.

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I live in the Philly Burbs. I cannot believe that my home team took this scum. I didn't think anyone would but to have him playing for the City of Brotherly Love is beyond anything I thought could ever happen here. I just heard on our local news that the ASPCA lost 1000 members because the President of that Org. is backing him. [Vicks] I saw him sitting at a local news conference with the owner of the Eagles and Vicks almost patting him on the back. What did he expect? I am so proud of Dog Town. I haven't missed a show and I thank you for taking his dogs in. The ones who survived. I thank god every day for Best Friends and Dog Town. I also heard Vicks say "it was part of my culture when I was growing up" He is beyond redemption and please keep him away from kids! Barbara Corn Philly Burbs

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How disappointing to see that torturing animals is seen as a mistake and not as a barbaric and unforgivable act. Mr. Vick decided to kill and torture as an adult and he should not be rewarded so easily. Principles and values are not built from one day to the next, specially if we are talking about someone who has showed to have no real honor and remorse. He is just a coward who is sorry for the temporal loss of income. Best friends people are real heroes, Vick is just a coward with no principles and values, very far from what a real sportman and role model should be.

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I absolutely do not believe Vick is sincere. But, if he can save even one dogs life, while working with the Humane Society, I will say he has done something good. He does not deserve to resume his career in the NFL. I will be writing the Philadelphia Eagles sponsors, protesting their sponsorship of the team.

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I am finished with the Eagles after years of being a fan, I am stopping my donations to the ASPCA and giving that money to Best Friends. Michael Vick is a liar, he is insincere and yes if we were felons, we would have to beg for a job washing dishes. He and his friends are murderers and I am disappointed in 60 minutes for giving him such valuable time. I am finished with anyone involved or supporting him. I LOVE BEST FRIENDS, I love pit bulls and I will continue to support you. Thanks to all that commented. I am so sad and angry, but I will channel that elsewhere for the good of the dogs.

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FinnMcCool, you could not have picked a better organization to channel your money and alliance to. Best Friends proves time and time again they are truly for the animals. I pulled my support awhile ago from all the big supposed "humane societies" and those proclaiming they support the animals. Glad I did especially once I read Nathan Winograd's book "Redemption". While you will find it terribly upsetting, shocking, disheartening and horrifying to read that these organizations could put an end to shelter deaths and help get millions of adoptable animals into their forever homes, it was extremely enlightening as well. I no longer "buy" the messages they are trying to sell to the public. Best Friends consistantly walk the walk and talk the talk. They are FOR REAL.

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As always, I agree with Ed: Well said. Very well said.

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I am outraged that the Eagles would want a CONVICTED FELON who brutalized and murded his own Pit Bulls to play and entertain famlies across the country. What was the NFL commissioners and the Eagle's owner thinking? Unbelievable! I own a Pit Bull along with 2 other dogs and my Pit Bull is loving, loyal and playful. I am on board to help stop the punishment that this breed has had to endure!

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I also don't feel good about a convicted felon getting right back into a multimillion dollar job. Others who have served time for less brutal crimes have no chance of working anywhere that would offer more than minimum wage. Yes we are all fighting for the animals but shame on the Eagles and shame on the spectators who will spend millions to watch a team that forgets the cruelty of human nature to our companions!

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I would urge everyone to go to the Philadelphia Eagles website and write them telling them you do not agree with their decision and you won't be supporting their team until they get Vic out of the picture.

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At a recent Best Friends meeting in Chicago, it was pointed out that "good" (so to speak) has come out of this Vick situation. Everyone is now very much aware of dog fighting, how wrong it is, what the consequences are, and what we can do about it. I don't think much of the general public was aware of how common dog fighting was until the Vick episode. Too bad that it had to happen this way. I wish too that Vick would spend more time helping animals and less time making millions of dollars.

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All my feelings you put into the perfect words.

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I own 3 pit bulls and live in southern NJ.. I have been an Eagle fans for years and also volunteer at a pit bull friendly shelter. I really cannot forgive Michael Vicks, when I pet my dogs and feel their love for me I just cannot imagine how anyone could be so cruel to send an animal like this to a horrible death. That said I am praying he will become involved in helping the plight of pit bulls and help stop dog fighting. His notority could help alot. Maybe God will forgive him... but for me...never.

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I dont live in Philadelphia, so I cant boycott the Eagles. But, I can boycott their sponsors. I will be writing each of their sponsors explaining why I will no longer buy their product, as long as Vick is on the team.

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Very well said. I too do not believe he is remorseful. I think he feels bad that he got caught. Personally I think ANYONE who has that much violence in them can not be "cured" with jail. He has recieved no therapy for this and therefore, I believe, can not be "cured". My husband and I have supported Best Friends for years. Unfortunately, he has been an Eagles season ticket holder (of 6 seats) for over 10 years. We are so upset at the Eagles choice to put our money towards paying Vick, especially when we've given money to BF to help his dogs. We are expecting our first baby in 2 weeks and have already announced we would NOT like any baby Eagles items, have started selling our tickets, and have contacted Eagles sponsors. Hopefully it will make a difference.

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Put pressure on the football team that has welcomed back this poor excuse for a human. When will all those dogs who have suffered unspeakable pain and then death be counted for something?

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After being a lifelong Eagles fan, I am appalled by their hiring of Michael Vick. If indeed he is sorry, let him put his money where his mouth is. While the rest of us have contributed to BF and the rehab of his dogs, he has shown no responsibility for their care. I think his words are hypocritical. McNabb and Andy Reid are asking for forgiveness and a second chance for Vick. What a crock!!! Vick's actions speak for themselves and the Eagles are seeing only what they will reap from him. I am contacting the Eagles and I hope that others will speak their mind as well. There will be no Eagles football in our home as long as Vick is on the team.

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I have already written numerous letters to sponsors of the NFL, the Eagles, and JC Penney for their sponsorship of the NFL's Take a Player to School Program. I am relentless in my drive to let corporate America to know that we the customers, the fans, and most of all, lovers and respectors of all life, will not tolerate this move on the NFL to return MV to the playing field when in fact he still does not own the actual violence he purportrated against animals with his own hands (check out his indictment on line #83 down) without any genuine from the heart remorse or effort in any way to put his heart and soul into work with animals. It all comes down to money but I know the good Lord will make true, what comes around goes around, and I urge everyone to take their anger and channel it into a public voice, take the time to write to the appropriate groups including the NFL and most of all, boycott the Eagles.

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Michael Vick is a sadist...Once a sadist, always a sadist. His well rehearsed "remorseful" speech is a joke. His minimal time served is a joke. An approriate "sentence" would be to rub him in raw meat, throw him in a pit, and let his starving, abused dogs rips him to shreds. THAT is justice...Now that he can't hurt dogs anymore, I wouldn't be surprized to see him in the media for a rape or violence charge.

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Dear NFL Commissioner, As a requirement for Michael Vick's reinstatement, please stipulate that he tithe his salary to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary for the care of the dogs he so mistreated. Thank you, An Ex Football Fan

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I've decided to give M Vick the benefit of the doubt. Coming from personal experience, I know I turned my life around and don't know why someone else couldn't do that too. He can reach kids that someone like me can't. On my road to change, I had to "act as if" until the real change took effect. I love my 4 dogs and 4 cats dearly and I am very much opposed to abuse of any kind. I'd rather forgive and hope for the geniuneness of Mr. Vick's change of heart rather than expending destructive energy to hate and despise him. Thank you BF for being there! I love you ALL.

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It is appalling that M.Vick has been reinstated in the NFL, but it is even more appalling that a human being would be so vicious as to put dogs in a pool and electrocute them as well as have them in a fighting ring. What kind of individual does this, a negative entity only, and the people that saw these events what are they? NEGATIVE ENTITIES as well. The Eagles should be ashamed of themselves, but money has some kind of curse for certain people and this is a perferct example. I would like to thank Best Friends for being who you are, geunine and truly loyal to our animals. We need more Best Friends around the world and the world would be a much better place. I will boycott all of the Eagles sponsors and if there is anything else I can do , please let me know. Mr.Vick will soon forget he went to jail if he does not get extensive counseling and I truly believe he should be watched very carefully. Thank you Best Friends.

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I joined the Eagles on line chat and put in my feelings and boy the responses are pretty amazing. You have to join up to go on the blog/forums. I don't recommend it, these fans are just as ruthless as the acts committed by their player!

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I feel too that Vick didn't hardly get what he deserves!! Those poor pitties dyed a horrible, hellish death!! Some were hung, some electrocuted in a pool, some beathen to death, and God only knows the other unGodly manners in which this SICK SOB enjoyed killeing these poor animals!!! And he just gets a pat on the hand, and back to foot ball he goes!!! I wouldn't doubt he already has & does abuse people, & maybe females more!! after all, he has to be domonite over whatever he abuses!!! SICK creep!! I hope some day, he suffers too!!!

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Bravo - well said & could we please have more people like those at Best Friends & fewer Vick's in the world.

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Bravo! I think the donation of this year's salary to animal welfare is a good start...but I fear once a criminal thug always a thug...time will tell. We've got our eyes on you Vick! Take this opportunity to do the right thing.

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I too have written the NFL commissioner, Sports Illustrated, Eagles organization - all seems to be to no avail, I have never been blessed with a response. It is sad what people are willing to overlook for the opportunity to make a buck or win a championship. What Vick did shows a true lack of character & human decency - these are traits you normally learn as a child growing up. I don't think he understands even today - I believe his only remorse is that he got caught. I am hoping to see an outpouring of love for his victims at all Eagles games - a statement that we haven't forgotten what he did. His scars will heal with the first paycheck - not so the poor dogs he abused.

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It is totally about the money without question. If Michael Vick was a two-bit player no one would have even give him a second thought. It is shameful that the NFL all about winning without regard to the players values & morals or lack thereof. They have no concern or consideration to how these so called “Hero’s” behaviors shape the beliefs of the millions of children and adults that live and die the sport. With that said, I am a believer in second chances so I watched the 60 Minutes segment of Michael Vick. I wanted to witness true remorse because I think this could have been an unprecedented opportunity to educate and reach those who believe treating dogs & animals this way is acceptable. However, the part that convinced me that Vick was only regurgitating words fed to him from his “image” consultants and only in this recovery mode for himself was when the interviewer asked him “when was your first moment of clarity?” “When did you first realized what you had done was wrong?” Vick’s response was when the prison bars closed. Hello! God helps us all.

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Yes, I agree that Vick should make a substantial donation to Best Friends and any other sanctuary that are rehabilitating his dogs. He needs to go the extra mile in order to get rid of the protesters that will surely follow him at each every NFL game he plays in. The NFL Commisioner really has not shown any leadership and should make Vick's reinstatement conditional upon him doing community service and doing public service announcements against dog fighting.

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I totally agree with Best Friends theory that he should have to prove that he is remorseful. My opinion is that he feels like he got away with everything and with getting back into the NFL, life is back to normal. His "work" with the Humane Society, etc... is just face value. If he looks "good" (as good as someone like that can look), he can make his NFL salary. I think he should have spent much longer in jail. What he did, or condoned having done, is unmspeakable. I hope, as I am NOT watching the Eagles pre-season game tonight that there are millions of others that share my feelings.

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I totally agree with Best Friends theory that he should have to prove that he is remorseful. My opinion is that he feels like he got away with everything and with getting back into the NFL, life is back to normal. His "work" with the Humane Society, etc... is just face value. If he looks "good" (as good as someone like that can look), he can make his NFL salary. I think he should have spent much longer in jail. What he did, or condoned having done, is unspeakable. I hope, as I am NOT watching the Eagles pre-season game tonight that there are millions of others that share my feelings.

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I would like to see Michael Vick donate some of his salary to Best Friends for all the work they did for the Vicktory dogs.

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Outstanding response to Vick's release. Let's open NFL fans like myself choose to boycott the Eagles (and other teams) that condone players' bad behavior both on and off the field

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I completely agree...they allowed him back into the NFL much too soon. He should indeed work with rehabing fight dogs so he fully understands how valuable their lives are and to what extent the damage is. I am compassionate towards anyone who is sincere, I don't know his heart. But I am plagued in my heart to the suffering and torture of the dogs and what he did was just plain wrong. I think Americans put too much emphasis on the glory of the athlete and overlook their crimes too easily.

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Yuck to Micheal Vick. and Yuck to pit bulls, too.

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Shame on the NFL! Shame on the Philadelphia Eagles! If Vick is truly sorry, why not have him put his money where it should be -- the first million of his new contract to fund the rehabilitation of the very dogs he abused?!!!

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On the television they refer to the "mistake" that Michael Vick made . However, Michael Vick made a conscious decision that he would take part in the abuse and killing of fighting dogs - and with his own hands he killed dogs in the most brutalizing way. He make have settled his legal responsibity to the law, but Michael Vick has shown his character to be that of an individual who is cruel, sadistic, heartless, vicious, and brutally inhumane. He may have completed his legal penalty, but WE CAN NOT FORGIVE OR FORGET WHAT HE DID AND WHAT HE IS! Vick has not morally atoned for his actions. Michael Vick has many years left in his life - we can only hope that "as he gave, so shall he receive." May all abundance disappear from his life and may he finally see himself as he is.

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On the television they refer to the "mistake" that Michael Vick made . However, Michael Vick made a conscious decision that he would take part in the abuse and killing of fighting dogs - and with his own hands he killed dogs in the most brutalizing way. He make have settled his legal responsibity to the law, but Michael Vick has shown his character to be that of an individual who is cruel, sadistic, heartless, vicious, and brutally inhumane. He may have completed his legal penalty, but WE CAN NOT FORGIVE OR FORGET WHAT HE DID AND WHAT HE IS! Vick has not morally atoned for his actions. Michael Vick has many years left in his life - we can only hope that "as he gave, so shall he receive." May all abundance disappear from his life and may he finally see himself as he is.

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Michael Vick is a brutal, terrifying felon. It is disgusting that the NFL reinstated him. Pete Rose, a good man and great baseball player, was banned from the sport for placing a bet! And Michael Vick, who committed horrific crimes against helpless animals, is allowed to stay in the game? Disgusting!

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Fact: Serial Killers, Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Rapists, School Shootings, and Violent Criminals, all have 1 thing in Common- They all Started with Abusing and Killing Animals! VICK IS SICK!!!

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I'm all for giving second chances. Michael Vick has served his time; however, I feel that he should show how repentant he is PRIOR to having been taken back by the Eagles. What he did he did knowing that it was wrong and yet he continued because it was profitable, and probably was an ego thing. I know that sometimes people who kill people spend less time incarcerated, (example drunk drivers); however, these are accidents--not something done intentionally. As far as I'm concerned, I will never watch an Eagles game. Shame on them for relenting so quickly--evidently public opinion means nothing to them.

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I'm so sick of hearing about how this monster deserves a second chance!!! What about all the poor, defenseless dogs he tortured because they didn't perform well enough for him? What about a second chance for them? I never had any respect for the sports community as a whole, and now I absolutely despise the whole stinking machine. They are put on a pedestal because they can run, jump, throw, hit, catch better than normal humans to the point that nothing can humble them and they feel they are above the law. When will the world ever learn?

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I agree one hundred per cent. Michael Vick got off entirely too easy -- he can never make up for the harm he has inflicted upon these wonderful animal, but he really should have put some effort into trying to do so. I really do not believe he is the least bit remorseful.

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I have a pit bull of my own--a rescue--and despite her terrible experiences, she's the sweetest girl in the world. I don't know any human being who could be that forgiving. I don't know what's in Michael Vick's heart. His actions fill me with fury. But I do a lot of dog rescue work, and I agree with Best Friends: take that energy and put it into doing something that will help animals. There are so many opportunities to volunteer, and so many animals who need our help.

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The Philidelphia Eagles should have lead the way by requiring Michael Vick to donate proceeds from his generous contract to animal rescue. There are too many talented individuals who desire to play football to reward someone with obvious lack of concern towards others, who takes financial reward and pleasure through pain and violence. I agree, public pressure on the Eagles to help right this wrong is a admirable step.

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Oh, very well done! I agree with every word. I wish that the Surry County DA had done his job -- I wish Michael Vick had served some years in prison for cruelty to animals. I wish the owner of the Eagles had done his job -- I wish Michael Vick had not been hired to be a quarterback in the NFL. I wish the NFL itself had done its job -- has everyone here heard yet that the NFL is selling T-shirts for dogs with "Michael Vick" printed on them? But none of them did their jobs. Now I hope that the kind people of this world will simply remember to do the right thing: don't patronize any organization that supports Michael Vick. If Michael Vick surprises us by doing all the right things -- donating a huge part of his salary to animal welfare, aggressively condemning dog fighters and dog fighting, frequently and fully speaking out about the horrific things he did and begging people not to do those things -- then it will be time for people to support him. Nothing Michael Vick has said or done recommends him in any way. When the NFL tries to get the public to support him, they disgrace themselves. Let's hope that the American public will be better than the NFL expects us to be.

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I live in the UK and I am disgusted to hear that Michael Vick has been signed up by the Philadelphia Eagles on this release from prison. However www.care2.com has an active petition asking the Eagles to drop him, so please sign up and let them know how you feel. When I posted my comment several minutes ago 4,903 people had already signed the petition so let's make it a lot more!! However money speaks louder than words (and petitions) so hit the Eagles where it hurts and don't attend their games, buy their merchandise or patronize the team in any way. I totally agree with the comments that if Michael Vick wants to show remorse for his crime he should have volunteered (if anyone would have him) with a rescue facility for at least a year before being allowed to be considered for a team.

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Best Friends, you always choose the perfect words to say exactly what must be said. Thank you for the example you set and the work that you do. We are blessed and proud to be among your most loyal supporters.

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So many of us had feared that professional football would take Vick back and sure enough, it happened. What we need now is more dogfight arrests and successful prosecutions. Dog fighting is a felony in every state of the U. S. and there is a $5,000 reward for tips leading to arrest and conviction offered by the HSUS. We need to get that word out thoroughly in all our communities - pursuant to seeing more arrests. We need to urge our local law enforcement authorities to get training in investigating dog fighting, so that cases can be successfully prosecuted. Indeed, we need to be educating our communities to see dogfighting stopped.

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To ahughes 798 I'm not sure I understand why you would write: "and yuck to pit bulls too". These mis understood dogs are nothing short of loving, adoring and very loyal dogs who've gotten a rotten deal. They are no different from any other breed and deserve to have long, healthy, happy and love filled lives.

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I agree with the anger, outrage and ways to go around the stupidity of the Eagles and I would like to see MV spend some time slopping stables or working in a stockyard or even just cleaning kennals at a local shelter-but, God help me, I have visions of him doing harm and causing pain to more innocent critters. It is a fact that many sociopaths begin their reigns of terror with animals and graduate up to humans-as was said earlier, why even give him a NFL job when there are equally talented atheletes who take seriously their obligation to be a role model for the young ones watching them-of course it is greed and the idea some bigwigs seem to have that the general public of the US is stupid and does not care I would point you in the direction of the changes in evacuation routes and facilities in the rubble after Katrina-YES WE DO CARE and NO we are NOT stupid. Since both disater evacuation and dog fighting are common in my neighborhood, I pay attention to these things and see no redeeming value in MV being re-hired unless his contract is dependent upon two things-he must swear publically that what he did is no mistake but a cruel and heartless decision made by a cruel and heartless man and that his salary be automatically docked to pay BF for their time and such as well as the other dogs (esp at North Shore Animal Leauge, NY). As to the ASPCA and HSUS-although they do good work they are (IMHO) trying to gain financial gains from their support of the Eagles and MV-bah-I have stopped supporting them and now send my cash where it will be used to do what I want done with it, not what some board things will be appropriate. Here in Texas, I sometimes feel alone in the wilds of non-caring people, but somehow, that gets done away by at the actions of a few dedicated folks who do care and do fight not only for pets but for livestock in the pasture and in the sale barns and for the wild ones as well. my signature says it all.

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Congratulations, Best Friends, for standing up and reiterating that what Vick did was wrong and that his jail time does not necessarily mean he's rehabilitated or deserving of making a fortune in the NFL! So glad to see an animal rights group that's NOT saying VIck deserves a second chance. Thank you, thank you, thank you for recognizing right and wrong and speaking out about it! You truly have the dogs' best interests in mind with your statement.You are my heroes.

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Michael Vick has not paid his debt to society and never will. He may have served his sentence, but he has a long way to go to return to the human(e) race. How can I remain an Eagles fan after they have signed this... MV without insisting on some kind of retribution on his part? I saw and heard the press conference, and it did not even start to convince me that he is ready for another chance. AND the NFL-affiliated stores are not only selling his jersey (#7), but are also selling a DOG JERSEY with his name and number on it! Who will buy this outrage?

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I live in philadelphia, and never have i ever been so ashamed to say so. It's like giving a bank robber a job in a vets office. There will not be any eagles in my home this year. I also will NOT donate, volunteer, or recommend the Aspca- HSUS. I am Lost without not being able to pet the, "locals". However, i will stand strong to whats wrong and right. MV is a killer. He has NOT proven other wise

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I love the idea of donating any money that would have gone towards Eagles tickets or merchandise to a local humane organization. Also, did anyone hear that the NFL website is offering the Vick jersey for dogs? Terribly, terribly bad taste. I heard this on the news and e-mailed nfl dot com that I hoped this rumor was not true.

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I still can not believe that any team in the country would have taken him. What kind of image is that giving to young athletes? He served his time as the statement says he donates time to educating young people about violence and animal cruelty in our society.

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Rock On Best Friends!! You guys said it perfectly. What a poor reflection on our society to think that Vick has done his time and can now just waltz right back to playing professionally. That's disgusting. Any other convicted felon would have a hard time getting a job flipping burgers but the NFL takes him back immediately AND pays him millions? Where are our priorities and morals? Shame on the NFL and Michael Vick. I pray for the day when all pitbulls and other dogs can live their lives peacefully, happily, and free from harm.

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I agree. But now that they let him back in the NFL he should have to donate all his earnings to fighting dog rescues. I for one hope the Eagles lose every game if they keep Michael Vick.

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I think the statement by Best Friends was very thoughtful and mindful. If I let myself, I think terrible thoughts about Michael Vick. I find, however, that this expends so much energy on my part. By gosh, if Georgia and the rest can begin to forgive man, maybe we can as well. It's so much more productive to DO something GOOD for the pups. I am sure not preaching - Good Lord! Just some thoughts.

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Thank you guys so much for all you do, and all you have done for these dogs. You guys seem to be the only major organization that challenges breed stereotypes and works to better the image of pit bulls, and I'm SO incredibly grateful for that! My pit bull is the love of my life, and I hope that others will come to realize how amazing these dogs are...and that they are not "vicious" by nature- only when terrible humans like Michael Vick subject them to horrendous forms of abuse and they have to fight in order to protect their own lives. I can't thank you guys enough for all you do, and for believing in these dogs and giving them a second chance.

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It's amazing that some say Vick has paid his debt to society and should be able to play in the NFL. But who is still paying the biggest price--the dogs!! The ones that had no choice being in this terrible situation with the silent voices, still having to prove they were the innocent ones, and that they deserve the second chance not Vick.Thank you Best Friends for being their voices and giving them that second chance!! God Bless.

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I agree with many comments posted on this website, and like most I am afraid what it shows the children in this society who are in the lowest income and see that you get rewarded for cruelty to animals, which in turn can become cruelty to humans. I did not for one minute believe M. Vick's statement, money talks, etc. For no other reason, but he does not seem that contrite - because he has at least millions waiting for him. My question, what is his punishment if he does not perform?

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VICK's debt may be paid to society BUT it certainly is NOT paid to the animals whose lives he destroyed. He should live in shame for a much longer period of time and his return to lucrative sports just sets yet another bad example to the kids of America. Especially those disadvantaged kids who look up to this hoodlum as a hero. I do not for an instant, think this us ANYTHING but a ploy and a publicity stunt and shame on organized sports for not seeing thru the sham!!! He should work for the betterment of animals for the rest of his worthless life. By the way, I wrote to Vick in prison concerning my feelings about him; I guess he never had enough time to respond to my letter. Either that, or he had no defense for what he did; what a disgusting excuse for a human being.

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I heard Micheal Vick on 60 minutes last week, and I must say that he did sound sincere in his apology and regret for what he did. He is working with the HSUS to teach children that dog fighting is wrong. He claims to have found God while in prison and even went so far as to say that he doesn't care about losing millions of dollars because he is a changed man. He also says that he was exposed to dog fighting as a small child by his own family, and was taught that there was nothing wrong with it. Having said all of that, I think that we should forgive him and try to give him the benefit of the doubt. Actions speak louder than words, so we shall see. I sincerely hope that he is a changed man and that he can have a positive impact on the dog community!

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I feel the story written here is well put. Now he will be put to the test to see if his actions will speak louder than his words. I do find it amazing that "super stars" can get away with murder and no one in government cares about the Phila. school teachers who are abused by administrators and they administrators are allowed to get away with it each and every day. Everyone is afraid of the district administrators. I can only figure it out to be dirty politics. Perhaps when a teacher is severly beaten like these poor defenseless dogs were someone will look kindly on them too and offer to help.

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Very nicely put. As much as I despise him for what he did, I am anxious to see how genuine his efforts are towards helping animals. That will especially be put to the test once he is back in the spotlight. I personally don't think he deserves to play again. Yes, I think he deserves to find employment (like everyone does) but allowing him back in his former high-profile profession tells people that it's okay, he served his time. He may have served his legal sentence, but he definitely has not served his moral sentence. He owes a lot to dogs, and let's hope he follows through.

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I had the priviledge of meeting some of the Vick dogs at Best Friends and Just seeing them brought me to tears at the thought of what they went through. I was livid when I heard that that miserable excuse for a human being, Michael Vick, was hired by the Eagles (a team we once rooted for). And I was equally livid that Roger "no goodatall" had lifted the "suspension?" What suspension? He couldn't have played in prison, anyway, so where did any suspension come in? I suspect that the Commish got a payoff. And the Eagles deserve to be boycotted and the TV coverage of them ignored...but, having lived in Philly, all they care about is winning! Of course, I'm sure some of them were furious about it, as well ...but probably not the football fans. What I fear is that after all the schturm un drang dies down nobody will notice that Vick hasn't lived up to his promise to continue to work for ending dogfighting. And his excuse that his family introduced him to it by virture of their "culture" is disgusting...couldn't he, as an adult, see the wrongness of that culteral behavior? I guess he would have made a good SS trooper.

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I have been a supporter of Best Friends for years and what you did for the Vicktory dogs is amazing. I appreciate what you said and agree that Michael Vick should have been made to spend at least a year volunteering with an animal shelter. But, the fact remains that he NEVER should have been reinstated into the NFL! What he did to dogs is far more reprehensible than what Pete Rose did to baseball. I lived in the Philly area for twelve years...the team is now dead to me. I sincerely hope that numerous fans boycott all Eagles games. I['ve actually lost all respect for the NFL and its commissioner. Go Red Sox and the Penn State Nittany Lions!

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I think Vick's only regret is getting caught and his quick return to the NFL indicates their priorities to make money over anything else. What was done to those animals is unforgiveable and should never be forgotten. Thank God for Best Friends and your dedication to what is right and real. God Bless all of you.

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I agree with ALL the comments but feel the one suggesting he pay for all costs associated with the dogs, car, rehab, medical, burial etc. should be paid by him. It would only be a drop in the bucket for him but for those who speak only the language of money, loosing money is the only way to talk back to them.

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i am a proud pit bull owner, great family dog. vick should be made to give 10% of his salary to the save the pitbull campaign. he was not sincere in interview. look at his eyes. he said what he thought we wanted to hear. he should be made to work for dogtown , and to look at the beautiful dogs they saved from being put down because of his cruetly. maybe they will remember him!!!!!1

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I could not agree more with the article written by Best Friends! I was outraged and disgusted tat not only is Vick being allowed to return to his profession with a veritable slap on the wrist, but the Nfl commisioner went back on his word about the life-long ban from the game! Those poor dogs that lost their lives didn't get a second chance, as their friends did. What kind of a statement does that make? My brother has a pit bull/boxer mix and Pennsylvania is entertaining a law to kill all of their kind. Vick should be the spokesperson and donate at least half of his income to the fight to end the senseless slaughter. Better yet, maybe he should be thrown into a ring and left to fight for his life. That's justice. Thank you Best Friends for the tireless work you do and for all that you've accomplished. God bless you!

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When Michael Vick was released, I hoped that Goodell would not reinstate him. When Goodell reinstated him, I hoped that no football team would hire him. When the Eagles hired him, I hoped that fans would not cheer him. When Philadelphia fans cheered him, I hoped that companies would not re-hire him to endorse their products. When Nike re-hired him, I hoped that no-one would buy products with Vick's name on them. When Vick's NFL jerseys sold out, I understood at last. I have no further use for football or professional sports. And I have no further use for anyone with some bizarre hidden agenda that excuses the most egregious violations of decency and morality.

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