Pittie City... meet some of the rescued dogs at Best Friends
Here are the stories of some of the pit bulls of Best Friends, including some of the Vicktory dogs.
Scroll down to see just a few of the many animals at the sanctuary who would love you for a sponsor. For a complete listing go here. Or to give the perfect gift for your friends and family - a Best Friends animal sponsorship - go here.
Georgia
VICKTORY DOG: You may have seen her on the cover of the New York Times!
But Georgia doesn't exactly think of herself as a celebrity. She thinks of herself more as a very lucky dog who narrowly escaped living her whole life in pain.
She was one of the dogs rescued from the property of former NFL quarterback, Michael Vick. Her ears were cropped, her tail had been broken several times, she had scars all over her face, she'd clearly given birth to many litters, and she had no teeth. That was her life!
When Georgia arrived at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, she didn't trust anybody. Until she made a special friend in John Garcia. Watch as their friendship transforms this abused dog from a fearful victim into a cutie-pie who snores, plays, always carries a bone in her mouth, and is even fighting to pass the Canine Good Citizen test. Please consider sponsoring Georgia through her journey here at Best Friends.
Denzel
VICKTORY DOG: How did this boy get so happy?
When 22 dogs arrived at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary after they were rescued from the property of former NFL quarterback, Michael Vick, most of them were pretty scared and traumatized.
But one of them - Denzel - seemed like he had somehow come out of the dog fighting ring fairly unscathed. He was so sociable and friendly! But he hadn't come out unscathed at all. Denzel turned out to be deathly ill.
The Best Friends vets come to the rescue as this pup handles blood transfusions, and extensive testing. For the first time, he has a life worth living. Balls, toys, friends, and a leash that he likes to take himself on a walk with! It wouldn't be fair to lose his health now, just when his days have turned friendly. Can the vets make sure this boy gets to enjoy his new life at the sanctuary? Absolutely, they can and Denzel is doing great. Won't you help him on his journey by being his sponsor?
Curly
VICKTORY DOG: Curly's salary as assistant chef to the Vicktory dogs may not be anything to write home about, but the fringe benefits are great! Curly is one of the Vicktory dogs himself, one of the dogs rescued from the property of former NFL quarterback Michael Vick. But today, he's at Best Friends, a star rising to fame and fortune not as a fighter, but as a "kitchen assistant" for his caregiver.
Backing up a bit, Curly has a nickname of sorts: Curly Sneaky Eyes. There's something mischievous about this guy - in a good way, of course. He sits and watches people with a certain kind of intensity, as if he's peering into their soul. He always seems to know something you don't. Part of this whole "sneaky eye" thing has to do with the fact that Curly has a lot of brain energy and he's itching to use it. Plenty of physical energy, too, but mostly brain energy. He wants to do something with all that abundant sneakiness.
When McKenzie, one of his caregivers, decided to let Curly try out his talents as an assistant chef, Curly found his calling in life. Here's how he fills his end of the bargain: Curly sits up in a chair while McKenzie mixes and prepares the food. Curly watches closely, and if you ask, adds suggestions and provides feedback on the process from his vantage point on the chair. Also, if a piece of food happens to fall to the floor, Curly makes sure the workstation stays clean. After all, any self-respecting culinary worker should ensure a clean floor, shouldn't he?
Finally, Curly always keeps a spare eye on the kitchen door to make sure nobody tries to make off with the food. They don't call him Sneaky Eyes for nothing!
If you want to help with Curly's "salary", show your support by sponsoring him today.
Shadow
VICKTORY DOG: Shadow used to be so shy he'd hide in the corner and try to disappear. When he came to Best Friends he wanted nothing to do with anybody. He was completely shut down.
Not surprising when you learn what he's had to live through. Shadow is one of the 22 dogs who came to Best Friends from the estate of former NFL quarterback, Michael Vick after he was arrested and charged with "conspiracy to engage in dog fighting in violation of the animal welfare act."
Out of all 22 Vicktory dogs who came to Best Friends, Shadow was perhaps the most withdrawn. Everything terrified him. On his walks, he'd do a sort of commando crawl the whole way, staying as low to the ground as possible.
Wow, what a turnaround! It's amazing what a little TLC can do (okay, a lot of TLC). Once Shadow came to realize that everybody wanted to love him and help him get better, he became a different dog entirely. Nowadays he loves visitors, walks, and all things fun. An amazing act of healing in a dog who used to think the entire world was one big scary problem to hide from. Sponsor Shadow.
Willie
VICKTORY DOG; All the world is a playground for Willie. He loves his toys! One of his favorites, though, is something he can't always play with. The reason why? He needs to eat out of it once in a while! Willie's favorite toy is his food bowl. He can be seen tossing the dish high overhead over and over. He'd probably try juggling it with his water dish, but the caregivers have double-clipped that one to the fence.
It's amazing how happy Willie is day in and day out, considering how bad things were for him not too long ago. Willie is one of the 22 dogs who came to Best Friends from the estate of former NFL quarterback Michael Vick after he was arrested and charged with "conspiracy to engage in dog fighting in violation of the Animal Welfare Act."
When he first came to Best Friends, Willie was a little shy and withdrawn, like many of the Vicktory dogs (as we're now calling them). After all, they had little reason to trust people. As a group, they were afraid of almost anything new, even something as simple as crossing a threshold.
Think about that one for a minute, though. As fighting dogs, bad things happened when they crossed a doorway. Fights may have been the only time many of these dogs left confinement. That could make a doorway seem mighty ominous. Whatever the reasons, the 22 Vicktory dogs as a group were pretty shy in the beginning. But they've been receiving 24-hour care since coming to the sanctuary a month ago and it's amazing what a little TLC can do.
Willie is only one example of progress. He's now one of the happiest, most playful dogs around. He enjoys "regular" toys, too ¬ especially really large balls. Heck, he'd probably play with a bowling ball, given a chance! As Willie and the rest of the Vicktory dogs continue to overcome their awful past, it's wonderful to see their personalities surface. Life has given them a second chance, and they're giving this one their very best.
Please help Willie continue to learn the joys of life by sponsoring him today!
Ray
VICKTORY DOG: Ray would love nothing more than to be swallowed whole by a gigantic pile of blankets and pillows! He's a glutton for soft, comfy beds.
Ray is one of the 22 dogs who came to Best Friends from the estate of former NFL quarterback, Michael Vick after he was arrested and charged with "conspiracy to engage in dog fighting in violation of the animal welfare act." When he came to Best Friends, he was skinny and nervous about the world around him. He didn't like walks and he wasn't eating very well. He needed some help.
Caregivers have been working with Ray around the clock. He may still not enjoy going on walks all the time, but they've found his weakness. Pampering! Ray is a picky eater, and as skinny as he is he's been getting a bit spoiled in the food department. Also, his fetish with blankets and pillows is indulged as often as possible. The caregivers sleep in the area at night with the dogs, and Ray gets to climb into all their blankets. He also loves full-body massages. During any massage session, Ray is likely to nod off to sleep mid-massage. After all he's been through, of course, a little pampering is the least he deserves. Sponsor Ray.
Lucas
VICKTORY DOG: Here's a guy who knows how to make friends. Lucas loves meeting people so much that he climbs on top of his doghouse whenever visitors come nearby, just hoping they'll notice him. Not a shy bone in his body! Some people seem surprised at how friendly he is, given his background.
Lucas is one of the 22 dogs who came to Best Friends from the estate of former NFL quarterback, Michael Vick after he was arrested and charged with "conspiracy to engage in dog fighting in violation of the animal welfare act." His face is covered with scars, but not his spirit. Lucas wants to give love.
Back in his days as a fighter, Lucas was one of the grand champions. His big, muscular body has the scars all over that prove he was one of the most fought dogs out of the entire group that came to Best Friends. Yet somehow after all that tragic life history, Lucas is still nothing but kisses and smiles. Which is all part of the puzzle, sad to say. One reason pitts are such sought-after fighters is their intense desire to please people. And Lucas sure does aim to please.
Caregivers at Best Friends are working with Lucas round the clock to help teach him additional social skills, such as walking on a lead and learning how to be comfortable in new environments. And every step of the way, Lucas is waiting with a big sloppy kiss to show he's ready for the next lesson. Sponsor Lucas.
Tug
VICKTORY DOG: Tug gets his name because that's his favorite thing to do -- pull hard! He's a very strong boy, and Best Friends caregivers are trying to think up lots of creative ways to help him channel that energy.
Tug is one of the 22 dogs who came to Best Friends from the estate of former NFL quarterback, Michael Vick after he was arrested and charged with "conspiracy to engage in dog fighting in violation of the animal welfare act." He may have been a fighting dog, but when Tug arrived at the sanctuary, he didn't want to hurt anybody; he just didn't want anybody to hurt him. He's still afraid of loud noises and camera flashes. (But we thank him for letting us take his picture! We know it was scary.)
Caregivers are working round the clock with him to help him feel comfortable, and to help him channel all that athletic energy. They take him for walks with an "easy walk harness" that keeps him from pulling them down the road in excitement. And they're looking into a scooter wagon so he can actually pull his caregivers on rides! They think he'll like that.
Tug has a lot of healing left to do. Please be his sponsor and cheer him on from afar. It's you that makes his new life at the sanctuary possible.
Theresa
Theresa's got it goin' on! With a devoted entourage making sure her wardrobe always matches, and providing the requisite bling to keep her satisfied, you'd think Theresa was the Diva of all divas. Wrong! Theresa's an over-sized lap dog who lives for love, and bestows ample kisses on all of her admirers.
It's her sweet soul that ensures such a loyal following. Well, maybe those Minnie Mouse ears, too... Hard to believe Theresa was abandoned here at Best Friends. Poor thing had horrible skin problems, and needed special care at our clinic for the first month.
Now, her skin's much better, and she gets a special potato and whitefish diet. She also had a lump removed recently, so hopes are high that Theresa's health is on the mend. She's only around five, and is an energetic girl. She absolutely adores rubber balls, and has to have one to carry at all times. She prefers her scarf to match the chosen ball of the day, and loves help accessorizing. She also enjoys going on sleepovers, but it's been discovered she has one very un-diva-like habit -- she snores like a freight train! Just makes her all the more lovable. Theresa sure would love your sponsorship! She promises happy kisses for any accessories you send.
Little Red
VICKTORY DOG: Little Red's face tells a thousand sad stories. She arrived at Best Friends covered in facial scars, and with teeth that had been filed down.
She's one of the 22 dogs who came to Best Friends from the estate of former NFL quarterback, Michael Vick after he was arrested and charged with "conspiracy to engage in dog fighting in violation of the animal welfare act". Her face and her teeth make her look like a "bait" dog -- a dog who is less tough than the others, who is used as a practice target for dogs training to fight.
Needless to say, when she arrived at Best Friends, Little Red was scared of everybody. If you walked up to her, she would quickly scurry away in fear. But then, after just a few weeks at the sanctuary, something incredible happened. Little Red smiled. She actually smiled. The corners of her mouth lifted and she wagged her tail. Now, when she sees her caregivers coming, she runs toward them instead of away!
Please be her sponsor and help support her new life here at the sanctuary...where she has Best Friends' promise that nothing bad will ever happen to her again.
Pickles
Calling all tennis balls! Pickles the pit bull feels that no matter how many of the fuzzy green sports accessories he collects, there's always room for one more. And for all you visitors out there, he has the same attitude toward people. Always time to meet one more!
In fact, Pickles is something of a social butterfly to those who stray near his play area. If somebody passing by doesn't happen to notice him, he's not afraid to holler out, hoping that'll make them come say "hi." His voice sounds fairly raspy and hoarse -- as if he'd been practicing this vocal "come hither" treatment for years. Truth is, Pickles likes calling out for attention. It's not really a bark. Nor a whine. It's really a true call, as in, "Come on over and play, ya big tennis ball with legs!"
Okay, okay. So when Pickles plays with visitors he doesn't exactly try to pick them up and carry them around the yard in his mouth. Thank goodness! But he loves meeting folks and chatters enthusiastically in that scratchy voice of his whenever a new face shows up.
After spending a little time with Pickles, it's hard to believe he was found abandoned in a crate with nothing but a little water to keep him company. No food. No note. No fair! Even so, Pickles doesn't hold a grudge. As long as there are tennis balls and friendly faces to meet, he's content to wait for his forever playmate. Maybe somebody with a couple of tennis rackets and a thirst for adventure! In the meantime, would you be his sponsor?
Handsome Dan
VICKTORY DOG: Handsome Dan came to Best Friends so nervous and scared. But who could blame him? Handsome Dan is one of the 22 dogs who came to Best Friends from the estate of former NFL quarterback, Michael Vick after he was arrested and charged with "conspiracy to engage in dog fighting in violation of the animal welfare act."
Handsome Dan used to pace and walk in circles because he was so terrified of the world. Even trying to get him to go on a walk would send him running. But with the help and loves of his trainers and caregivers, Handsome Dan has become quite a confident boy! He now enters into any new environment courageously, and he even gets to be an office dog a few days a week.
Handsome Dan is amazing with other dogs; he even has two best friends with whom he loves to go on play dates. He also gets along with cats.
He has come so far and has made such wonderful progress since arriving at the sanctuary. It would mean so much to Handsome Dan to have your sponsorship and support! Sponsor Handsome Dan.
Ellen
VICTORY DOG: This girl likes belly rubs so much, it's ended up as part of her name! Well, nickname anyway. Ellen (aka Ellen Belly) is ready and willing to soak up any attention, scratches, pets and kisses you can dish out. It's almost impossible to believe somebody would want to make a fighter out of this sweetheart.
Ellen is one of the 22 dogs who came to Best Friends from the estate of former NFL quarterback, Michael Vick after he was arrested and charged with "conspiracy to engage in dog fighting in violation of the animal welfare act." You'd never know it to meet her, though. Her scars tell a story her personality never would. Ellen has no quarrels with anyone. She's not shy, she loves meeting strangers, she loves going for walks. she's well, perfect!
Meeting Ellen is an inspiration. It's nothing short of amazing to realize that after all she's been through she didn't let the hard times get the better of her. She's a survivor. Sponsor Ellen.
Meryl
VICKTORY DOG: Why does she always have such a worried look on her face? Partly, it's just a cute face! Meryl can't help having that expression. But she's also a dog who's known some real heartache.
Meryl is one of the fighting dogs rescued from the property of former NFL quarterback, Michael Vick. Her life had been loveless; she had only been used for what her teeth could do. And when she was rescued, she wasn't deemed safe for a home. She was court ordered to live at Best Friends, instead. And now the goal is to give this precious dog the fullest life imaginable for her...
Best Friends dog trainer Ann Allums is working one-on-one with Meryl to teach her not to lash out in fear. Confidence is the key. Meryl needs to learn that people might be approaching her for a brand new reason - not because they want her to fight, but because they want to be her friend. Meryl is a playful dog who enjoys people once she gets to know them.
Meryl would as much love and support as possible to help her progress in her life at the sanctuary. Won't you be apart of her success by sponsoring her? Sponsor Meryl.
These are just a few of the many animals at the sanctuary who would love a sponsor. For a complete listing go here. Or give the perfect gift for your friends and family - a Best Friends animal sponsorship!
* * * * *
For all the latest on the Vicktory Dogs go here.
And for other news about Best Friends work and stories from the sanctuary go here.
* * * * *