Yes, Michael Vick has confirmed he has a dog.
Many of you expected this topic to be included in my WTF Wednesday post, but it turned out to be rather longer than I expected, so I gave it a post all its own.
Grab a cup of coffee, put some Bailey’s or Sambuca in it and pull up a chair.
To do this properly I have to go back to last year, when I heard that Michael Vick had teamed up with the Humane Society. At that time I was still on the free WordPress and fully expected The Legacy of Michael Vick to be pressed. (I don’t know, maybe it was the picture of the hanging black man that prevented it.)
If you read that first post you’ll notice that at first I was outraged that the Humane Society was working with a convicted (insert your derogatory word of choice here,) but then I started thinking about the influence athletes have on our children and I thought maybe, just maybe if someone like Michael Vick warned our children about the evils of dog fighting he could actually make a difference.
Flash forward to Michael Vick tweeting a photo that included a box of Milkbones. As you can imagine dog and animal lovers reacted quickly and angrily.
More than one of you sent me a link to the article. I started prepping my post for WTF Wednesday, it was scheduled to look like this.
Michael Vick confirms he is again a dog owner, Philadelphia, PA
The very first thing that comes to mind is, what idiot gave this person a dog? I’m pretty damn sure it’s no rescue that I’ve heard of. I mean you know, you’ve seen those applications. “Have you ever been convicted for abuse of an animal?”
Then I thought, maybe someone bought it for him.
My next thought was, can’t this million dollar quarterback afford a treat a little more expensive than Milkbones? Not that I’m knocking Milkbones per say, for those of you who may use them, I’m just saying my income vs his income I’d think he could afford say a box of something along the lines of Mother Hubbard or Blue Buffalo.
I set these thoughts in my WTF post and continued with my week.
In the meantime, Monday was Be The Change 4 Animals, after I’d posted my contribution I started hopping around to see what you all had written about.
You all had some wonderful, wonderful posts. There was one however that really touched me and made me think.
Maps of Reality from Julie at The Daily Dog Blog.
I won’t post the whole thing here, but the paragraph that really resonated with me was this:
“Several years ago I listened to a speaker talk about “maps of reality”. Every single person has their own map of reality based on what they have learned from teachers, parents, friends, acquaintances and experiences. These maps of reality make up our “beliefs” about what is right and wrong and how we should act. Sometimes we fail to realize that our map of reality might be skewed and it’s quite possible that what we believe really isn’t true.”
I thought of how much MY map of reality has changed since Sampson entered my life.
This may surprise you to know, but I haven’t always been the dog mom that I am today.
Many of you come from the same era that I did and know thirty years ago, the majority of people had a different view of dogs. Don’t get me wrong, our dogs lived in the house, but they were considered animals.
Thirty years ago I wouldn’t have left a party early because the dog needed to go out, or it was an hour past their dinner time.
Truthfully, even twenty years ago I didn’t even know dog’s toenails needed to be clipped!
Until Sampson owned me, (and this really saddens me to say this) dogs were just dogs.
When I sat down to write my WTF post for last week, I thought it might be good to include a picture of Michael’s dog so I googled.
No, I did not find a picture but what I did find was this article, “Vick has a dog? Might be just what’s needed to break the cycle of cruelty.”
Imagine my surprise as I found myself agreeing with the article.
I know, it floored me too. This one paragraph stuck out.
“It’s going to be emotional torture for Vick, but it will be more than that. It will be healing. That dog’s going to make him a better person, and when someone as influential as Michael Vick is a better person, the effects ripple outward.”
Since my map of reality has changed I have a lot of guilt and a lot of regrets, regarding the previous dogs in my life. There’s very few things in my life that I regret, except for when it comes to the animals in my past. If I had one and only one do over, it would be for them.
I suspect Michael Vick’s map of reality is about to change. And the guilt and regret will eat at his heart and do far more to changing him than prison, bankruptcy and public outrage ever could.
What’s a map of reality and how have I changed yours?
Have you ever heard of a ‘map of reality?’ Has your map of reality changed over the years?
OMGracious . . . Jodi, I SOOOOO relate to this post. As I’ve said, more than once, your Sampson is my Candy. Do you ever find it odd that so many of us have travelled the same path without even knowing it OR knowing each other. You are so right in saying if Michael Vick’s “reality map” is altered by his new dog, he will most certainly pay a deep price for his past deeds. Karma, right?
Dogs have a way of bonding people Laura, once you’ve loved and been loved by a dog, you are part of a unique and special circle.
Yes, he will pay a deep price for his past, Karma is indeed a fickle friend. 🙂
I think I’m very cynical. I don’t think Vick’s “map of reality” will change. He may not engage in his previous behaviours, but that’s only because the world is now watching closely. And some people can literally split themselves in two– they can treat their own dog with love and affection, but still bet on dog-fighting. Revered athletes like Vick have more ego than conscience. I only hope the “cycle of cruelty” ends with his children, and they will behave better than superstar dad.
You may be right and I may be wrong. I hope it’s the opposite though. 🙂 Yes he will be closely watched, but he will watch too. While the dog may not touch him, it will touch his children. He will see his children love that dog and how the dog loves them. I pray that he really has changed.
This is definitely another way to look at it. Hopefully you are right and this dog changes him…and if it doesn’t work, may it maul him in his sleep.
LOL yes there is always that Toby, especially if it’s a hungry lab!
Very well put. You do have to view these things from different angles sometimes to get perspective. However, he’ll only get one chance now – and EVERYONE will be watching him.
Thank you and yes you are right, EVERYONE is watching him. He will not be able to fart in the locker room without someone reporting it. 🙂
Great post Jodi. & I hope you’re right about Vick…
Thanks Meesh, me too. 🙂
Nice post, thanks for the mention. Hearing this several years ago really made a difference for me. I’m not so quick to judge and criticize. I hope that Michael’s map of reality has changed – he grew up watching dog fighting without any consideration of the consequences for the dogs, it was “normal”. We can only hope that now he looks back the same way we do and feels the same guilt and shame. Let’s hope that he can help make a positive change in the maps of reality of kids that grow up in neighborhoods like he did.
Your post was beautifully written Julie and really touched me. Thank you.
I really try not to judge but sometimes I find myself sliding back. 🙁
I do hope his map has changed. And yes he did grow up seeing that, but I believe after a certain age, we begin to mold and develop our own value/belief system. He didn’t. And I wonder what he’d be doing if he hadn’t gotten caught.
I do hope he makes a difference, he really could be so influential to so many.
Things like this are always a theory/practice split for me. I *believe* that people can change, but I always have a hard time applying that to individuals. But, I do think that in abuse cases you’re best off not to take the chance.
It’s tough, very tough. I believe people can change but as the say, ‘the proof is in the pudding.’
I would also agree that it’s best not to take a chance and I’d really like to know WHO he got the dog from.
This is certainly a more optimistic view point and I really do hope both you and the author of the CBS article are right. I am not so sure I am willing to give Vick the benefit of the doubt myself. When it comes to the safety of animals and children, I don’t think we can be too careful. But it’s not my call to make. All I can do is shake my head and hope.
It surprises me that I’m not more angry about this. And I understand your caution, I do however think this is probably the safest dog on the planet, considering how many people will be watching for the slightest mistake.
Interesting thing about that article, it said he has turned his back on all the people involved in that dog fighting ring. To me that says something.
Let’s hope he’s got his stuff together.
Very interesting! I’m hoping Vick will be nice to this new dog, since it is his kid’s pup. I’m really keeping fingers crossed.
Sam
Me too Sam, me too!
Nice job on this post Jodi!!
I’m not real sure how I feel about him having a dog, with that being said I do think people can change and if his children can learn how to be compassionate caring individuals to animals through this new puppy I think that is a good thing! Time will tell and I pray it will all end well and this puppy will be loved and grow up to be a very happy dog 🙂
I’m praying for the same thing Misty. I do hope the leopard has changed his spots.
I happened across the federal indictment papers on this (if they are the real thing that is) and after reading through them I may have to say I think maybe there may not have been enough time passed for him to have a dog but it is done now and I really do pray he has changed.
I hope you are right, but I read some place that he had a pet dog even as he was torturing others. Sort of like people with pet dogs who raise them for food.
I’m not sure a sociopath can truly change, but I hope he does.
God Jan, that’s disgusting. I hope he’s changed.
He’s going to be closely watched and everyone for the dogs sake, is hoping he doesn’t mess up.. I loved this post, so much of it I can relate too..Oh and I did get a glass of sabuca to read it, I was going to be good tonight but as you insisted, I had to have just the one..lol xx00xx
Mollie and Alfie
Thank you, I love the fact that you got a glass of Sambuca to read it!
Yes, he will be closely watched, I too hope he doesn’t mess up.
All we can do now is…. HOPE FOR THE BEST.
Yupper Frankie. Let’s try and be pawsitive.
Great post!
It’s funny, all the emotions that all of us seem to have gone through when we heard the news (and I do agree with you on the Milkbones, though I neglected to include that in my post). I do hope that he changes, and for the better. Such is the power of a dog, if the person allows it to occur. Mostly, I just want the dog to be safe.
I do hope he allows it to occur and I do hope the dog changes him for the better. He is in position to make a huge difference. I’d like to see him do it. And yes, I want the dog to be safe too.
This is a good post Jodi and one I can see myself in–But Michael Vick served his time. The point of our system is to rehabilitate not just punish. I’m willing to give him a chance (although I wouldn’t let him have one of my dogs either) But I’m certain he will be closely watched. I would prefer to see him as a success story and hope he is one.
Yeah, no. I don’t think I would give him one of my dogs Kim. The point of the system is to rehabilitate but did it? Did he really learn or is he just doing/saying the ‘right’ thing because he’s giving the people what they want to hear?
I hope he’s changed. I really do. And I hope the dog is safe.
Jodi, I hope you’re right. He’s being watched carefully and that’s a good thing imho. However, I have a hard time believing his map of reality has changed that much. I grew up with a mother who threw birthday parties for our family dogs complete with hats, balloons, games, “cake” and guests. My map of reality could in no way ever approach Michael Vick’s original… Change is a relative thing. And the judgy pants I’m wearing regarding him fit (all too) comfortably.
Sue you are so lucky to have grown up the way you did. Many of us, never had that opportunity, Bless your mother for instilling you with your love for animals.
But I really have seen people change and I always hope for the best. I do hope that he has changed, if he hasn’t I don’t think he’ll ever get another chance with the public.
I am not sure enough time has passed for him to have a dog. I guess that is where I come down on the issue.
I’m surprise actually, I thought you’d have a more forgiving stance than I had. 🙂
He has repaid his debt legally as far as that goes, but still I feel that timing is not right. If he was truly sorry, it seems to me he would understand that people feel that it is too soon or not a good idea. It may never be a good idea. It makes me wonder if he truly understands what he did was wrong.
I haven’t heard of it but your post certainly resonates with me. I really don’t know what the prospects are of Vick developing a new reality map; it probably depends on how willing he is to change.
I’m right there with you about the things I regret and wish I could change. Since I can’t go back and change how I was with previous animals, I dedicate my foster and volunteer work to the animals in my past for whom I wish I’d been a better caretaker. If Michael Vick has any sort of feeling along those lines, then there may be hope.
That’s sweet Kirsten, I do so wish I could go back for that do-over. But since I can’t the best thing I can do is work hard to help the pups in need.
Some day I’ll get to the point where you are, where I can help in other ways. Until then, I’ll keep on doing what I do.
I do hope he has changed.
Your posts are always so thoughtful. My ‘map of reality’ has definitely been shaken a few times in my life. You are so right about 50 years ago, dogs were just… dogs. Now our animals take a much more prevalent place in the family. We understand more now then we did years ago about human/animal interaction, and also, what animals feel. Still they are mistreated at the hands of scientists and farmers. And of course, the crazy animal fighters and hoarders. I struggle too with the Michael Vick question: Once someone has paid their debt for doing wrong, do you hold it against them forever? It is hard to accept that someone that kills anything, should ever be allowed to be close enough to kill again; but I am emotional. A debt paid is a debt paid, I guess. And maybe, just as you said, this will be a new example for the children. Love your blog. Keep up the rant! – DogDaz
Thanks for the support, I had never heard of a map of reality but boy did that post hit home!
Yes, the scientists, farmers, abusers and hoarders are still mistreating, I don’t think it’s an insurmountable task to change but it will take time.
I for one am glad that I have the bond I do with my pets. I wish it was the same for everyone.
I also loved both Julie’s post and the one you mentioned by the sports writer. I would not have chosen to give Vick a dog. But he has one. And I’d love to see this dog become an instrument of true repentance.
When I lived in Philly, our dogs Agatha and Christie, were the first “pets” on the block. Other young men had dogs. But they kept them for protection, not companionship.
Our resident drug dealer on the block had a pit/lab mix who got stabbed several times by an angry man who claimed the dog bit his sister. I don’t know if that’s true or not. The dog was wrapped in old t shirts and chained in the back of our neighbor’s house. Besides us, the drug dealer’s sister would come to take care of the dog, feeding him and keeping him company.
She was a scary person. She was usually high or drunk. She’d cause loud drunken fights in the middle of the night. I’ll never forget when she spent half an hour cussing my husband out because she swore he stole her $20.
But this woman had a soft spot for this dog. And all animals. I hated the idea of her brother having a dog. But I’m glad for the part this dog played in humanizing some very warped people. We’ll never put every dog into the perfect home.
As you said, Jodi, our own homes were not perfect for dogs before we got to the point we are today.
But as long as imperfect people have dogs, I hope that they can become a little less imperfect, if they’re open.
Wow, what a sad life for that dog Pamela. 🙁 It is great that he had people like you, Mike and the sister to help shed some happiness in his life. The life of an addict is a tortured one, I bet that dog did a lot for her as well.
And no, I would have NEVER given Vick a dog. Ever. However since I didn’t get a choice in this, I choose to hope that the dog will change him, he could really make such a difference for some dogs in the inner cities, the dogs used by people such as you mentioned and by others who are far worse.
Dogs have a way of humanizing us, if we allow it to happen. I thank God for the dogs who humanize me.
This post is one of my favorites of all of yours Jodi. I think it is so optimistic and so thoughtfully written and offers a perspective not seen many other places. Thank you for this one!
Great post Jodi. We were very lucky as kids in my house, our pets really were part of the family and much loved. Among the many regrets I have for things in the past, I’m glad to say I don’t regret anything I did or didn’t do with our pets.