Vick's actions speak louder than words

Dogtime editor Leslie Smith finds it hard to forgive when little remorse is shown.

Thursday March 31st, 2011

Lucas, former Vick dog

When BAD RAP (a San Francisco Bay area Pit Bull advocacy group) took in several of Michael Vick's former dogs, we at Dogtime were there to cheer them on. We bonded with these dogs--talked to them, petted them, and watched with tears in our eyes as they interacted affectionately with both people and other dogs.

I was not surprised to hear that BAD RAP founders Donna Reynolds and Tim Racer offered Vick the chance to check in on the dogs he'd once tortured... and somehow try to make peace. I knew that to them, changing humans' perception of the dogs is more important than exacting revenge or remaining bitter. But Vick, who will be in town when the Philadelphia Eagles play the Oakland Raiders, declined.

BAD RAP suggested a supervised meeting place that would not violate Vick's restraining order. They were open to hearing whatever he might want to say. But Vick did not even reply personally--public affairs director for the Eagles responded instead. There was no offer to make a monetary donation nor was any other sort of good will gesture put forth.

Not even a "P.S. How are the animals doing now?"

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	Did anyone really think he would respong himself? People who do that kind of thing aren't remorseful, or sorry. He's sorry he got caught. If he weren't famous would he be forgiven and given a second chance? NO he would probably still be in jail where he belongs. Why punish this dog with having to see his torturer again? over 2 years ago by Anonymous
	Lucas is such a gorgeous dog, who has been through such a horrible ordeal! I am so glad that he is living a wonderful life now and that he is learning to trust humans again. We can learn so much from this precious angel! over 2 years ago by Anonymous
	the sad thing is is that no matter how much those of us who really give a damn voice our opinion, the fact remains is that the NFL franchise will always have money to do, say, and act as nthey please, no matter what disgusting act hasn been performed by any of its players. untill standards are raised in all major sports, diplorible acts like what vick did, and countless other criminals will always have the upper hand because of the mooney in their pocets. what a sad statement about the human race. on a happy note, i was finnaly able to find a night class thhat will finally allow me to vollenreer at my local shelter. if nthats all i ncan do fo9r now, its better than saying, why do anything, it wont stop animal cruelty.....and i know way to many people who think that waay. just disgusting. over 2 years ago by Anonymous
	let's face it...he's a psychotic! what's sad is how media underplays all of his transgressions and acts like he's just a regular guy--regular guys don't abuse, torture and kill domesticated animals. i live in the philly area and i'm sick over them signing him--and i'm not even a fan!! (go pats!) only one sportscaster has come down on him for what he's done---mike missanelli from wpen sports radio (97.5 fm). vick did an 'outreach' to school children at an assembly about a month ago and said something to the effect 'that its not necessary to repeat what happened in the past.' can you believe that??!!! they should have shown a video of what he did and he should be getting a percentage of his salary docked to help local animal shelters. common decency prevents me from really saying what should be done to him! over 2 years ago by Anonymous

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