What Happened to Michael Vick's Dogs?

If you can't tell by the numerous posts of mine featuring my dog, and other various animals ... I have a soft spot for anything that is furry and walks on four-legs. I most people are already aware, but as a reminder, NFL star Michael Vick was indicted (and later found guilty) of multiple charges connected with involvement in a dogfighting operation just last year. He is currently serving 23 months in federal prison, with a scheduled release of October 2009. Of all the stories of 2007, this one really struck a nerve with me. And while many still ponder the future of Michael Vick, I find myself curious about what happened to the dogs involved in this scandal. Many lost their lives through methods to horrible to mention, but many survived ... so what happened to them?

Quite a few pits were seized from Vick's estate in Virginia, and it appears that they are currently all over the map! The Baltimore Sun gives the location the dogs...

22 are currently in the care of the Best Friends Animal Society in Utah; 12 were turned over to the SPCA in Virginia Beach, 10 at BAD RAP, Oakland, Calif.; 4 at Richmond Animal League, Richmond, Va.,; 3 at Georgia SPCA, Suwanee, Ga..; 3 are at Recycled Love in Baltimore; 3 at the SPCA of Monterey County, Calif.; 1 at the Animal Rescue of Tidewater, Chesapeake, Va..; and 1 at Our Pack, Inc. in San Francisco.

Getting Involved
Most of these animals are not stuck or trapped in some sort of kennel-like situation ... they are in foster homes and currently receiving special and unique care. That being said, they all do still need permanent homes. From what I have read, the dogs currently are all being protected from the media and other people for 2 reasons: 1) the criminal proceedings are still in process and 2) there is a lot of attention on the "Vick dogs" and people are worried about attempts to steal them (or other questionable reasons for contact). At the end of the month the court case should be wrapped-up and organizations helping these dogs can start looking for loving homes. Maybe you want to do something now, or maybe you want to help but don't want to go as far as actually bringing a dog into your home...each one of these organizations lives off of donations and I am sure would be happy to accept any amount of money (or a list of numerous other items) that you are willing to share :)

To the left is Elvez, who currently lives at BAD RAP. (I can't share any of the pics of Vick's dogs as they are all currently under protection from the media). While you may not be able to get your hands on one of the displaced dog ... Elvez is in need of a home today! E-mail Donna if you want to give Elvez some love and are willing to share your home with this cutie!