Michael Vick believes he should be able to own a dog again for his "rehabilitation"

[Missy Vixen]

One of the agreements involved in Michael Vick's sentencing was that he would never, ever be allowed to own a dog.

It seems that now Vick is back on top, he's conveniently forgotten his sentencing agreement, or believes it no longer applies. Sports media is reporting this morning that Vick now says owning a dog would help with his "rehabilitation".

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/12/15/mike-vick-wants-to-own-a-dog-again/

So, who's betting with me? I believe he'll re-offend within a year, and I'm willing to back that up with a $100 donation to the kennel that took in Vick's horribly tortured pit bulls if I'm wrong.

-MV

[glinda]

1. I think one of those with a battery in it from Walmart.

[hlthe2b]

2. NO! NEVER!

He deserves the hell he sent those poor dogs to; short of that, NOT owning a dog seems like a damned small compromise. :mad:

[ET Awful]

3. If he has the same love and passion for his family that he says he has

for animals, I fear for them.

[virgogal]

4. Is this guy for real?

[ZombieHorde]

5. If he says he is not rehabilitated, then he is saying he is still a dog torturer at heart.

People who are dog torturers at heart should not be around dogs.

[Critters2]

6. I'm absolutely certain he'll re-offend. Not a doubt in my mind.

The more people fawn over him, the more he believes he's done nothing wrong. It's only a matter of time until he's back in front of a judge.

[Name removed]

34. Deleted message

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[KittyLover]

86. Absolutely agree.

If someone has sexually assaulted a child, do you allow him to become a full time babysitter? I think NOT! This guy is out of his freaking mind, a blatant asshole, or both.

[Kalyke]

7. Uhhh...no. Not a live dog.

He can own this one:

[PSzymeczek]

65. Or a

Pound Puppy (tm).

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

8. ...

[JuniperLea]

9. That's what happens when people literally get away with murder...

They are empowered and emboldened and they go for their pathetic evil gusto all over again.

[nolabear]

10. How about they give him a dog like the virtual babies they give high schoolers.

Let him walk it, clean up its accidents, feed it, get it to the vet, never shut it up by itself for any length of time, go to obediance classes with it, get up to walk it at 2 am, etc. for a full year while it videotapes every interaction.

After that...nah. Not even then.

[ladjf]

11. Michael, better leave the pet pooch out of your plans. You are

doing OK without it.

[mwooldri]

12. Heck no.

Yes, he's done the time. Yes he has definite done the crime.

But... in his rehabilitation, no no no!!!! No dogs for Mr. Vick. At ALL!!!!

I believe in rehabilitation and all that, but giving Mr. Vick a dog is akin to letting a convicted child rapist volunteer in a primary (elementary) school. It is completely distasteful.

[Arkansas Granny]

19. Your analogy is a good one. Mr. Vick has already proven that he is not

fit to own dogs.

[Booster]

13. I think he should get a cat - a really, really big one.

[awoke_in_2003]

84. like 500 pounds. nt

[phleshdef]

14. Why doesn't he do something with all that money to prove himself?

If he is serious about even attempting to atone, he should turn it into a life cause.

[Missy Vixen]

17. This is nothing more than image rehabilitation

After all, Vick's not cleaning up on the endorsements gravy train.

He must have the same PR folk that Ben Roethlisberger recently employed.

:eyes:

[Captain Cave Man]

23. I don't imagine

that Vick has much in the job skills department, aside from being a football player. He stopped college after his junior year, and I've never heard of him completing his four year degree.

He knows that he is watched now. I'd rather him chase money and paying taxes while being fully aware what any sort of inicident would cost him, since that would be almost everything he has. I don't percieve his personal falure to be in my interest.

[chimpymustgo]

22. Actually, he spends a great deal of time talking about the horrors of dog fighting. I believe him.

People can make mistakes and seek redemption.



“Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.” -Mark Twain

“Anger makes you smaller, while forgiveness forces you to grow beyond what you were.” -Cherie Carter-Scott

“Forgiveness is almost a selfish act because of its immense benefits to the one who forgives.” -Lawana Blackwell

“When you hold resentment toward another, you are bound to that person or condition by an emotional link that is stronger than steel. Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve that link and get free.”
-Catherine Ponder

“In the Bible it says they asked Jesus how many times you should forgive, and he said 70 times 7. Well, I want you all to know that I'm keeping a chart.” -Hillary Rodham Clinton

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” -Mahatma Gandhi

[Missy Vixen]

25. A "mistake" is dropping a carton of eggs on the grocery store floor

A "mistake" is scratching someone else's car door with yours while getting out in a crowded parking lot.

Vick had every realization of what he was doing. What's more, he bragged about it. He's now spitting in the faces of those who questioned the fact he got NO therapy for what I can only imagine are the psychological issues that drove him to torture and murder dogs for sport.

If Vick is so desperate to atone for his "mistake", paying for the rehoming and upkeep of the dogs surrendered to the rescue organization might be a nice start. He's never given them a penny, according to national media sources and to flvegan, who rescues pit bulls and knows the owner of the rescue org.

Those who quoted above are talking about sincere repentance. Vick's repentance is driven by money and image. Even suggesting he obtain another dog signals to me that he still does not believe he did anything wrong, and what's more, nobody's going to call him on his BS.

[superduperfarleft]

31. Sure, he runs his mouth and doesn't do a damn thing to help the dogs he hurt.

He left that mess for other people to clean up.

http://blogs.bestfriends.org/index.php/2010/11/18/michael-vick-the-value-proposition/

From what we at Best Friends know of the way Michael Vick has related to the animals he abused, the answer is clearly that he has “simply rediscovered the pocket.” Best Friends took 22 of Vick’s 48 seized dogs and the only contact we’ve received from Vick or his representatives was by way of some overtures from his agent, one of his attorneys and a PR firm specializing in reputation rehabilitation. They were interested in some public glad handing that would put Vick in a favorable light with the NFL, which at the time was still considering whether or not to reinstate him. We declined.

Best Friends has never heard from Michael Vick or any of his representatives inquiring after the health or well being of any of the 22 dogs that we received from his fighting ring.

Fuck him.

[hamsterjill]

35. That makes it pretty clear, doesn't it?

Just about says it all.

Vick is simply trying to do damage control. I still think he's only sorry that he got caught; not sorry for what he did.

[cottonseed]

38. I'm sure "Best Friends" will find a way to "eliminate" these dogs acceptable to to foks here....

Like PETA...

[superduperfarleft]

41. Best Friends took these animals to rehabilitate them because PETA wanted them dead.

Best Friends is currently either rehabilitating dogs to be rehomed, rehoming dogs, or continuing to care for the ones that may never be adopted.

Didn't you accuse someone upthread of "not knowing shit?" Ironic...

[DireStrike]

70. Why would you say that?

[CreekDog]

88. Now you don't have any credibility since your post is so manifestly wrong

do you realize that every other post you make in the thread will be thought of as wrong now?

[northernlights]

52. it's not our job to forgive Vick. Our job is to protect his potential victims.

He cannot be allowed the opportunity to do this to any sentient being ever again.

[KittyLover]

91. Oh wow.

I know yiou're trying to hammer your point home, but that is very disgusting. My stomach just flip flopped.

[awoke_in_2003]

85. battery cables were clamped on some dogs' ears...

then they were thrown in a pool. Fuck his redemption.

[cottonseed]

36. You really don't know anything about what he's been doing do you?

He's been speaking a schools all across the country, in season, making more appearances then he's even being asked to do. He's trying.

[superduperfarleft]

37. Maybe he could "try" by bothering to help the people who are still caring for the dogs he

brutalized.

[cottonseed]

39. He is. Anything else you'd like to shackle him with?

[superduperfarleft]

40. Ahem.

(Second time I've posted this in the thread)

http://blogs.bestfriends.org/index.php/2010/11/18/michael-vick-the-value-proposition

[CreekDog]

90. i'm sure with all his money and wealth he can have a comfortable life

without subjecting or risking any dog's life to the danger that Vick isn't fully rehabilitated.

he's not suffering and as long as he owns not pets they are not suffering at his hands anymore.

he has a good life, better than most who have no felony on their record.

if you insist on saying that preventing him from owning a dog (when he tortured and killed them) is somehow putting him in "shackles" then you are not fit to participate in a civilized and honest discussion about it.

[phleshdef]

72. Where in my post did I say he wasn't doing anything at all?

I just don't see anything he has done as being substantial enough to provide proof of true repentance. If he were to sink a large amount of money into opening up a megasized rescue shelter that focuses on the rehabilitation and care for fighting dogs and actually pursue supporting that effort for a few years, then that would be something to raise a glass too. I'm willing to be open minded and I think he SHOULD get a second chance to prove that he has a shred of humanity. And if he ever does that far and proves it, I'll be the first to acknowledge it.

[cottonseed]

73. "I just don't see anything he has done..."

Would him spending 10 million on a shelter be enough? or should it be more? If it was more, would he be trying to buy forgiveness -- because as we all know he's very rich? I'm not sure you're ever see enough done. That's just my opinion, but with these types of things, I think I'm seeing it clearly.

[blondeatlast]

76. How about he asks a shelter waht they need that he can provide?

A million would be a GREAT start--I'd almost think he was sincere for that amount.

[blondeatlast]

74. Bully for him. He still electrocuted, beat, and drowned living creatures.

If he earns a dime from endorsements, that's a million dollars too much.

[CreekDog]

89. is that statement as incorrect as what you said about Best Friends?

saying that Best Friends kills animals?

wow.

[Myrina]

15. The only dog I'd trust him with is one that can and will kick his ass

... and has an understanding of what he's done to it's fellows. Otherwise, hell fucking no.

[lob1]

16. In a related story, James "Hand Grenade" Tosser,

presently a prisoner at Attica, wants a few hand grenades to help with his rehabilitation.

[Captain Cave Man]

18. Sure....

Just not a "fighting" breed. Say no more than forty pounds and not a terrier breed. Something like a Shetland Sheepdog or a Pomeranian.

[Maru Kitteh]

59. He can brutalize a smaller dog just as easily as a large one.

[Critters2]

60. He had dogs like that. He used them as bait for his fighting dogs.

He should never be given responsibility for any animal.

[guitar man]

20. No, never

He has forever forfeit his privilege to have any animals ever again as far as I'm concerned :grr:

[Vinca]

21. No. Absolutely not. No dogs, no cats, no turtles, no nothing.

[Johonny]

24. can- worms- open

Why would he want to open this can right now? I thought he was suppose to have a bunch of people offering him guidance. What one of those morans thought right now was a good idea to bring up Dogs? Here's an idea. How about play good football for more than a few seasons. Rehabilitate your image. Then try working your way back to pet ownership by working for some voluntary pet group.

[TNLib]

55. I was kind of wondering the same thing. It makes me think he's some kind of habitual dog abuser

and just can't control his urge to abuse dogs. It's kind of weird.

[hamsterjill]

26. He can volunteer at a shelter!

If he wants to be "rehabbed", he can volunteer at a local animal shelter - being supervised while he is with the dogs.

[bluestate10]

63. Good idea. nt

[outerSanctum]

27. So what does the guy have to do?

He's gone to prison, has paid (and continues to pay) millions in restitution, and spent countless hours speaking to kids.

Around here, he would have been better off if he raped some woman or shot somebody. Anybody ever hear the concept of paying one's debt to society?

[Arkansas Granny]

28. Mr. Vick should abide by his sentencing agreement which apparently

forbids him to ever own a dog again.

[City Lights]

32. Well said, AG! nt

[superduperfarleft]

33. He should throw a ball around, shut his mouth, and thank god or whomever that he's been so lucky.

99% of ex-cons don't get the kinds of chances or opportunities he's had.

[Name removed]

42. Deleted message

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[blondeatlast]

78. The more he opens his mouth, the bigger hole he digs regarding endorsements.

And that's where this is all REALLY leading.

[Critters2]

62. Not owning another dog in his lifetime is part of his sentence.

I keep hearing he's done his time...this is part of that "time", and he doesn't think he should do it. This IS his sentence. So, the answer is no, he can't have a dog.

[DireStrike]

71. I agree with you 100%.

He should be forgiven.

And he should never be allowed to own a dog, as per sentencing agreement.

[JoePhilly]

29. These Vick posts crack me up ...

Here is the quote in the article, that I bet no one reading the thread will read ...

“I would love to have another dog in the future,” Vick said. “I think it would be a big step for me in the rehabilitation process, I think just to have a pet in my household and to show people that I genuinely care, and my love and my passion for animals, I think it would be outstanding. And if I ever have that opportunity again, I won’t take it for granted.”

Notice the words ... "in the future" ... and "it would be a big step in the rehabilitation process" ... and "... if I ever have that opportunity again, I won’t take it for granted."

He is not ASKING for, or trying to obtain, a Dog.

[Missy Vixen]

43. What part of "may not ever own a dog again" in the sentencing agreement

does he not understand?

I posted this thread because his comments are currently being discussed in sports media. TODAY. In other words, it's yet another trial balloon by Vick and his minders, and will bring yet more people out of the woodwork who can't wait to tell the rest of us how he's "atoned" and "paid his debt to society", while others continue to clean up his messes.

Owning another dog is not "a big step in the rehabilitation process". It's Vick's desperate attempt to (yet again) burnish his image sufficiently to get more endor$ements. I read the article.

Anyone can show up at a school and make a speech. Let's see him put his money where his mouth is, and repay those who are still dealing with the aftermath of his crimes.

[JoePhilly]

58. There is a BIG difference between ...

Wishing he could have a dog some day in the future ... and the reality that his sentence does not allow it.

One of the things I find interesting in the various Vick threads on DU is that they seem to be far less liberal than one might expect. Usually, on the left, we discuss how a felon serve their time and can be rehabilitated. No death penalty. We expect them to get second chances.

Honestly, my sense is that a convicted murder is likely to get more compassion after release than Vick will ever see on DU.

Is Vick rehabilitated ... who knows? The only way to tell will be with time.

But on DU, the notion that Vick could ever return to society appears to be a non-starter for many.

As for his efforts to "burnish" his image ... I call bull ... in sports, there is only one image that matters, and that is what you do on the field.

Any endorsements Vick gets will not be on cereal boxes, and they will not be on packages of dog food. His deals will be quiet deals.

As for putting his money on the table ... the court certainly could have required that as part of his sentence, for whatever reason, they did not.

I actually think his speaking out, in person, is far more valuable. Anyone can give money. For a person who screwed up to stand in front of high school kids and admit to it is more powerful. It would actually be far easier to BUY his way out of this. Skip talking to kids about what he did, why it was wrong, and how things should be ... just throw around some cash, and move on. Much easier.

[TexasObserver]

30. Maybe Vick can be "rescued" by people who "rescue" pit bulls.

Dogs can be rehabilitated, but humans can't be?

[1badjedi]

44. unrec!

The man did his time, move on.

[MountainLaurel]

45. Yeah, and Andrea Yates should have some more kids n/t

[Missy Vixen]

49. Andrea Yates was mentally ill

Andrea Yates did not resume a high-profile career after getting no psychological help for whatever illness she has that caused her to kill her children.

She's not in the press insisting that maybe, just maybe, she should be allowed to have more kids. I'm sure she lives in the Hell of remembering her crimes daily.

[PSzymeczek]

66. Some of the responsibility for that

needs to be placed on Andrea's husband and their church, for pushing her to go off her meds and have more kids when she clearly shouldn't have.

[Botany]

46. Vick and his friends went around his neighborhood and stole pet dogs ........

..... taped their mouths shut and put them in w/ his pit bulls to be tore apart
to train his "fighting dogs."

Ain't no going back from that .... he is scum.

[Missy Vixen]

48. Well, it was a "mistake".

We need to overlook it. After all, he's really, really sorry now.

:eyes:

[MrSlayer]

47. I seriously doubt he would torture the family pet.

But at the same time I believe he has forfeited his right to have a pet.

[Maru Kitteh]

67. He's already DONE that. He kidnapped other people's beloved pets and fed them to his

fighting dogs, with their mouths shut with duct tape.

[MrSlayer]

79. I know. That wasn't what I meant.

I meant that if he was allowed to have a dog for his family that he almost certainly wouldn't torture it. And again, that also doesn't mean he should be allowed to have one.

[RagAss]

50. It will be the most watched dog in the world.....spoiled and well fed.

[blondeatlast]

82. Yep==by the hired help. but oh, the photo ops will be multitudinous. nt

[MoonRiver]

51. NO WAY!

Animal abusers are like child molesters, they DON'T CHANGE! Please PTB never let this man take possesion of any animal, particularly a dog.

[northernlights]

53. He should be allowed to keep *pictures* of dogs. Here are a couple for him.

He should be made to look at these every day for the rest of his hopefully miserable life.

[TBF]

77. Completely agree - and after reading some of the posts of the jerks

defending him here on DU I believe they should have to look at these photos again daily as well. "He's paid his debt to society" they say. Only legally. How does he repay his duty morally? As far as I'm concerned there should be a restraining order prohibiting him from being within 50 feet of any animal for the rest of his miserable life.

[Scout]

81. some debts can never be repaid ... such is Vick's debt n/t

[flvegan]

54. Hahahaha! Oh, Little Mikey Vick...you do crack me up.

Heh heh, no doggie for you. That's funny...king of the douchebags wants a dog.

[williesgirl]

56. I wish this fucker the same horrible death as his dogs were put thru. Fuck him, being

a good quarterback doesn't mean he's now become a human being again. NEVER ALLOW THIS ANIMAL TO HAVE ANY DOGS, CATS, WHATEVER!

[Texasgal]

57. he doesn't DESERVE a dog!

Screw that!

[NuclearDem]

61. FUCK no. nt

[Occam Bandage]

64. A cynical and empty move to "rehabilitate" his public image. nt

[kimi]

68. No

Not just no, but hell, no!

He's delusional if he thinks that'll ever happen, he'll be given responsibility for an animal again. That's so blindingly obvious that it's beyond words. Maybe he's having a decent season playing his game, but that certainly hasn't sharpened his mental faculties, has it?

[lonestarnot]

69. Oh hell fucking no.

[TBF]

75. Unrec mainly because I'm sick of seeing this monster's name come up -

why do we need so many threads on this?

[TheManInTheMac]

80. Sure. And let's just allow convicted child molesters to adopt while we're at it.

As long as they go around giving speeches about the horrors of being a child molester.

No. Any convicted felon can tell you that serving their sentence is only part of their punishment. They can't own guns, they can't vote, most of them can never get a decent paying job again. Vick already has one up on them.

[niyad]

83. absolutely NOT--he should NEVER be allowed near any being again (is anyone keeping an eye on his

children for signs of abuse?)

what an arrogant prick, using "my children realllllly want a dog, and it's terrible that THEY can't have one"

[Horse with no Name]

87. I could care less about the Michael Vick "story"

But he should be allowed to own a dog like a child molester should be allowed to work in a daycare.
He thinks he is better--fine. Let him be better.
But giving him something that is defenseless to his "falling off the wagon" isn't in the best interest of the animal.