In 2007, a group of dogs were saved from organized torture in NFL player Michael Vick’s backyard. His dog fighting ring was liberated and he was put in jail. Many people believed that the dogs found at his house weren’t fit to live in homes, because of their killer instincts. That just isn’t true, and the Best Friends Animal Society agreed. They took in 22 dogs, which became known as “Vicktory Dogs.” They were saved from that horrible place… and found loving, amazing homes. Here are their stories.

1.) Cherry used to fight, but now he attends events and helps other abused animals rehabilitate. He was on “Dogtown” and transformed from a tough dog into a lover, friends with everyone he meets.

2.) Georgia: This dog surprised her new mom, Amy, when she brought her into the home. Amy didn’t know just how quickly Georgia would adapt to a loving, domesticated life. Georgia passed away in 2013.

3.) Halle: No one should give up on rescued dogs just because of their past. Halle now lives with two dog brothers and constantly plays with them. She wags her tail, frolics and “play fights” – all without incident. She is truly a lovely dog.

4.) Handsome Dan was adopted by a family who now has a little girl. While skittish at first, Handsome Dan has learned to trust humans again and it a fantastic family member. Amazingly, he has a Facebook fan page with over 400,000 fans!

5.) Little Red: For 5 years, Little Red was used as a “bait dog.” “Bait” animals are used to test a dog’s fighting skills, and are frequently mauled in the process. Once Red was rescued, it took her a while to recover… and now she is blissfully happy.

6.) Oliver: When this dog was brought home, he had no fear. He was so willing to let his new family love him, even though in his original evaluation it was said that he was very fearful of people. Oliver would jump on his mom Erika’s lap and shower her with kisses.

7.) Squeaker: Even though Squeaker was involved in a vicious dog fighting ring, you’d never know it. Now, she lovingly lives with her family and 6 additional dogs, who all get along together.

8.) Mel: Mel’s new dad, Richard Hunter, was a radio show host in Dallas back in 2007. He reported on the dog fighting ring and eventually became emotionally attached to the animals. When he had an opportunity to adopt one of the animals, he jumped at the chance and went to the Best Friends sanctuary in Utah. Now, Mel and Richard live happily together.

9.) Oscar: Oscar’s mom, Rachel, didn’t mean to adopt a Vicktory dog, she just wanted a pit bull. But adopting Oscar was one of the best decisions she made. She not only gave him a new home, but supports other rescued dogs by interacting with the community.

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Many of us remember when the news was released about Michael Vick’s illegal dog fighting operation. Along with his associates, Vick kept and trained over 50 pitbulls and forced them into high-stakes fighting bets. Absolutely disgusting news that brought this terrible reality to the forefront of animal lovers’ minds.

But Vick was held accountable for his actions, and, luckily, many the innocent dogs whose innocence he stole, were given a second chance.

In 2008, 22 dogs who were rescued from Vick’s Bad News Kennels were taken in by Best Friends Animal Society. In the years that followed, dedicated volunteers were able to rehabilitate these abused pups, reteaching them what it means to be safe, loved and cared for.

While many of these dogs, affectionately referred to as ‘Vicktory dogs’ went on to get forever homes, an amazing reunion took place in 2013, where they were able to meet again. Their reactions to one another is absolutely moving – I cannot believe these are the same poor pups who, just a few years ago, were conditioned to attack one another on command.

The post Michael Vick’s Rescued Fighting Dogs Meet Again Years Later And What Happens Is Powerful appeared first on ILoveDogsAndPuppies.