Georgia the Vicktory dog—one of the dogs rescued from the property of former NFL quarterback Michael Vick—might just have to get herself a talent agent pronto. She’s a rising star! Georgia attended the Television Critics Association’s press tour in Los Angeles earlier this week and had the crowds scrambling over themselves to give her belly rubs and head scratches. Who cares about new sitcoms or reality game shows when you have a TV personality who rolls on her back for tummy tickles?

This loveable goofball is one of four Vicktory dogs to be featured in an upcoming two-hour National Geographic Channel special: "Dogtown: Saving the Michael Vick Dogs." In order to help put a face to the show, Georgia attended the press tour so that the critics and other attendees could see up close what the show was all about. The Best Friends team included John Garcia, Michelle Besmehn, Dr. Michael Dix, Elissa Jones, Juliette Watt as pilot, and of course Georgia… who racked up quite a bit more than 15 minutes of fame.

There were some pretty impressive acts in the lineup from the various programs to be showcased, but in the end it was Georgia who hogged all the limelight—and she did it without even trying! The Best Friends team chose Georgia to attend because they felt confident she would do well. Turns out they were right.

She blew everybody away, whether at the press tour, on walks throughout L.A. or while cruising through her luxury hotel where she stayed with Best Friends’ dog trainer John Garcia (stay tuned, John and Michelle will start blogging about Georgia’s adventures next week).

As one of the dogs rescued from Michael Vick’s estate, Georgia was due for a little pampering. She’s certainly had her run of bad luck in the past, and the scars to prove it. She was a prized fighter at one time, though her teeth have since all been pulled, possibly so that she could be bred safely. Georgia was sent to live at Best Friends along with 21 other dogs because she was deemed one of the roughest of the bunch.

The upcoming National Geographic Channel special will be following the progress of Georgia and three other Vicktory dogs since they’ve come to Best Friends. Part of the two-hour special looks at the question of whether fighting dogs can ever overcome their past, which Best Friends has always believed, but which others have claimed impossible. (Hmmm....wonder if Georgia, who’s been busily giving kisses to every stranger in LA has an opinion?)

Even though it was a short trip, if her talent for dazzling the cameras is any indication, she might as well get started on writing her Emmy acceptance speech. Way to go Georgia! The world needs celebrities like you.

Written by David Dickson
Photos of Georgia, John Garcia, Michelle Besmehn, and Georgia's adoring fans by Best Friends staff

February 18, 2009 : 3:25 PM ET
posted by: eemooreccm

To the Staff at Dogtown,

I have to say this. Georgia is, in my opinion, the most beautiful of the Vicktory Dogs you have there. I am wondering if I can acquire a picture of her to add to my pictures file on my computer. Just her only, after all she is a star. I fell in love with her because of the markings around her eyes. The dark markings make her look so much more attractive. Don't ask me why I feel this way, I just do. I try my best to watch every show. I live in Calgary, Alberta. She was my favorite because of how far she has come from her background as a fighter (I still think anybody who does this to any animal should be shot and the dogs allowed to pee on them. Ya, Mike Vick too!!!!!) to where she is now. If I had the money, I would love to help in Georgia's rehabilitation but I am living on an extremely limited budget at this time. John Garcia, please give Georgia all the hugs and kisses on behalf of this Crazy Canuck. love you all. But I love Georgia the most. Eugene Moore from Calgary

July 22, 2008 : 10:42 AM ET
posted by: NBlondeAmbition

How my heart warms up whenever I hear a successful Vicktory story. I wonder if people realize how much time/money was needed to bring them to the success we see? More stories like these are needed to make sure that these United States do not pass more laws allowing municipalities to legislate breed banning laws and/or to appeal current breed banning laws now in place. I applaud Best Friends and all those who contributed to bring these success stories to fruition.

While Michael Vicks et al., engaged in horrendous acts of animal abuse and many suffered in it's wake, I wonder if not for that would we have gained the notoriety that was needed to further this cause? Isn't that sad? Perhaps when Mr. Vicks has time to reflect he may just help further this cause in the most positive of ways.

Nancy Erie, PA

July 15, 2008 : 7:31 PM ET
posted by: hippychick

I lived in Los Angeles for an overly long time and, accordingly, have some acquaintance with how they "think". Looks like you've done the perfect thing for these misunderstood dogs...made them fashionable in a venue that gets a lot of exposure. You guys never cease to amaze me!!!

July 15, 2008 : 4:02 PM ET
posted by: gumba

Wonderful!!! Oh, I adore this dog and pit bulls in general.

What a lover he is, after all that he has endured. The love on everyone's face is so obvious.

Thank you so much for saving this wonderful dog.

July 14, 2008 : 7:18 PM ET
posted by: pdwlgw

I wish that everyone would watch the upcoming Dogtown episode about Georgia, Cherry, Meryl, and Denzel. The people at Best Friends are real heroes -- well-intentioned, capable, honest people who try every day to make the world a better place.

What an example for the rest of us to follow.

Is it even conceivable that one day, Michael Vick will watch this Dogtown episode and wish that he had been a different person? Will he wish that he had had the decency and kindness to repair damage, instead of the sickness and mindless brutality to inflict it?

Long after Michael Vick has been forgotten, the legacy of Best Friends will be remembered. It stands as a monument to what people of good will can do.

July 14, 2008 : 4:31 PM ET
posted by: scrowell

Deep scars never touched her gentle heart! ... Bless you for showing the WORLD the beauty after the sadness! I, too, have an Adopted Gentle Giant ... all 95 lbs of sweetness! More love and the best Bed-Buddy ever!

July 14, 2008 : 2:25 PM ET
posted by: mickey143

I am so glad that Michael Vick's dogs are being sucessfully rehabed. I can't wait to see Georgia. She looks like a beautiful pup!!!!

July 14, 2008 : 1:03 PM ET
posted by: dkelso

Thanks Best Friends for taking the time to help Vick's former animals. This just shows that all these animals really wanted is human kindness and love. An animal is what you make it.

July 14, 2008 : 11:50 AM ET
posted by: bgerhart

Just goes to show that Pit Bulls can be rehabilitated! Every time I read one of the "victories" concerning the "Victory" Dogs it brings tears to my eyes. Best Friends is spectacular! If only more "animal organizations' would step up to the plate!!! My husband and I volunteered Memorial Day weekend at best friends and have signed up for next year - i'ts such an amazing experience - everyone who can should do it!!! Hugs and kisses to ALL the animals at Best Friends!!!

July 14, 2008 : 11:10 AM ET
posted by: m4rci4

Hooray for Georgia--You go, girrrrl!!! What a wonderful ambassadress to the plight of pit bulls and fight survivors! Keep up the good work Best Friends!!! Much Luv, m.

July 14, 2008 : 10:29 AM ET
posted by: ZoomZoom

Again, THANK YOU to everyone at Best Friends for the work they are doing with the Vicktory Dogs. I hope that the dogs progress will help pit bulls all over the country. Rock on Georgia!!

July 13, 2008 : 9:32 AM ET
posted by: skygirl1952

I've been to a 4-day workshop at B.F. It's a wonderful, worthwhile place. Heaven!!! I cried when I drove in. Good work going on there & definitely deserving of generous donations.

July 13, 2008 : 2:09 AM ET
posted by: SUNNEE

Congratulations 'ahughes798' I didn't think it possible that someone with your mental capacity can actually operate a computer.

July 13, 2008 : 1:11 AM ET
posted by: ahughes798

I think you guys should get rid of all your other animals and just concentrate on rescuing pit bulls.

All hail fighting dogs!

July 12, 2008 : 10:08 PM ET
posted by: Jan_in_SantaPaula

What a great story! And I'm going in to the tv room to see if I can find the show on NG Channel now so I can program the dvr to record it so I won't miss it!

July 12, 2008 : 8:33 PM ET
posted by: sandystauffer

awesome, I thank God for organizations like best friends. It is wonderful to see any abused dog, especially a victory dog to use their wonderful instinct to know that humans are mostly good people. To me, anyone that abuses any animal is worthless coward. Think about it, dog is the creators name spelled backwards.

July 12, 2008 : 7:06 PM ET
posted by: harley

The Victory Dogs are an amazing story. I volunteered at Best Friends last year and am doing so again this summer. I hope that I can get to see them, I know I will not be allowed to "pamper" them. They were so lucky to have Best Friends as their "true" friend. Harely

July 12, 2008 : 4:41 PM ET
posted by: LoveDogs

I love these stories about the Vicktory dogs! These precious dogs are so amazing as are the people who have shown them love and affection. I'd love to meet them one day soon. Visiting and volunteering at Best Friends is on my "bucket list." I hope to do it before the end of the year. Thanks to everyone out there who loves and cares for animals!

July 12, 2008 : 1:36 PM ET
posted by: Bullies2Love

I have been keeping up with the progress of the Victory Dogs and also have sponsored 4 of them. Georgia is one of the dogs that I have sponsored.

I don't care what anyone says but any dog can be rehabilitated. They may not forget their past but they know what they have in front of them now and that is a second chance.

I wish I lived closer because you bet I be at Best Friends Sanctuary. I might have a hard time leaving but it would be an honor to visit this wonderful place.

Thank You!

July 12, 2008 : 12:46 PM ET
posted by: Jill Farquhar

Georgia a celebrity? She`s always been a star in my book!! God bless Georgia and Best Friends

July 12, 2008 : 12:26 PM ET
posted by: domandrudysmom

Way to go Georgia! The rest of world may finally get to see what amazing babies you guys really are!!! I am so happy for you and your people!!!! Go get em Georgia!

July 12, 2008 : 11:01 AM ET
posted by: ga22

I am so happy to hear about Georgia. And I am thrilled to hear Dog Town will be back on Nat Geo. This show - and what you all do really makes a difference.