Twenty-two pit bulls have entered a witness protection program, of sorts, at Best Friends Dogtown. The best accessory in this special witness-protection program is not sunglasses, but fur.
It’s a brand new day at Dogtown for these former Virginia “witnesses.” The pit bulls, handed over in December to Best Friends by the court, now not only have fresh identities, but a different lifestyle as well.
In fact, life couldn’t be better! They’re eating healthy food, playing with toys, interacting with their caregivers and trainers, going for walks, learning how to walk on a leash, and acclimating to their new desert environs – all so these former fighters can learn how to be domestic pets and regular dogs.
The deplorable conditions the dogs lived under were used as evidence in a case involving suspended NFL quarterback Michael Vick, who is serving a 23-month federal sentence for a dog-fighting conspiracy conviction. Fifty-two pit bulls were seized last year from Vick’s estate in southeastern Virginia. Twenty-two of the dogs were placed at Best Friends and the remaining dogs were divided among a handful of other animal rescue groups.
To ensure that publicity doesn’t compromise the proceedings, a federal court order prevents Best Friends from revealing details about the individual dogs and their conditions until a related case is brought to a close January 25. So, for now, the dogs’ identities remain a closely guarded secret.
But, generally speaking, “Everybody’s adjusting very well and doing fine,” says John Garcia, dog trainer and assistant Dogtown manager. “I’m really impressed with their progress.” Part of that is learning what John calls “life skills.”
Because of their background, the Vick dogs are being housed separately from the rest of the dogs. As Best Friends chief executive officer Paul Berry put it, “They deserve the very best that we can give them.”
And that’s exactly what they’re getting. The dogs are living in individual runs especially designed for them and they’re receiving lots of tender loving care and one-on-one attention to improve their social skills.
The 22 new “witnesses” at Best Friends know a good thing when they have it, so they’re not spilling the beans on their exact whereabouts. For now, they’re out of the limelight and living a life of leisure. It’s not Miami, Palm Springs or Phoenix – the usual sunny spots for federal witnesses to while away the time. But for these sequestered canines, Dogtown is the perfect place.
Written by Cathy Scott
For more information about the Vick dogs, click here.
To read about the Georgia Dog Fighting Act, click here.
To learn how Best Friends rescues and cares for special-needs dogs, tune in to the series “Dogtown” on the National Geographic Channel at 9 pm (ET) on January 11 and 18. For information about “Dogtown,” click here.
To read the latest Best Friends news, click here.
