Dogs and yoga might not seem like the perfect combination the first time you imagine it, but the idea does have some merit. Think about it. How many times has your dog flopped down in some crazy position and held it for hours on end? Add some deep breathing exercises, a little mental concentration, and you’re all set! Little Red the Vicktory dog, however, has other goals in mind than relaxation and stretching. She wants to find a home.

Little Red is one of the Vicktory dogs court-ordered to become certified in the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluation before being considered for a foster home. The CGC test is a sort of grad school in basic manners. Not an easy test by any means — for one thing, no treats are allowed during the test — but Little Red is determined to come out on top.

Shhhh. I'm meditating!

Best Friends trainer Tamara Dormer has been working with Little Red one on one. And Little Red has been making great progress. There’s just one area that seems to a tad harder than the others, meeting strangers.

For those who don’t know Little Red, here’s a quick recap. She came to Best Friends after having been seized from Michael Vick’s estate. While the exact details of her former life remain a mystery, it’s not hard to guess from the scars on her face and her filed-down teeth that she was used as a bait dog or sparring dog. Talk about a rough life. It should come as no shock, then, that she’s had a hard time trusting all strangers right away.

Not to say she’s overly fearful, though. From the very beginning, she has been a love mush. Her caregivers fell for her instantly as Little Red began to grin and dance little jigs for them whenever they’d approach. But it’s always been on her own terms. New faces are not always easy for her. Sometimes she shies away from people she doesn’t know.

With all the hard work, though, Little Red is finding her way. She met two different strangers recently without getting nervous. A great sign! Tamara has been introducing her to every stranger she can round up. Yet that’s been one of the problems from the outset, finding enough strangers to meet. Even though visitors and volunteers would line up around the block to say hello, another one of the court mandates is that Little Red can only meet Best Friends’ employees.

Which brings us to the yoga class. It so happens there is an after hours, all-staff yoga class that Tamara attends. She’s thinking about bringing Little Red to meet some more new faces. If it all pans out, Little Red would be the star of the class for sure and she’d no doubt enjoy the limelight. But the whole hidden purpose, of course, would be to help her toward CGC certification. Gotta’ love a teacher who knows how to sneak in some education when the student isn’t looking!

Story by David Dickson
Photo by Gary Kalpakoff and Molly Wald

As Little Red is busy getting to know various people on her journey to passing her Canine Good Citizen evaluation, wish her well through sponsorship.

November 12, 2009 : 4:06 PM ET
posted by: myboyz89

It's so good to see you, Little Red. You keep up the good work! You deserve to live happily ever after, and I know Best Friends will continue to take very good care of you....and they will make sure you are safe for the rest of your life! I'm so proud of you!

October 30, 2009 : 12:37 PM ET
posted by: Jenny123

I love Little Red!! I think it is so wonderful what Best Friends and DogTown has done to help all the Vicktory Dogs. I just recently sent a donation to go towards helping these dogs. It makes me sick to my stomach to know that people can hurt a helpless animal that can't defend itself. These are god's creatures, and these people will pay for what they have done. I have had pits my whole life and what these stupid people don't realize is if you treat these dogs good and love them they will do anything for you. THey are the most loyal dog you could have. Mine have always been like my kids. And they are good with children if you love them and treat them like you own. People are so stupid when it comes to these dogs and they pay the price. It's not fair! Way to go Dog Town great job. My prayers were answered! Jennifer C

October 27, 2009 : 5:45 PM ET
posted by: Kearney9

Mindwonder...I'm so proud you left the club. I can't stand to hear about Michael Vick and how he's "did his time." How does that compare to the torture he did to these dogs and the pain and fears they have to live with daily??? Has society lost it? Where's the compassion? I make no apologies in saying that what he did was disgraceful and unforgivable due to the fact that he participated in torture! I recently viewed a picture of one of his dogs and he placed objects through their skull and faces. What satisfaction does one get in torturing an innocent animal such as this? He's in the public arena and I feel he does NOT deserve to be here. People need to realize that he used over 1,000 dogs as bait dogs to train his Pitts. For every single dog he torture or abused, his time in jail is not nearly enough. Its appalling to me to think that society is to willing to accept him.

October 27, 2009 : 5:21 PM ET
posted by: lncown

I am in awe every time I read or see something about these precious Vicktory dogs. I unfortunately live in Philadelphia and no one is allowed to watch the Eagles ever in my home, including my husband. He's agreed to not watch the Eagles anywhere if he can still watch other football games. We donate monthly to Best Friends and I love to hear about all the animals progress but I have a soft spot for these special ones! Good luck on you CGC test Little Red!!!!!

October 27, 2009 : 3:17 PM ET
posted by: kcinaz

Similar to Victor, the Dogfather of Dog Town, you will find your nitch Little Red and you will break out of that shell. You are in the best possible hands now and only good things are to come. We are all keeping our paws and fingers crossed for you here in AZ Little Red! Hugs and Kisses to you!

October 25, 2009 : 3:47 PM ET
posted by: pittiemom

You go, Little Red!!! I had a fabulous red nose pittie who turned me on to this great breed; I will now rescue only pitties to live with me. Although she died of old age several years ago, she will always have a soft spot in my heart as my introduction to pitties. You won my heart from the start and I pray that you pass your test and find your forever home!

October 24, 2009 : 10:22 PM ET
posted by: lightspeed

IMTUSH.....You have 3 of Michael Vick's dogs?! Could you please email me at lightspeed12@yahoo.com? I run a rescue in southern Indiana, and would like to write a short story about you, and your dog's success to put on the front page of my PetFinder website. I rehab, and rehome a lot of Pits, and want to encourage people to think about adopting these great dogs. It would be really nice if you could email a 'group' photo to put there as well. I won't put any personal data about you...name, location, etc. Deb

October 24, 2009 : 9:43 PM ET
posted by: mindworker

I recently went to a comedy club in Nashville where the comedian, after some laughs and funnies, switched gears and began to address some serious issues. Micheal Vick became the topic. The comedian implied that the punishment that happened to Vick was not fair. He then said the dogs were just doing what they were bred and trained to do, and he compared Vick's USING fighting dogs to farmer's USING mules and oxen to plow fields. He said neither WANTED to do what they did. They just did as they were trained to do.

Talk about comparing apples to oranges. Mules and oxen who plowed fields for a farmer's crop to feed the family were treated like precious commodities and were well taken care of. What sort of treatment did Vick's dogs receive? Teeth filed down, ears torn off, debilitating injuries, pain and suffering?

I left the comedy club without much of a laugh and only pent-up anger for using a captive audience for one's personal agenda.

October 24, 2009 : 8:30 PM ET
posted by: nestle18

Little Red, you stole my heart the very first time I saw you. You have come a long way. With all the hard work that Tamara and you are putting in, I know you will pass the Canine Good Citizen test with flying colors. I am glad you still have that cute little grin of yours. Monkey, you are an adorable little love bug and keep up those silly antics of yours.

October 24, 2009 : 6:55 PM ET
posted by: Melicki

We are cheering you on. I wish that I could make your forever home with me but I live in Ontario Canada and there is a ban on you poor guys. I hope that you find your forever home soon. We love ya...

October 23, 2009 : 10:16 PM ET
posted by: nestle18

Little Red, you stole my heart the first time I saw you. I am glad you still have that cute little grin of yours. With the help of Tamara you will pass the test with flying colors.You are an adorable little love bug, Monkey, keep up the silly antics.. Hope to actual meet you one day.

October 23, 2009 : 8:04 PM ET
posted by: dogpaw

You go, baby girl! We're all behind you!

October 23, 2009 : 7:19 PM ET
posted by: stel

that is such a good idea! not only will she be meeting new people, but it will be in such a calm, relaxing environment that hopefully that will help too! maybe she'll teach them a few doggy stretches they just gotta try out. : )

October 23, 2009 : 11:36 AM ET
posted by: roznpearl

Little Red, yours will be the most graceful Downward Dog pose in the class! I'm sure you'll feel at home with all those peaceful yogis. What a great idea.

October 23, 2009 : 11:25 AM ET
posted by: wycheck fan

She's a cutie! Thanks for working with her and helping her take the next step in her journey ...

October 23, 2009 : 11:15 AM ET
posted by: Isembard

This may set a dangerous precedent: baby angels in yoga classes. Obvious downside: I'd have to start taking yoga classes!

October 23, 2009 : 7:44 AM ET
posted by: dixiesherman

Little Red, you get more beautiful each time I see you. What a difference from when you came to BF. You are in good hands, Tamara will take care of you and help you to find your forever home. You have an angel on your side and everything will be good for you from now on. Tamara please give Little Red a lot of hugs and kisses, and belly rubs from me. I have sponsored her since she came to BF, and just fell in love with her the first time I saw her picture. Thank you Tamara for all you are doing for her and the others, Kathi

October 22, 2009 : 9:37 PM ET
posted by: CindyCT

Yay Little Red!! You just keep trying little girl!! ... Our rescue pit is named 'Red' -- it took him a while too but he found his way -- you'll find the true happiness you deserve. As always, thank you Best Friends!!!!

October 22, 2009 : 8:17 PM ET
posted by: pdwlgw

About that line around the block? I'd get in that line, meet Little Red, and get right back in line to meet her again. Such an adorable dog! When she is ready for adoption, I'll bet there will be a REALLY long line.