It was one of the photos that accompanied a Feb. 2, 2008, front-page story in the New York Times about the dogs rescued from NFL quarterback Michael Vick’s dogfighting ring. No doubt most readers were deeply touched by the photo that showed Mckenzie Garcia, a dog caregiver at Best Friends, kneeling in the snow with Squeaker, one of 22 of the most challenged Vick dogs who came to Best Friends back in January 2008 for sanctuary and healing.

Cartoonist Berkeley Breathed of “Bloom County” and “Opus” fame was moved by the photo, too — so moved that the photo inspired him to write his first novel, “Flawed Dogs: The Shocking Raid on Westminster.”

“The book happened because I came across both a picture and quote at about the same time — a picture of one of Michael Vick’s fight dogs,” Berkeley said in an interview on the CNN website. “It was set to be put down, but a shelter in Utah decided to take the dog and a few others at the same time and try to rehabilitate them. …

“This was the first time the dog had ever received any affection in its life. … It’s the most moving picture of a dog I’ve ever seen, having gone through an impossible transition and fallen back to where dogs naturally go, which is just loving people.”

Garcia remembers well the day that photo was snapped.

“It was the crazy media day — people and cameras everywhere,” Garcia says. “I was asked by someone if I could walk one of the dogs, and Squeaker was my first choice. We started to head out and she was starting to get a little freaked that there were people following us, so I squatted down to comfort her. She kept inching closer and closer and we stayed like that for a little while.”

Breathed spoke more about the novel, “Flawed Dogs,” and the photo that inspired him to an audience at the Long Beach Comic Con, a convention in Long Beach, California.

“There is a photograph that has been on the top of my computer that was my daily inspiration of what this is all about,” Breathed said in an article on www.comicbookresources.com. “This is a picture of one of Michael Vick's fighting dogs. This is the moment when he, for the very first time in this dog's life, faced only with hate and cruelty that you and I can't imagine, this is where he is receiving [kindness] for the first time, and he's becoming a dog again. And for a storyteller, this is like the bicycle in the tree. This is what we live for. This is what I live for.”

Breathed said the quote that inspired him is a couple hundred years old. “‘All animals dream, only dogs dream of us,’ and that is a theme for a book,” he told a noticeably choked up audience at the convention, according to the story on the Comic Book Resources website.

Breathed and his wife, Jody, have a number of rescued dogs, including a pit bull named Pickles. According to the CNN story, Breathed’s “affection and concern for dogs form the heart of ‘Flawed Dogs: The Shocking Raid on Westminster,’ Breathed’s new illustrated novel, whose hero is a resilient dachshund with a soup ladle for a leg.”

As for Squeaker, the dog featured in that inspirational New York Times photo, she’s doing great. “Today, Squeaker is living in the land of beds and blankets also known as the laundry room at Dogtown headquarters,” Garcia says. “She's very happy and comes out to say ‘hi’ whenever she hears my voice. I am one of the nighttime walkers for the clinic so I’m able to take her out for a short walk at night. She's super sweet and still loves to cuddle with me when I crouch down to her level.”

Read more about Squeaker and how you can sponsor her here.

Read the entire CNN interview with Breathed.

Read more about “Flawed Dogs: The Shocking Raid on Westminster.”

Pit Bulls: Saving America’s Dogs is one of four Best Friends campaigns aimed at reaching the goal of No More Homeless Pets. Read more about the campaign here.

Written by Sandy Miller
Above image appeared in the New York Times/Garrett Davis

As part of Best Friends’ 25th anniversary in 2009, our goal is to double our membership, so we can double our efforts to bring about a time when all companion animals have a forever home. What can you do to help? Give the Gift of a Best Friends membership to family and friends.

November 15, 2009 : 1:53 PM ET
posted by: catherine1

As has been said previously, PLEASE can someone do a book about the Vicktory Dogs? There must be sooo many gorgeous photos like this one that could make a truly beautiful photo book telling their stories. I will be first in the queue to buy a copy.

November 15, 2009 : 1:14 AM ET
posted by: Hugger

As a (now) former Eagles fan, I am sooooooooooooo happy for these dogs. My tears flowed but my heart smiles looking at this beautiful picture. Thank you for ALL you do.

November 5, 2009 : 4:16 PM ET
posted by: nogee2001

I find myself coming back to that photo over and over, it is one of the most moving photographs ever. I would like to see a calendar made up of the Vick dogs that show moments like that. Surely there must be many photos taken showing when the dogs first realize that we humans can show them love, compassion and a gentle touch.

November 4, 2009 : 11:09 PM ET
posted by: mindusmae

I've had this photo as my desktop photo since you ran it. My heaart is filled everyday with the love displayed.

My many thank to Mc Kenzie, John and all of BF for sharing this. It is beyond memorable.

November 3, 2009 : 11:49 AM ET
posted by: snowflake

I just read an article that had been written in a SF Bay-area newspaper as a rebuttal to the people that upon Michael Vick's arrival to play football in Oakland a couple weeks ago were saying "get over it", and "he paid his dues", etc. etc. These people were dismissing the animal lovers who were at the stadium protesting Vick. This article described in extremely graphic detail how the dogs were tortured and killed. The point was to drive home that Vick has never served a minute of time for animal cruelty, let alone for the heinous acts he did. That article struck me to the core and I can barely function right now. I had to come here, to this picture, to this article, to find some peace. I will go home tonight and hug my little pittie til he wonders what is wrong with mom. I give all the credit in the world to those in animal rescue who do this day in and day out.

November 2, 2009 : 3:53 PM ET
posted by: leela2099

This picture really is so touching. It shows the pure love and adoration that dogs can have for people. I am so thankful for BF and all the effort they put forth to give these little angels another chance.

October 31, 2009 : 12:16 PM ET
posted by: cwiley

Yeah! McK what a great picture - it show's the real you! Those dogs are so lucky to have you guys caring for them. I totally agree with Melissa and Julie! I miss you all! Give hugs to my China and Beau!

Colleen

October 30, 2009 : 7:05 PM ET
posted by: lancecrossfire

Count me as having tears from this photograph. And from the story. It's been almost 2 years since it was taken yet the emotions are still very much there. Truly a captured moment between dog, human and nature.

October 30, 2009 : 6:52 PM ET
posted by: D2or3

My sister and I volunteered at BF in May. One time, I was at one of the dog facilities with one of the caretakers, and I said to her, "Look, that's John Garcia over there." She goes, "That's my husband." I couldn't believe it. It must've been McKenzie. She was one of my favorite staffers. Another time, I walked into the lobby at DogTown, and it was completely empty. I was standing there waiting for someone to show up, and up walked John Garcia, who right away came up to me and said, "Can I help you?" I didn't let on that I knew who he was b/c he gets bombarded constantly, but I'll never forget how kind he was. What a great couple!

October 30, 2009 : 2:24 PM ET
posted by: lucyursa

A print of the photo can be ordered from The NY Times Store in the menu section "order newspaper photos" The prints are rather expensive, but the photo is so beautiful I just had to have one. Perhaps someone will find another venue where the photo can also be purchased.

October 30, 2009 : 2:18 PM ET
posted by: maryjo

This photo leaves me speechless. Thank you from beyond BF for what you do for all animals, especially the pitty's. What an awesome picture. I would love to purchase a copy to sit on my desk here at work. As a continued member of BF, I long for the day when I can come help volunteer. Keep up the great work you do. Kudo's to everyone involved. Squeeker is beautiful.

October 30, 2009 : 12:40 PM ET
posted by: lblackwell

I first saw this picture shortly after the Vicktory dogs arrived at Best Friends and was so very touched by it. I almost feel like I am interrupting a very private moment in the lives of these two beings. For some reason I recently thought about this picture and wanted to find it again.PLEASE, PLEASE,PLEASE, is there a way to purchase a copy of this picture? We have 3 pitties in our family and couldn't ask for more loving, smart dogs. God Bless You McKenzie and John Garcia.

October 30, 2009 : 9:46 AM ET
posted by: bigdfia

I got to see Squeaker when I was out there in August. I am so glad that Best Friends is showing the world how wonderful this breed is. We have a long uphill battle to show and educate people about pit bulls. I hope one day that we will see the return of the American Dog! What a great photo. It is incredible that a still photo can move emotions so much. Keep up the good work and Vicktory to all pits!

October 30, 2009 : 7:53 AM ET
posted by: dixiesherman

What a fantastic picture. Is there any place I can purchase a print? I can't remember ever seeing a picture of a dog and person that has touched my heart in the way this has. Thank you for the picture and the wonderful story.

October 30, 2009 : 12:40 AM ET
posted by: jkrogh

I agree with all the others that picture brought tears to my eyes.. it spoke so loud of what love and care can do for these dogs.. Bless you, McKenzie for what you do for squeaker and all others lucky enough to be in your care... J

October 29, 2009 : 8:32 PM ET
posted by: mindusmae

This picture and article is just beyond touching to me. I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Mackenzie last Fall. Truly a special soul. God Bless all the work done for the former Vick dogs.... what an inspiration.

October 29, 2009 : 7:59 PM ET
posted by: myboyz

What a picture! I can't stop the tears...bless your heart, Squeaker. You know you're in good hands now...Best Friends will make sure you'll always be loved. I met McKenzie at Best Friends earlier this month when she let me meet Ellen (another Vicktory Dog). Thank you, McKenzie, for taking such good care of these precious dogs. To you, Squeaker!! We love you!

October 29, 2009 : 7:52 PM ET
posted by: bordercolliemom

A Best Friends calendar! What a great idea!! One of the Victory dogs would be great.

October 29, 2009 : 5:02 PM ET
posted by: lovefelines2003

A beautiful story, and one of the most touching and beautiful pictures depicting the human/animal connection I've ever seen. It moved me to tears. Thanks so much for posting this.

October 29, 2009 : 4:38 PM ET
posted by: catperson

Beyond touching! I've been a "cat person" for decades but the stories I read @ this sight about dogs melts my heart.

Bless all at Best Friends, forever!!!!!

October 29, 2009 : 4:01 PM ET
posted by: ktsmom

What a touching photo! I love it-it would be so perfect on a calendar...

October 29, 2009 : 3:07 PM ET
posted by: ssowada

Oh My Gosh! I love the photo and will run out and get the book right after work! Thanks again Best Friends for being the Voice of Reason:)

October 29, 2009 : 2:56 PM ET
posted by: watsonsmom

Lovely photo, lovely idea.. it is no surprise that it has inspired one of our gifted comic artists!

October 29, 2009 : 2:45 PM ET
posted by: seven

This photo brought tears to my eyes the first time I saw it and it still does today. No wonder it has been such an inspiration to Mr. Breathed. Thanks, McKenzie--

October 29, 2009 : 1:35 PM ET
posted by: tdirish1

The only bad thing about your site is that I cry everytime I read one of these stories! My heart goes out to these dogs. I wish I can take them all home and just love them. I have a soft spot for the shy ones.

October 29, 2009 : 11:01 AM ET
posted by: tigifred

McK, we are all so proud of you and everything you do for the dogs of Amras, the dogs of Best Friends, and dogs everywhere. You are a great inspiration and you have taught all of us volunteers so much when we visit. I'm so glad that you have this recognition, you are one awesome caregiver!

tigifred (melissa)

October 29, 2009 : 10:55 AM ET
posted by: bellamicuore

What a beautiful picture. McKenzie is one of my favorite people. She truly loves those dogs and would do anything for them. She knows the breed well and everything she does is to make their lives better. I'm so glad she's getting some recognition.