Handsome Dan and family

Handsome Dan, one of the Vicktory dogs, has left the building! And he couldn’t have landed in a better home. Heather and Mark from New England run a kenneling service, doggie day care, animal rescue group, and more. They specialize in rescuing and placing pit bulls, among other breeds.

By law, the screening process is super intense for this group of dogs—way beyond the already detailed adoption process at Best Friends. For any Vicktory dog, there’s a huge checklist to go through, including background checks and everything. Says adoption coordinator Kristi Litrell, "I do have to admire anyone who goes through all this!"

The funny thing is, Mark and Heather are usually on the other end of that process. The rescue group they work with has around 80 dogs in a foster network, and they’re the ones who screen potential homes for the dogs, often pit bulls. These two know all the questions to ask and where to probe and how. It should come as no surprise then, that they passed the process with flying colors. These folks know dogs inside and out. Once they were cleared to foster, all that remained was to find the right Vicktory dog.

They came out to Best Friends with a couple names in mind, but the short list was narrowed down to only one dog as soon as they met Handsome Dan. They could tell he needed them. Like many of the Vicktory dogs, Handsome Dan is still not the most confident in new situations.

Smilin'

All during his time at the sanctuary, Handsome has been working on getting used to new situations. Even so, he still had his comfort zone: going on walks or running in his exercise area—and he was in his element. But a meet and greet over at the Dogtown staff room? The poor guy wasn’t exactly feeling too confident when he first met them. Yet Heather and Mark could see what a sweetheart he was underneath. One sleepover later and they were in love! They knew they could help him.

Best Friends staffer Ann Allums flew out to personally deliver Handsome Dan to Mark and Heather (another requirement for the Vicktory dogs). Everything went smoothly and Handsome Dan’s new chapter in life began. It should come as no surprise though, that Handsome Dan was nervous all over again. After all, if new things haven’t always been his strong point, try this schedule on for size.

Heather and Mark run doggie day trips all around their area. Each day, they take a different group of dogs to a different area. And Handsome Dan has been along every step of the way. Talk about a whole host of new things to take in! Yet a funny thing happened. Before long, Handsome Dan started to enjoy himself. He’s always been great with other dogs, and that’s what made the difference in the end.

After a few days of moping around, Handsome Dan decided it was time to play. A little dog who looks like a mix between a corgi and a golden retriever (try to picture that!) convinced Handsome Dan to run and romp around. Heather says she cried when Handsome finally let go of his fears that first time and had some fun. After all, this is a dog who knows darn well how to have a good time when he’s feeling like himself.

Ever since that first time, Handsome has been getting better and better. He even does a little happy dance when he sees the leash! Those daily adventures are just what the doctor ordered for getting him past his jitters. He’s still cautious around strangers and sometimes tries to hide out of habit, but Heather and Mark gently and consistently encourage and help him past those fears. They know he’ll get there. It’s onward and upward from here on out.

Per the court order, Handsome can’t be considered for adoption until he has lived with them for six months. Make no mistake, though, they are in this for the long haul. They want him to be with them forever. "We just love him," Heather says.

So here’s the nutshell version. Handsome Dan is in a home with a family who loves him unconditionally. He lives with people who know how to help him. He loves other dogs and gets to meet new dogs on a daily basis. He goes on adventures every single day, where he will improve his confidence issues without even realizing it. Um, is there a downside here? Congrats, Handsome Dan! You deserve such a happy ending.

Story by David Dickson
Photo by Molly Wald

You too can be a part of Handsome Dan’s progress. You can sponsor him or one of the many other Best Friends canines.

December 24, 2009 : 12:53 PM ET
posted by: Rita2828

Handsome Dan now i'm crying happy tears, you are one of my favorite Victory dogs. Such a wonderful family please take very good care of Dan .

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OF YOU !!!!!!

Rita from Brooklyn

August 22, 2009 : 3:26 PM ET
posted by: lovecatsx2@charter.net

Congratulations! Handsome Dan! What a wonderful story, God bless all of them, especially Handsome Dan! Best Friends is totally AWESOME!

August 20, 2009 : 8:51 PM ET
posted by: Polar Girl

I'm so happy for Handsome Dan and his new foster family. We've been following his story and have taken a special interest in him since we purchased the original painting of him done by Cyrus Mejia. We wish you all well. Thanks to everyone who has played a part in helping this handsome dog. We look forward to reading some day that he has found his forever home!

August 18, 2009 : 2:17 PM ET
posted by: Anine Ras

I LOVE stories like this, I sure hope I could visit Dog Town sometime and best ever, to adopt a dog and take her home to South Africa!!

August 17, 2009 : 5:53 PM ET
posted by: kayry

Thanks a lot BF for making me cry again!! What an awesome, awesome, story. So proud of you Handsom Dan. XOXOX

August 10, 2009 : 4:21 PM ET
posted by: mosgood

This made me SO HAPPY! I have been so worried about those dogs that were abused! It has constantly been on my mind! U r truly angels!

August 10, 2009 : 8:14 AM ET
posted by: dogmom50

what a great story!how nice to finally read some good news.how satisfying it must be for all of you.here's hoping all the vick dogs end up like handsome dan.congrtulationd to all .thank god for people like you.keep up the good work! best of luck to handsome dan.enjoy your new adventure

August 10, 2009 : 7:49 AM ET
posted by: sweetstattoo

I am so happy for Handsome Dan...these dogs deserve the best life has to offer. Hope you have many happy wonderful years with your new family.

mr sweettattoo

August 10, 2009 : 1:26 AM ET
posted by: toni lowe

How absolutly wonderful!!! Handsome Dan, you deserve only the very best and the most loving and caring forever home. I have watched the "Victory" dogs on BF, and have cried for them. My heart goes out to all of these poor, INOCENT, and precious dogs. Thank you to all at BF, for all of your hard work, dedication, and neverending love that you all show to the dogs that are lucky enough to make it to BF. It should never sweep under the rug, and forgotten what happened to these beautiful, and loving animals. M. Vick, should never have the privledge to walk onto a pro-football field again. Never once did this self-centered, cruel person ever apologize to the animals that he was so very cruel to and murdered. This "coward" did not do this once but many times over a period of many years.

Handsome Dan, welcome home! God bless you - Handsome Dan, and God bless BF. love to all!!!! :)

August 10, 2009 : 12:31 AM ET
posted by: Mylenne

I'm sooooo happy for him!!!!! Happy endings do exist :o)

August 8, 2009 : 9:44 PM ET
posted by: metalady

I ordered all the Vicktory Dogs Wine bottles and they won't be cracked until everyone has a forever home! BFAS you are the best! Congrats Handsome!!!!!! We are all pulling for you!

August 8, 2009 : 8:49 PM ET
posted by: mommedic

I am so happy to hear that he has found his forever home!! From the smile on his face you can alway tell when a rescue is home and Handsome Dan is at HOME AT LAST!!! CONGRATS...

August 8, 2009 : 12:56 AM ET
posted by: AnnaPearl

He is truly a handsome, steady, manly looking chap! I wouldn't know the specifics of what Dan and others have been through, but is must have been horrific. All the more miraculous that this magnificent, healthy looking fellow should emerge from all of that. What a wonderful family to now be his very own. Thank you Best Friends for facilitating this 'miracle' and allowing H.Dan to be 'reborn' in this very life. Many blessings, much love, from Australia.

August 7, 2009 : 10:16 PM ET
posted by: fourpawsmom

I know Mark and Heather and I can say that "Handsome" is in the best loving family that any dog could hope for! Our love and best wishes go out to all of you for opening your heart and your home, and your commitment and dedication, to this beautiful spirit!!! Carol, Joe & Lola

August 7, 2009 : 10:05 PM ET
posted by: katieingram

Congratulations Handsome Dan! Best wishes for a wonderful life in your forever home. One more Vicktory for another beautiful dog!!

August 7, 2009 : 8:30 PM ET
posted by: kinkstar

Ah, precious boy, good for you! May you have a happy and healthy life with your family, and go on to learn new things every day, without fear. ((?))

August 7, 2009 : 5:55 PM ET
posted by: lizzard55

What another GREAT VICTORY for one of the Vicktory dogs. This is yet another wonderful story with a happy ending... Best Friends you are the BEST!!!!

Good Luck "Handsome Dan" !!!!!!

August 7, 2009 : 5:52 PM ET
posted by: Francesca

Why doesn't the media grab onto this success story instead of weather or not HE gets to play football again? We must never let this and the other stories disappear with HIS career, keep these precious angels moving forward into the hearts and minds of all. We must never forget their plight.

August 7, 2009 : 5:30 PM ET
posted by: jmlochs

What an amazing story! This made my week. Wonderful news, an inspiring family, and absolutely incredible dog...happy tails :)

August 7, 2009 : 4:18 PM ET
posted by: Dom and Rudy's Mom

Tears of joy! Congratulations Dan, you deserve nothing short of paradise and it certainly sounds like the folks at Best Friends found it for you. Thank you so much Mark and Heather for loving this beautiful baby and making him a part of your family. Nothing but the best for these babies will do and you most certainly are the best mom and dad for Handsome Dan! And way to go BF!!! As a pibble owner I can't thank you enough for showing the world the true nature of this wonderful breed and for fighting for them when so many wanted them killed. As always, YOU ROCK!!!!!!

August 7, 2009 : 3:46 PM ET
posted by: pdwlgw

Hooray for Handsome Dan! And hooray for his new family and for Best Friends and for everyone who has helped this wonderful dog.

I'd like to offer a special thanks to a great dog who has helped Handsome Dan -- Little Red. Dan and Little Red have been run-mates for several months. This delightful little dog -- horribly abused by Michael Vick and his friends -- came out of her shell and became a wonderful playmate for Handsome Dan. Her courage has surely helped Handsome Dan achieve this terrific success.

Congratulations to all. And thank you, Little Red. Here's hoping you get a great new run-mate soon -- and here's hoping you go to a terrific foster home of your own!

August 7, 2009 : 2:37 PM ET
posted by: Lorie502

Congratulations Handsome Dan! I've always had a soft spot for you! I'm so happy to hear you found a great family and are doing things that were never granted to you before your trip to Best Friends. Keep enjoying the simple pleasures in life Sweetie! :)

August 7, 2009 : 2:23 PM ET
posted by: boanderey

Oh sure, make me cry while I'm at work!! Seriously, reading about Handsome Dan and the rest of the Vicktory dogs always gives a lift to my day. I'm so glad he's found such a great home

August 7, 2009 : 2:05 PM ET
posted by: deble1

All I can say is you guys "rock"...I am a devoted pit bull owner and I love my "fat" baby!

August 7, 2009 : 10:52 AM ET
posted by: horsey55

How good a story to read these days. Just look at those family photos and the happiness there. Handsome Dan is okay. Look at that face. And to his family - bless each and every one of you.

August 7, 2009 : 9:05 AM ET
posted by: doglover55

This is wonderful news that another one of these babies gets a good home with a chance at a good life without being murdered. Sorry for being so blunt but I am so sick and tried of people judging these dogs by what the media puts out about them, or when they have bad owners. I so love this breed they have such big hearts that it just warms my heart when I see stories like this.

Good luck handsome.