Comments on: Michael Vick Partners with The Humane Society

By: ACE

ACE — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:05:30 +0000

Michale has not been reformed and only is doing this for window dressing. Now that he has an NFL contract, he now brags about his discusting pastime: See the following
http://www.theonion.com/content/news/michael_vick_fails_to_inspire_team?utm_source=a-section

By: Ann

Ann — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 01:56:34 +0000

Bottom line …. Dog fighting is considered a felony. It’s going to be very difficult to watch this guy without thinking about those dead and tormented dogs. What’s done is done and nothing can be done about the animals Vick harmed. And we knew the dogs that didn’t fight were beaten, shot, hanged, electrocuted or drowned. Now is the time for Vick to make us feel warm and fuzzy about the work he will now do to help animals, as well as about the way his sport will help him find redemption, which seems to come easier to our pro athletes by the day. It would just be nice if that happens somewhere else. Like in rehab. Is this who you want your children to look up to and be just like him? I’ve been an Eagles fan for a lot of years though good and bad but this is inexcusable. If they feel they need a dog killer on the team to win that is really sad. I can’t support this team or any team that has a dog killer on their team. Or will I support the HS for any cause.

By: darrell

darrell — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:03:50 +0000

Mr Vick is a murderer and should not be allowed back in the NFL or should he have anything to do with the Humane society. I will personally never give money to this organization ever and the should be banned.

By: Katie

Katie — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:41:59 +0000

Wow, I have so much love the THS after this. PETA is basically a militant group that are saying he doesn’t deserve a second chance. There is so much hate over there. I’m glad THS allows the man to have a second chance.

By: kmac

kmac — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:43:29 +0000

This is just a celebrity marketing ploy by Vick to change his image and kids in Atlanta and Chicago who Vick might influence know it. I seriously doubt that he is truly “reformed.” And the kids know Vick is just trying to get his football career back.

By: Julie Murphy

Julie Murphy — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:22:43 +0000

I suppose if former gang members can reform their ways and help young kids and teens stay out of gangs, former dog fighters can do the same.
Of course Michael Vick’s motives are suspect so only time and actions will tell. But can you think of a better individual to get the press and following that the HSUS can use to to really speak out against this horrible crime? Vick’s notoriety and involvement in dog fighting has already increased awareness of the problem. I think the vehemence against him serving as a “spokesperson” comes from the people that already have strong negative feelings against dog fighting. Where he could serve a great purpose, is to get the people that actually participate in dog fighting to understand what they are doing is wrong. If these people look up to Vick in anyway, he could serve a very useful purpose – he’s been there, done that, regrets it. If that saves dogs from this cruel fate, it’s worth the risk.

By: Lucinda Jackson

Lucinda Jackson — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:57:38 +0000

I am personally involved with the HSUS End Dog Fighting program. The program is great, the trainers are great, and the volunteers are great. However the decision made by Wayne Pacelle to support Michael Vick is not shared with other HSUS employee’s involved with this program. The decision was made to help Mr. Pacelle get the attention he feels he deserves because he is a selfish and greedy man. Anybody who is reading this, is close to the Chicago area, and wants to protest the decision Mr. Pacelle made against the recommendation of others involved please come and protest the following event where Michael Vick will speak.
Wednesday, August 12th at 4:00pm
Liberation Christian Center
6810 S. Ashland Ave.
Englewood, IL
The decision goes against everything the class is about and jeapordized the good work already done. Please show up andlet Mr. Pacelle know that his selfish and greeddy decision will not be tolerated. Thanks for the help.
Lucinda

By: Elaine Fogel

Elaine Fogel — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:03:44 +0000

Ann, thanks for posting about Michael’s response. I was definitely impressed with the HSUS response to this. And thanks, too, to Beth Harte for her Twitter links.

By: Carie

Carie — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 03:07:59 +0000

@rebecca – as a pitbull owner and HSUS employee, i have to say that I think your comment is both close minded and inaccurate.
It’s clear that you’re angry. I get that; I’m still very angry at him and the things he did, too. But direct your anger into positive change, instead of badmouthing an organization that has made more strides against the cruel act of dogfighting than any other.
As Mike said, The HSUS embraces a culture of change. They have nothing against pit bulls and if they did, I’d have a serious problem with it. I love my pitbull and I am proud to work for HSUS. So, please do not speak for me.
I may not have forgiven Vick for what he did but I believe the HSUS when they say if their work with him can stop one young man from getting involved in dogfighting, then it will be a 100% victory.
That is change, and that is what the animal welfare movement needs.

By: Elaine Fogel

Elaine Fogel — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 01:02:51 +0000

Wow, I don’t know where to begin. Thank you all for your comments.
@Ann, Amy, Becky, Abbie: You have good souls and are forgiving people.
@Beth, you may be right and time will tell if the negative PR will have an effect on Vick’s reputation as an athlete. The street kids he’ll be working with will likely be in awe regardless, and as The Humane Society CEO and Michael Markarian said, if Vick can stop one young man from getting into dogfighting, then it’s a win for the mission.
@Teri: You may be right and the kids will see through Vick’s intentions – if they are not honorable. Whether his offer is motivated by the negative PR or a genuine desire to make things right, THS will be the best judge, I imagine.
@Ben, it’s difficult for us to speculate on his perceptions of his deeds, as his upbringing may have been totally different than some of us here.
@Michael, I really appreciate your post on behalf of The Humane Society of the United States. I hope you’ll keep us posted on the progress of this inner city program.
@Rebecca, thanks for conveying your concerns about pit bulls.