COLUMNS
May 30, 2009 Along with others who have dedicated many years to promoting animal welfare and preventing cruelty toward animals, I could hardly believe what I heard - that the Humane Society of the United States was talking to Michael Vick about helping in the campaign to end dogfighting.
After serving less than two years in prison for the horrible atrocities he committed against those poor dogs, it was difficult to understand that Wayne Pacelle, the president of HSUS, would even meet with him to discuss it.
But I know that Wayne is a man with a passion for helping animals.
He and his HSUS team have worked diligently for the past two years to strengthen federal and state laws related to dogfighting, as well as assisting law enforcement efforts in a record number of busts of illegal dogfighting operations.
The more I thought about it, I realized that Michael Vick has the potential to reach people who would never listen to me – or you – or Wayne.
Vick grew up in a culture that not only condoned but encouraged such cruel sports.
He rose to stardom in the National Football League, becoming one of its most successful players. He had a multimillion dollar contract and lucrative endorsement deals.
Then came the raid on his Virginia dogfighting operation.
Now the contract is gone, along with the endorsements, and his future as a football player is uncertain.
So when Michael Vick talks to those inner city kids who may be thinking of following in his footsteps, he can tell them from experience that mistakes can be costly.
No one can undo the terrible abuses those animals suffered at the hands of Vick and his associates.
But I have to admit it's possible that he could make a difference, that he could be an effective agent in the campaign to end dogfighting and related cruelties.
I truly hope he is sincere about his intention to help animals.
If so, then perhaps Wayne Pacelle and Michael Vick and all of us will one day be able to move beyond the sins of the past to celebrate genuine progress toward the goal of humane treatment for all animals, especially when you're speaking of pets.
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