A Second Chance for Michael Vick?
When it comes to dogs, I believe in second chances—maybe even third and fourth chances. That’s how I approach Red Zone dogs—I’m not questioning why they did what they did in the past, but what is going on now to cause the dog aggression and then address the issue at hand. I believe that every dog deserves that opportunity.
But sometimes when we’re dealing with people who have committed acts of cruelty, it’s much harder to forgive. We find it difficult to believe in the power of positive transformation and sometimes we let that cloud our abilities to accept change. An example of this is Michael Vick's unlawful dog fighting activities and subsequent attempt to speak to Congress about the Dog Fighting Prohibition Act.
I viewed Michael Vick's vow to end dog fighting as just words and was skeptical of his attempt to make a change. I thought only about his abusive past actions. Many—including my fans on Facebook who we polled—are finding it hard to accept that he is trying to take his past lessons-learned and apply them to future, positive change.
In rehabilitation with dogs, it’s important to remember that every dog can be given a second chance. Every dog has the inherent ability to be good. It is only when we give up on the dogs that they continue to behave in a negative manner and never come to find balance.
Michael Vick’s abusive actions should never be condoned, nor should it ever happen again. There’s no excuse.
However, after reflecting on his actions and seeking forgiveness, if Michael Vick is committed to take his past offenses and make a change for the better, I will support him. If he has learned from his mistakes, and now understands the meaning behind a balanced and positive relationship with dogs, I will support him. If he can help bring awareness to the horrendous cruelty of dog fighting, then I will support him. If he can bring about all of these positive changes, then I can put my doubts behind me and support this transformation.
Life has many ways of bringing the good to us. Sometimes you have to hit the bottom before you can ever reach for the top. For the benefit of people and dogs everywhere, I want those who have done something bad to reflect and change their ways. I will always be supportive of that.
