Michael Vick Wants Another Dog

Yes the NFL superstar who spent 18 months in prison for his involvement with dog fighting has come out to say that he wants another chance at being a dog owner. He still can’t own a dog for another year and a half due to stipulations in his parole, but this story is polarizing the pro-Vick and anti-Vick masses.

Here is a quote from Vick from 7News.com.

"I really mean what I say. I don't have a problem. I'm not a psychopath. I'm not crazy. I'm a human being. What happened in my past and what I did in the culture I grew up in doesn't shape and mold me as the person I am now. I said it before that I wish I can own a dog and I'll continue to say it. I'm not allowed to, but I'm just saying I wish I could because my kids ask me every day. It's more so for them than for me."

Yes, he did terrible things to animals, things so terrible that a jury put him in prison. He served his time and says he’s a changed man. Should he get a second chance at dog-ownership?

My gut reaction is to say, “No Way!” Anyone that can be a part of hurting animals like that should never be allowed to be near them again. But then a part of me wonders, “What if he really is a changed man?” Her served his time. He spends lots of time talking to at risk youth and donating time and money to charities. He’s kept his nose clean and has come across as a hard working, humbled man since his release from prison. Our whole criminal justice system is based on the idea that people can learn and change. If that’s the case then maybe he does deserve another chance.

But, things we do in this world have consequences. And, as a dog owner myself, the things Vick was said to be a part of are just unforgivable.

Dear Mr. Vick, I hope the changed-man persona we have all seen since your release from prison is sincere. I hope you have learned from your past mistakes and will continue to better yourself as a person. And if all of that is true, I wish you the best in your life. I sincerely do. But, after what you did, I can’t feel sorry for you about wanting a dog to make your kids happy. That’s the cross you will always have to bear. Every time they ask you for a dog, you get to explain to them that you can’t get one because of the horrible things you did.

None of those dogs you were involved with get a second chance.