Friday, April 9, 2010

Former Michael Vick Dog Receives Community Service Award


 Two years ago, life wasn't looking so good for Hector. A former Michael Vick pit bull, the then-4-year-old was safe from the footballer's vicious dogfighting ring, but still in need of a forever home. Luckily for Hector, pit bull lover Roo Yori was in the market for a new pup, and ended up taking the gentle giant home from the BAD RAP shelter in San Francisco.

"I fell in love with him as a dog," Yori tells PEOPLEPets.com. "It was so obvious that he had scars that show what he's been through, but they were completely external. Inside, he was just like any other dog — he impressed me."

We first introduced you to Hector in December, telling the story of his new life with Yori as a certified therapy dog in Minnesota. Now, the perky pup (who just turned 6!) has been recognized for his efforts in his new home of New York, and received a Community Service in Humane Education Award from the Brooklyn Law School Student Animal Legal Defense Fund on Wednesday.

Yori, currently director of care and enrichment for the Animal Farm Foundation, takes Hector around to organizations in the northeast to educate children about pet care. "We use Hector's story to teach children what he went through," Yori says. "It hurt him, he didn't need to go through it, and it was wrong."

He feels their visits have made quite an impact — particularly because of Hector. "He speaks through his actions," Yori shares. "Once people meet him, they see what a good dog he is, and it says more than I ever could." Yori says he intends to continue humane education programs with Hector for as long as he can — awards or no awards.

The Animal Farm Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to restoring the image of the pit bull terrier, and protecting all dogs from discrimination and cruelty. In addition to their on-site shelter in upstate New York, they provide spay/neuter services, educational programs and more.
National Canine Cancer Foundation

20 comments:

kissa-bull said...

he ish a most bewootiful and wonderful ambassador for our breed
we panks you for sharing thish wiff ush
pibble sugars and wee wags
the pittie pack

Teddy Bear said...

What a beautiful story.:)

Love,
Teddy Bear

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

How khool is THAT!!!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Golden Samantha said...

Wow - that is one amazing and wonderful tale. We know we've been AWOL lately - so sawry, but so glad to have checked in on this heartwarming post. My mom still is so mad about this Vick story, but reading your post ameliorates her anger a lot and amazes her too. The furever forgiveness of doggies is incredible. Thanks for sharing.
Big Hugs xoxoxoxo
Sammie and furamily

Sam said...

Hector has always been my favorite of the Vick pack. I am so glad that others are recognizing his greatness - he is SUCH an awesome ambassador for his breed.

Maxmom said...

Hey there Scout, Freyja, Mimi and all the kitties!
Thank you for always telling us these amazing stories. I have always been rather fearful of Pitties, but friends like you are educating me as to their gentler side.
Sending lotsaluv to you ALL...I think of you daily. Hope the snow has lifted.
Lotsaluv
MAXMOM

Jake of Florida said...

Stories like this need to make the headlines so "do-gooder" legislators (oxymoron) get the message and stop trying to pass Breed Specific Legislation based on emotion and not reality.

Thanks for the heart-warming tale.

Wirey woofs,

Jake and Just Harry

Mrs. JP said...

Good for him. I love it when dogs get to do what they were made to do. Love for a living!!!

♥I am Holly♥ said...

That is a wonderful story!! I am very glad to hear that he received the award! Lots of love, Debbie and Holly

How Sam Sees It said...

That is a great "rags to riches" story! Not only did he get rescued from certain death, he is being a great ambassador for the breed!

Sam

Emma Rose said...

Great story! He is a lucky dog now. He's is loved and famous and finally can live happily ever after! Wonderful!!!

Kisses,
Emma Rose

Shelley said...

This warms my heart - so happy Hector found a good loving home! And now he's making a big difference in the world!
Big Kisses from Scout!

^..^Corgidogmama said...

Supposedly Vick has got religion and is doing some serious repenting. Let's hope so.
Great story/ending for one of his victims.
How can anyone hurt a dog, when they look at you with "those eyes?"

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Hector has a story to tell. The love shows in his eyes and he can communicate to souls without speaking. What a great ambassador he is. Thank you for sharing this story with the world.
The world does need to know. Hector is just like my lovable pitty pak friends that come to visit me.
love
tweedles

Duke said...

We are absolutely THRILLED for Hector!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

Kari in Alaska said...

oh how I love Hector :)

Anonymous said...

Love your blog!

Come check out my adventures with my black lab named Sage!

http://dailyadventuressage.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Love your blog!

Come check out my adventures with my black lab named Sage!

http://dailyadventuressage.blogspot.com/

The Oceanside Animals said...

Good boy!

Becca & Mandy said...

lol. I LOVE your blog! Please check out my Therapy Dog Blog!

http://therapycanine.blogspot.com/