Tails: No “Vick”tory last night

Yesterday morning I was quick to throw on my Green Bay Packer gear in preparation for Sunday football. Our family bleeds green and gold and Sunday is always the day to show it off.

We spent kick-off at Abby’s soccer game (in the rain) but managed to get to a bar by 1:30 to watch the Pack score their way to a win. All in all a good day.

But, amazingly, the real game for me came Sunday night when the Atlanta Falcons took on the Philadelphia Eagles. Some people might not understand the magnitude of the game so hear it is… Michael Vick the now quarterback for the Eagles used to be THE quarterback for the Falcons – in fact he was such THE QB that he had a 130 MILLION dollar contract. Don’t quote me but I think the HIGHEST paid QB ever.

That’s all fine and good and maybe at the time he deserved it… But fast forward and well, it turned out Michael Vick was a scumbag and was convicted of felony dogfighting charges and sent to prison for 2 years.

Some may say so what (shame on you). But, the real story lies in the gory details of what Vick and his cousin and other low-life friends did. In fact, I just finished Jim Gorant’s (Sports Illustrated Senior Editor) book, “The Lost Dogs” which details the story behind the Vick tragedy.

Michael Vick and a few others got together and started a professional dog ring. He bought a house and built a few back barns and bought dogs and raised them to fight. Mostly, when you read the book, he raised them to die. Because Vick’s dogs weren’t winners and when they lost they died – either by a hanging or a beating or a bullet to the head. And they were buried in the backyard.

For some death was actually a blessing. Others were bred in rape stands – some females even had their teeth removed so they couldn’t fight back. Other dogs were left on chains in the backyard to fight the elements and be left to helplessly fight in the ring.

The scene is out of a horror movie. Even for a seasoned animal rescuer – there are moments in the book that made me cry.

In 2007, a drug warrant allowed police investigators into the home and when they found the traces of dogfighting – the real investigation began. They found the equipment, the chains, the dead bodies and lots of blood throughout the property.

The local authorities stalled (probably for political reasons) so the feds stepped in and within months Vick was convicted. His cronies were fast to turn on him.

But, the real story comes after – all the dogs who were left. It was the first time that dog fighting dogs would not all be euthanized. The case was too big and the stakes too high. Animal welfare organizations from all over stepped in to save them.

That is except for two organizations, PETA and HSUS who felt the best bet was to euthanize the dogs.

Instead about 30 of them were saved. Gorant’s book details the lives of each of the dogs and where they are now.

It wasn’t easy – some dogs managed to spring back into life – but many of them were so afraid, so broken that it took months, even years, to rehabilitate. The scars, both physical and emotional were so deep.

All because of a Vick – the 130 MILLION dollar star quarterback.

Once the allegations were proven true – the Atlanta Falcons fired Vick – and later, of course, he would go to prison. He was also required to pay for the care of the dogs as restitution.

After 22 months of prison – Vick emerged a “changed” man. (Give me a break). And lo and behold, the Philadelphia Eagles thought it was worth giving him a chance.

And this year, after his phenomenal return they signed him for 100 million dollar contract making him the only QB in history to get TWO 100 million dollar contracts.

Shouldn’t America be proud? Rewarding a convicted criminal for heinous activity. Inhumane behavior – true cruelty.

Its obvious I have my issues with the NFL, the Eagles, VICK… I hate that man – and I tend NOT to use hate lightly.

So, last night as we turned on the Sunday night game and the Falcons took on the Eagles - I have to admit that I cheered louder than I did for the Packers. See, yesterday was Vick’s first return to his starting team – Atlanta. The team that gave up 130 million dollars when they realized they employed a true criminal.

There were boos and cheers for Vick’s return – probably a few wished horrible things like I did as I watched.

But, I did watch the game – with my heart and soul. Each sack – each interception Vick threw. And yes, call me vindictive but when Vick got hurt last night I could only think of it as karma – the dogs’ retribution.

I wish the Eagles a losing season. Its too bad for the other good players on the team – but how on Earth can any goodhearted person cheer for a team that employs a killer?

And even though every game day I will throw on my green and gold and cheer for the Packers – my soul will be wearing the colors of whatever team Vick is playing.

And the dogs he killed will be looking from above wagging their tails every time he gets sacked. They deserve at least that.