Kanab » Pit bulls raised to be vicious fighters by former pro football quarterback Michael Vick are slowly getting used to life outside the ring and moving toward adoption with help of a southern Utah animal sanctuary.
One of the dogs has even been adopted as a "paw" pal by a group of special-needs students in Louisville, Ky.
Best Friends Animal Society's Barbara Williams said this week that the animals are making steady progress since 22 of the 47 seized from Vick's property arrived scared and confused in Kanab on Jan. 2, 2008. The remaining dogs were sent to other animal sanctuaries in the U.S.
Williams said one dog from Best Friends has been put in foster care; others are working to earn certificates that show they have received proper training in manners and socialization.
She said most the dogs will be adopted to families outside of Kane County. The court has decreed that two of them are unadoptable. They will permanently reside at Best Friends.
The court requires that before permanent adoption is granted, the dogs must spend six months with a family to make sure both are compatible.
"We don't believe in giving up on any animal," said Williams.
Best Friends dog trainer Ann Allums is sure most of the pit bulls are adoptable and eventually will become loved family members.
One of the dogs she has been working with since his arrival is Ray, an American pit bull terrier mix almost ready for adoption.
"He was fearful at first, but now wants to say hello to everybody," Allums said as Ray jumped around her with abundant energy.
She said that like many of the dogs, Ray needed to learn manners through commands such as sit, lie down, stay and wait for food.
He also needed positive experiences, so he takes trips to the creek at Best Friends' compound, its central village, staff quarters and the clinic, and goes on rides in a vehicle.
"He likes to ride in golf carts," said Allum.
She said pit bulls, the nation's most euthanized breed, have received a bad reputation because of their association with dog fighting. But given the training, they make as good a companion as any breed.
"They love being with people," said Allum. "Inside they're just cuddle bugs."
The Vick pit bulls have been guests on several national TV programs and drawn attention from around the country. One person sent each of the animals a high-quality blanket monogramed with its name.
A class of special-needs students at Kammerer Middle School in Louisville has taken a liking to one particular pit bull, named Georgia, and regularly send her toys and cards.
"Hope you like your Hannah Montana blanket," reads one card.
" ... We hope you like the toys, since we can't give you hugs we sent some fun," reads part of another card that has been laminated and hangs in a building at the society's Dog Town.
Williams said no one has been in contact with Best Friends about Vick visiting the dogs. Such a request might be considered, she said.
Allums said what is important is the future of the dogs.
"What's past is past," she said. "These dogs are resilient and are making progress. We're really proud of them."
A rising star tumbled in dog-fighting case
Michael Vick, a rising star as quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, was indicted in July 2007 and pleaded guilty to financing a dog-fighting operation. He also admitted to participating in the killing of several underperforming dogs. Three codefendants also pleaded guilty.
After his arrest, 47 dogs were seized from his Virginia property. A U.S. District Court judge ordered that 22 be sent to Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, where they arrived early last year.
Vick began serving a 23-month sentence at the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan. He was released Wednesday to serve two months of home confinement. According to The Associated Press, Vick met Friday at a Norfolk, Va., courthouse with his probation officer. Earlier, he had been equipped with an electronic monitor.
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