Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in Federal Prison for his role in the dogfighting business he had on his property. To me, this is such a sad story. He’s someone that is extremely talented, and has made something of himself. Now, he’s going to spend at least the next 20 months of his life (if he receives the maximum of 3 months off for good behavior) in prison, thinking about what he’s done.

To be honest, I hope that he is able to get his football career back on track. He’s talented, and he shouldn’t have to pay for the rest of his life, provided he has learned his lesson, and has done much good to right the many wrongs he’s done. Dogfighting is a serious and terribly disturbing crime. It’s not just the fights that are cruel – it’s what leads up to them and how the losers are treated that is sickening as well. Losing dogs are killed in terrible ways, and other smaller dogs are used as bait. The whole “sport” is barbaric, and it takes someone that is cold and has been hardened to be able to participate/enjoy such a bloody event.

I hope Michael Vick takes this lesson to heart, and I hope others involved with dogfighting will consider what they’re risking, and think about the cruelties they’re perpetuating. I hope Mr. Vick will donate money and time to caring for abused and neglected animals. He’ll be able to see how rewarding rescuing animals can be – how much more rewarding than winning money at the price of an animal’s life. I wish you all the best, Michael Vick. I hope that your apology is sincere, and that you will change for the better. Remember, you’re an example to so many. Be a man, do the right thing, and make up for your mistakes. You can do a lot of good – just do it.