'DogTown' returns tonight with focus on Michael Vick's dogs

The two-hour season premiere of the popular National Geographic Channel show "DogTown" tonight focuses on "Saving the Michael Vick Dogs," and Times' television critic Mary McNamara calls it some of the most compelling TV this summer.

Here's the 411 on the show:

Last December, the Atlanta Falcons' star quarterback Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison for operating an illegal dog-fighting venture on his Virginia property. Forty-seven pit bulls in various states of physical and psychological damage were found at Vick's Bad Newz Kennels; eight more corpses were buried nearby.

At the time, many animal rescue experts recommended that the dogs be put down; so traumatic had the abuse been, so long had been their imprisonment that rehabilitation seemed impossible.

Others, including the veterinarians and trainers at Utah's Best Friends Animal Society, argued that the dogs could be saved. A judge finally agreed, and more than half were turned over to various shelters and rescues; the 22 most troubled dogs were sent to Dogtown.

Located on 3,000 acres of canyon country in southern Utah, the Best Friends sanctuary is one of the largest and no doubt the most beautifully located no-kill animal facilities; Dogtown is its canine program. For the last two years, "DogTown" the show has chronicled the staff as it healed and trained various ill, hurt, abused, abandoned and behavior-issue-plagued dogs.

Ultimately, McNamara says, the show will grab you for how it tells the story, not just for the animal-related content likely to resonate with avid dog people:

So if you ever wondered how bad dog fighting is, here's your answer. To its everlasting credit, "DogTown" does not sensationalize the abuse; the histories of the dogs are simply pieced together from behavior patterns and physical evidence, which is much more chilling and effective.

Last month, L.A. Unleashed told you that the Best Friends sanctuary in Utah was nominated as one of the best "Secret Spots of the West" in our Travel section.

--Francisco Vara-Orta

Photo: Molly Wald/Best Friends Animal Society

Comments

[Denise Alvarez]

What a happy ending to such a tragic story. I was very happy to hear that the dogs of Micheal Vick were able to be rehabilitated. God Bless all who were a part of it. And.......... To Michael Vick may he feel God's anger the rest of his days.

[paul]

That's great for the dogs now how about the human being who is stuck in prison. I can't believe you goto prison over animals. Most countries don't care and don't have the outrageous laws we have... I personally don't like dogs but I also think fighting them is very ugly. But do I think for 1 second a human should suffer prison over an animal that some cultures eat... Never! I love you Vick and I can't wait for this to all be behind you... The rest of you need to calm down and get the plank out of your eye before you try and get the sawdust out of someone else's...

[Robin-Yvette Hayward]

I watched Dogtown for the first time today because of the Michael Vicks case. I must say I was very impressed with the work Dogtown has accomplished with those beautiful pitbulls. I am so very happy they were not put down because that breed does get a very bad reputation because of what people do to them. Dog were created to help man and they are so willing to please us. We should never take advantage of our friends. In my opinion, Michael Vicks got off lightly.

[Gina]

I'ved watch the dogtown shown and it was my first time hearing about michael vicks illegal dog fighting...i was so angry! I'm glad they arrested vick for doing that! As for me I love dogs, i would do anything to save every dog in the whole entire world...As for the pitbulls who didnt make it, may god bless them. For the dogs that did make it and needs medical help, i bless the dogtown people to cure them! Micheal Vick should suffer for the rest of his life!

[Susan]

Great job with the dogs! They have sweet and loving hearts naturally unlike Michael Vick. I don't believe he can ever be rehabilitated into a kind person.

[Jim Flood]

I enjoyed your show,Sunday 09-07-08. It's truly great knowing "someone", will give M.Vicks abused animals a second opportunity towards a happier/healthier future! I have trained a few dogs in my time, it takes a good deal of patience and caring.I know your task at hand will be a handful,but the dogs seem to be adapting well. I would like some information regarding the possibility of adopting one of these dogs when they have completed their rehabilitation. That is, if these are your ultimate intentions. Also,by no means,doIwish to adopt one of the dogs because it once belonged to "Michael Vicks" animal Keep up the good work!!

[Karina]

Hey Paul, don't you think animals feel pain and love? Can't you see that a human being inflicting pain and fear for the purpose of profit to a defenseless creature that the only thing they want to do is to please us (result of a long ago partnership) is making him less of a human being?? You are putting us so far behind in history as a race, we'll never reach enlightenment because of ignoring fools like you.

[Christopher Wolfe]

I just finished watching the program about Micheal Vicks dogs. I just wanted to let you all know that I think that what John and all of you guys are doing is absolutley a god send. I myself have rescued a bait dog used in a fighting ring here in New Mexico. I was able to show her the love and affection needed for her to get along great with the dogs that I have. This show in particular has touched me in a way that few people will ever know. I am eager to see more about how the dogs are doing from this show, especially Denzel and Meryl. Keep up the awesome work and dont ever stop.

[Mark and Kerrie]

I am so thankful for the people at dogtown. It is sad that there are people out there that care so little for animals. I believe that people that injure and cause the injury of animals, should be punished to the fullest. It is a sign of one's character and lack of compassion, that they even think of fighting animals. I own 2 pitbulls myself, and I believe any dog can be dangerous, if raised that way. My dogs are no more a threat than any other, and it saddens me that pitbulls get a bad rap. But, when they are trained to be vicious, by cruel people, that is not the animal to blame, but the human who trains that dog. I have watched the program on Dogtown, Vick dogs and made me so sad that any person could use an animal for sport. A dangerous sport at that. I disagree with the other comment posted by "Paul". I don't think Michael Vick received enough time. In closing my comment, I would love to donate for the future care of these animals. Please post information on how people can donate to your organization.

[Tony]

I love dogs, I have a Corgi, and to be honest, I don't think Vick deserved any of this. Some dogs just have that instinct to fight, especially Pits and Rots. A man shouldn't go to jail for what a dog has done to another dog. Did Vick physically kill anyone? No. So there should be no crime. It's like saying you're arresting the farmer who raised a group of cattle that was slaughtered to be processed as food. I mean, really. The closest people they should arrest are the people CAUGHT fighting dog to dog themselves, the people who are in the ring witnessing it and betting on it. Also, it's like comparing the soldiers in IRAQ with dogs. They are there fighting for the US, they chose to go fight, just like the dogs choose to fight for their owner. You say that dogs should be treated as people...so there you go, they give them a choice and the dogs accept it. If they were like people, neither of them would fight, they would just stand there on their 4 legs and do nothing. When those dogs are in the ring, they don't have to fight, they WANT to fight.

[Victoria Haddox]

I watched the show dealing with the Michael Vick's dogs. What was the name of the CD the trainer John Garcia played for the dogs to comfort them? It had dog sounds. I would be interested in getting one, to see if my dogs respond. Thank You, Vic

[Tina]

Hi Tony! I was just reading you wonderful comment about the dogs "choosing" to fight. Those dogs didn't choose to fight. The were made to be mean toward other dogs by MAN, Michael Vick and his buddies to be exact. I actually think God they did fight, because if they didn't they would have been killed by Vick and would not have had the second chance at life. Thank you to those who are giving these dogs the chance they deserve.

[Peter Andmary]

Great comment, Paul !! I bet you'd have thought the Spanish Inquisition was a scream. And, yeah, that's a shame what they did to poor that poor Michael Vick - and over nothing more than dogs. With enough nice guys like you and your true love, Mike, around, we won't have to worry any more about EL Quaeda.

[helen mcconnell]

I have a pitt bull female not fixed that has had a life changing injury she cant walk by her self her back legs dont work right due to a spinal injury i am going thought a life change as well and have bad health and am homeless with 2 kids and 3 other dogs can someone out there help us please her name is diamond we saved her from fighting and abuse she was in bad shape but has good attatude doesnt like cats or other female dogs.call with info. to help 360-878-7455

[Jess]

I think this show is wonderful! And I believe Michael Vic got everything he deserved! Yes other countries do abuse animals and eat them, which is disgusting, but this is why this is America and You will get punished for abusing animals! These animals were taught to fight! I have three pitbulls who are the most loving animals anyone could have, and they have never hurt another animal or someone else, My oldest is 12. Thank God for the people that have a voice for the animals.

[BRENT E. WHITE]

vick will never change and he should never play football again.the nfl should ban him for life.

[Beth Hazen]

anyone who thinks Michael Vick was treated unfairly needs to wake up - HE DID THIS TO THEM. THEY WOULD NOT HAVE FIGHTED IF NOT BAITED, TRAINED, DRUGGED, ETC. HE ADMITTED IT AND ADMITTED KILLING ANIMALS. He is not an icon, he is a pathetic, poor excuse of a human being and needs to suffer for the rest of his days. He could have done so much good with his money and instead did this - he chose to do this, the dogs had no choice.

[Mandy]

Thanks to all those people for rehabilitating those poor dogs. I can't comprehend how someone can be that heartless and cruel to such endearing animals.

[dr lewis]

This is your proto typical 4/9 on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory which was designed to diagnose personality disorder. What Vick's admitted to, through his own words, represents the true essence of sociopathic behavior. He will do this behavior again. Nothing personal, just scientifically and empirically derived. To do what such a person would do to defenseless animals is not only criminal, it is pscyhologically telling. He will repeat his behavior, unfortunately there is yet to be a cure for such demonic people. Gerald Bowman should be ashamed of himself and his greedy aspirations for admitting a sociopath back into the game. When we reward such violent behavior we must take inventory of what exactly is right and wrong.