From Tragedy Comes Opportunity

Pet news today is inundated with the story of Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Michael Vick's indictment for dogfighting.

Most of us have limited knowledge of what goes on in the dogfighting world. We may be aware of its existence, but may not know how serious it is or what, if anything, we might be able to do. Here's a short primer, using this case and the examples being written about:

• Dogfighting is a cruel blood-sport in which two dogs are pitted against each other in a fight to the death, or until one dog cannot continue. They are trained to be vicious—sometimes confined in trunks or closets, fed gunpowder, or beaten—all for the amusement of spectators and high-priced wagering. Fights can last for hours, as the dogs are trained to continue even after brutal wounds are inflicted.
  
• According to court documents regarding Vick's case, even if the losing dogs survived, they met a cruel fate, "sometimes put to death by drowning, strangulation, hanging, gun shot, electrocution or some other method."
• Purses for the fights ranged from hundreds of dollars to the thousands, and participants and spectators placed side bets, the document said.

Here's the challenge for us. Our sports figures are idolized. Through misinformation, it is possible that dogfighting could become "glamorous" due to Vick's involvement, sending the wrong message to our children who follow Vick and see him as a role model.

There are so many things that happen today that we sometimes feel overwhelmed and helpless in what we can do. The good news here is that the US Humane Society has made it easy for our voice to be heard. They have dedicated a part of their website for us to send a letter to the NFL Commissioner. It is very easy, I did it in about 1 minute. I also tried calling the NFL Public Relations Office (1-212-450-2000) as suggested on the USHS site, but they have stopped picking up the phone or even letting it roll over to voicemail. So sending the letter is important. Do it now, before you get back to your busy day, and let's get the right message out on the seriousness of this issue.