*Eagles quarterback Michael Vick is joining the dog owners club once again.
The star NFL quarterback was banned from being the caretaker of any animals after enduring an 18-month-long sentence in federal prison on dog fighting charges.
Watch out now, PETA might strike back with a protest.
But he’s gotten the message and has learned his lesson about animals.
“I understand the strong emotions by some people about our family’s decision to care for a pet,” Vick said in a statement. “As a father, it is important to make sure my children develop a healthy relationship with animals. I want to ensure that my children establish a loving bond and treat all of God’s creatures with kindness and respect. Our pet is well cared for and loved as a member of our family.”
“This is an opportunity to break the cycle,” Vick said. “To that end, I will continue to honor my commitment to animal welfare and be an instrument of positive change.”
When he first stated his desire to own a dog again, it touched off a firestorm. Some animal rights activists were outraged along with fans who thought the star player should never be allowed to have one.
“I’m not a psychopath. I’m not crazy. I’m a human being,” Vick once told The Associated Press about wanting to own a dog. “What happened in my past and what I did in the culture I grew up in doesn’t shape and mold me as the person I am now.”
Vick has been working at The Humane Society – which declined to comment – since being released from prison in 2009. Now he’s ready to show himself worthy of dog ownership again.
They need to quit! It’s not like he was dog-fighting Yorkie-poo’s!
I’m glad Vick has learned something from all of this because dogs are wonderful creatures and they love you unconditionally.