Back in 2007, Michael Vick, the Atlanta Falcons quarterback, had 51 Pit Bulls rescued from his Virginia home. These poor animals were victims of cruel and heinous abuse. They endured various forms of torture such as being beaten, electrocuted, hung, drowned, and forced into fighting.
Unfortunately, there were three dogs that did not make it, but a group of 48 courageous Pitties were able to survive. Thanks to the dedication and compassion of various rescue organizations and their new families, these once-frightened and abused animals were shown love and patience. Frodo, one of the survivors, went on to live until he was 15 years old, passing away on December 18th, 2021. After enduring a year of misery at Vick’s compound, Frodo spent the next 14 years being pampered like royalty. BAD RAP, a non-profit animal protection organization based in Oakland, shared the news of Frodo’s passing on Facebook. Their tireless efforts advocating for and rehabilitating these dogs were invaluable. In their post about Frodo’s death, BAD RAP expressed their deep affection for him, calling him one of the bravest survivors they had ever encountered.
Frodo had a contented life surrounded by his loving family, and his passing was filled with love. BAD RAP provided details of the dog’s final moments, mentioning how Frodo ate a large bag of steak while his mother, Kim Ramirez, and daughter Dominique cried. Dr. Williams also received thanks for his unwavering medical care until the very end, exceeding Frodo’s expectations. Frodo’s journey was a testament to dispelling negative stereotypes surrounding Pit Bulls and showcasing the importance of kindness and patience in a dog’s life.
BAD RAP, a group that specializes in rehabilitating dogs rescued from dog-fighting activities, had high hopes for these puppies right from the start. According to BAD RAP, dogs that have undergone traumatic experiences deserve a chance to start over and rebuild their trust in people. They emphasized the importance of early socialization for young dogs like Frodo, who was likely between 3 to 6 months when he was seized by the authorities. Unfortunately, Frodo spent six months alone and without proper care before he was finally rescued. Despite his rough start, Frodo’s resilience and strength prove that with love and attention, even dogs with troubled pasts can grow up to be happy and fearless.
Upon being saved from a terrible living situation, Frodo exhibited an unusual amount of timidity and fear. Kim Ramirez, who had adopted Frodo, spoke about this in a 2009 interview with The Mercury News. She mentioned that even the sound of machinery would cause him irritation, and he would become fixated on ceiling fans and stare at them fearfully. He would also try to escape if she opened a closet, and microwave popcorn seemed to remind him of gunfire, though she wasn’t sure if he had witnessed any fights. Despite all of this, Frodo was fortunate to have been taken in by the loving and sympathetic Ramirez family, who even went so far as to transport him in a stroller when his legs failed him. It is with sadness that we report the passing of this brave survivor.
In 2019, 48 dogs who were rescued from Michael Vick’s dogfighting ring had survived and become heroes in their own right. However, as of October 2021, only 13 of these brave canines were still alive. Unfortunately, two of them, Jonny Justice and Uba, had passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and hope.
These furry friends were finally given the chance to live their best lives, and despite their rough beginnings, they all found happiness. It’s truly remarkable what can be accomplished when animal advocates unite. These 48 dogs, known as the “Vick” dogs, are living proof of this. After former NFL player Michael Vick was convicted and sentenced to prison for his involvement in dogfighting and the murder of dogs, these pups’ stories shed light on the potential for Pit Bulls and other abused dogs to be rehabilitated.
