The Lost Dogs Book: A Tale of Rescue and Redemption from Michael Vick’s Operation

While quarterback Kevin Kolb recovered from a concussion, Michael Vick stepped in to start an NFL regular-season game for the first time since 2006 when the Eagles visited the Detroit Lions. This marked another opportunity in a series of second chances for Vick. After serving twenty-three months following his 2007 guilty plea to federal dogfighting charges, he signed a two-year contract with Philadelphia the previous summer. This signing sparked controversy, with fans and animal-rights organizations feeling that Vick had not sufficiently atoned to become a multi-millionaire again. A year later, the debate surrounding Vick had shifted, becoming a classic football controversy about quarterbacks, intensely discussed, but centered on neither morality nor justice.

For a period, it seemed the forty-nine pit bulls rescued from Vick’s Bad Newz Kennels operation in Virginia wouldn’t receive a similar second chance. As Jim Gorant details in his compelling new book, The Lost Dogs Book: “The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick’s Dogs and Their Tale of Rescue and Redemption,” fighting dogs are frequently so physically and psychologically scarred that euthanasia is often considered necessary. In the Vick case, even organizations like the Humane Society and PETA initially recommended to the government, which had taken custody of the dogs, that putting them down was the most compassionate course of action. In his thoroughly researched and moving account, Gorant shares the story of the government officials and dedicated volunteers who challenged this assessment, opting instead to evaluate each dog individually. Through this process, they managed to save forty-two of the dogs. Their story is a testament to the resilience found within lost dog and cat animal rescue efforts.

While part of the narrative involves people, investigations, and legal proceedings, this is fundamentally a story about dogs. Gorant attempts, with varying degrees of success, to write from the dogs’ perspective, portraying their probable feelings of terror and confusion, alongside moments of joy. Although this anthropomorphism occasionally feels strained, Gorant’s clear affection for the dogs ultimately outweighs such literary concerns. He strongly defends the pit bull breed against accusations of being inherently “uncontrollable and bloodthirsty,” presenting evidence that “free of negative influences, they’re not much different from any other breed.” The harsh conditions endured by the Bad Newz dogs left many afraid of other dogs and people, but rarely were they found to be dangerous or aggressive. Instead, they behaved like most dogs: “Something deep inside of them, woven into the very fabric of their being, a genetic impulse, compels them to please those around them.” Gorant notes that progress has been slow for many of the Vick dogs remaining in sanctuary care, yet others have flourished, becoming cherished pets and effective volunteer therapy animals.

Stories of Resilience and New Beginnings

The book highlights the remarkable journey of these dogs towards recovery and finding new homes. It delves into the challenges faced by the rescue organizations and fosters in rehabilitating animals that have suffered such severe trauma.

Gorant’s account also serves as a broader look at the perceptions and realities surrounding pit bulls and other powerful breeds often associated with fighting. By focusing on individual stories and temperament assessments, the book provides a nuanced view that challenges common stereotypes. It emphasizes that environment and training play crucial roles in a dog’s behavior, reinforcing the idea that even dogs from the most horrific circumstances can be rehabilitated and thrive. This focus on individual stories aligns with interest in true dog stories books that highlight resilience and the human-animal bond.

The success stories of some of these dogs are particularly poignant. Becoming beloved family members or working animals like therapy dogs demonstrates the profound impact of rescue and rehabilitation efforts. These narratives offer hope and challenge the initial bleak outlook.

Jonny Justice, one of the rescued Bad Newz Kennels dogs, working as a therapy dog in California.

Jonny Justice, for example, is now an adored pet and works as a therapy dog in the Paws for Tales reading program in San Mateo, California.

Close-up portrait of Jonny Justice showing his black eye and mustache-like markings.

Gorant describes the distinctive Jonny as having “a black eye and a greasepaint mustache.”

Grace, another rescued dog from Michael Vick’s operation, playing fetch.

Grace also lives in California where she enjoys playing fetch and tug-of-war with other dogs but remains “a little leery” of unfamiliar things. These individual stories provide powerful examples often found in dog story books.

A Message of Hope

Ultimately, The Lost Dogs by Jim Gorant offers a message of redemption, not just for the dogs who found new lives, but also potentially for shifting public perception regarding rescued fighting dogs. It serves as a reminder that with dedication and compassionate care, even animals from the most challenging backgrounds can find healing and happiness. The book is a significant entry into the literature about animal rescue and welfare.