Dogs from Vick case get new leash on life

Published on: 05/18/08

Makaveli is still so scared he trusts only his foster parents.

Lucky 7, despite being covered in healed bite wounds, is a happy dog.

And Charlie is fine, although when he came into rescue he was classified as being so withdrawn he might never be adoptable.

The three were among the 47 dogs taken from Michael Vick's property about a year ago amid a dogfighting investigation. Vick ultimately pleaded guilty to a federal dogfighting conspiracy charge and is serving 23 months in prison. Now some of the dogs he used in the dogfighting ring are starting to find homes.

The dogs were placed with rescue groups in December with a stipulation that most had to be kept in shelters or foster homes for six months to ensure the dogs weren't a threat to people or animals. With that time almost up, some of the dogs, including all three in Georgia, will soon be formally adopted.

Two, Mak and 7, will be adopted by their foster parents, while Charlie, or Chuck, is up for adoption.

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"I walk her in Freedom Park and people recognize her and want their picture taken with her," James said. "All the local pet store owners know her and give her treats. She's a princess now."

http://www.ajc.com/pets/content/pets/stori...



Daron James says Lucky 7 is 'my best friend.' The pit bull was among those rescued in the Michael Vick dogfighting investigation.