Pets & Animals

New Home, Hope For Vick Pit Bull In Minnesota

ROCHESTER, Minn. (WCCO) ― While Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick is serving nearly two years in prison for dogfights some of the dogs that survived are living better lives now. One of the pit bulls is getting a fresh start thanks to a dog lover in Minnesota.

Andrew Yori's backyard is a place where man's best friend is also the best athlete, and hang-time in the air is encouraged.

Yori is the proud owner of Wallace the pit bull, and together Wallace and Yori are flying disc national champions. Pretty amazing considering Wallace was the only pit bull in the competition.

But Yori knows his dogs and he sees a bright future for another pit bull.

"As soon as you pick him up he just turns into a big rag doll. And it's like instant cuddle time," said Yori.

Hector is the latest addition to Andrew's family. You could say this dog is trying to put the past behind him. His life began on Michael Vick's property in rural Virginia, and he has the scars to prove it.

"Obviously by his scars that you can see, he was fought or he was in some type of fight but I don't know the details of any of that kind of stuff," said Yori.

Hector is one of 47 dogs to survive Vick's illegal dog fighting ring. When Vick pleaded guilty, Hector went into foster care, and last month, on Friday the 13th, Yori adopted this lucky dog.

"I just know he's safe right now and he doesn't have to go through that again," he said.

Yori is giving Hector a second chance. He may never be a disc champion like Wallace, but he could shine in a different way.

"I think if we paired Hector up with what we did with Wallace we could really change the minds and start to change people to step up for these dogs. And maybe realize that there's more to this story and start to change their perceptions and do some good for them," he said.

Yori has high hopes for Hector; his laid-back personality should help him get certified as a therapy dog for nursing homes and hospitals. He also hopes Hector can join Wallace in the future when they teach children about dog bite prevention.

 

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