RIP Denzel

RIP Denzel

Another of the Vicktory dogs has died after an extended illness (lyme disease), in a place of love and comfort, as much as he would allow. Because of his past, he never was able to accept much human contact, but was still loved and cared for at the Best Friends sanctuary.

I follow Little Red, Cherry, and Handsome Dan on FB and Ray, who has also passed away. Layla, Mel, and Shadow also have sites online. There were 48 dogs in all, 22 went to Best Friends. Some could not be fully rehabilitated and adopted out, like Denzel, but their rescuers made a life for them anyway. For all of the ones who were saved, the effect on the humans who interacted with them was life-changing. If you've never watched the movie about them, The Champions, it is definitely a must-see for anyone involved in humane animal work.

I love the tag line from the movie, and quote it here in remembrance of Denzel, who could not allow much contact but was still loved and valued by the people who took the time to learn his story and how it shaped him.

"Fighting dogs rescued from Michael Vick's dog fighting ring change the lives of the people who risked everything to save them."

It is amazing to think of the ways their story has brought to light so much about the resiliency of dogs. It is inspiring to think of these "throw away dogs" having such an impact on their rescuers and other activists, even now, years later.