Mike Vick Wants A Dog

Mike Vick has stated recently that he would like to get a puppy for his daughters. Really, Mike? Really?!

Vick recently said:

"I would love to get another dog in the future. I think it would be a big step for me in the rehabilitation process...I think just to have a pet in my household and to show people that I genuinely care, and my love and my passion for animals; I think it would be outstanding. If I ever have the opportunity again I will never take it for granted. I miss having a dog right now. I wish I could. My daughters miss having one, and that’s the hardest thing; telling them that we can’t have one because of my actions."

The judge that sentenced Vick to 23 months in prison also banned him from owning another dog.  He wasn't banned from owning a turtle, or a parrot.  He is free to have as many rabbits and ferrets as he'd like.  Just no dogs.

We, as a society, having given Mike a lot of room for error as he has attempted to return to the limelight as an NFL superstar, and so far, he's doing a great job at holding up his end of the bargain.  But a dog?  I think it's still a little soon for that.  PETA has only recently put their face paint and anti-Vick banners away, and Vick wants another shot at pet ownership?

Although I fully believe that the man should be given a second chance to live a fulfilling and productive life, to let him own another dog would be short-sighted and regrettable.  Mike has done a fine job beginning to repair his image both on and off the field, and I very much hope that he continues to do so, but the line has to be drawn somewhere.   Perhaps his kids will have to suffer the consequences for the mistakes that he has made in the past, but someday he’s going to have to answer the question: “Daddy, a girl at school said you’re a felon.  What does that mean?”  Maybe it would be easier to start with answering: “Daddy, why can’t we have a puppy?”