One of the last dogs rescued from Michael Vick's dogfighting ring dies [View all]
Source: Today Show
One of the last dogs rescued from Michael Vick's dogfighting ring dies
The "Vicktory dogs" inspired hope and love through their rehabilitation and gave people a reason to believe in second chances.
July 5, 2019, 6:23 PM EDT / Source: TODAY
By Jen Reeder
To the untrained eye, an elderly American Staffordshire terrier named Layla seemed like a typical senior dog. The sweet girl loved her family, treats, walks and a good nap. She favored a toy raccoon that she gently treated like her baby.
But the 15 1/2-year-old dog was also a survivor rescued from former NFL quarterback Michael Vicks infamous dogfighting ring at Bad Newz Kennels. Layla became one of 22 Vicktory dogs rehabilitated at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. After five years of loving care, she passed her Canine Good Citizen test and was ready for adoption.
Tess Rushton happened to be interning at Best Friends at the time and decided to adopt Layla.
She turned out to be absolutely lovely, Rushton told TODAY.
The clumsy goof adapted well to being spoiled by her new mom, who cooked organic food to mix into high-quality kibble, and made toys with hidden treats to help stimulate the clever dogs mind.
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Read more:
https://www.today.com/pets/vicktory-dog-rescued-michael-vick-s-dogfighting-ring-dies-t157798
Even after death, the legacy of Vicktory Dogs like Layla lives on.Courtesy of Tess Rushton
Vicktory Dog Layla snuggled with her favorite toy toward the end of her life.Courtesy of Tess Rushton