Is My Dog Fighting or Playing?: How to Tell the Difference

We’re all familiar with the classic doggie play bow, the unmistakable invitation to play that dogs use with other dogs and humans alike, and even other species. When I first adopted her, my young Rottweiler play bowed to one of my chickens (the hen was very confused and clucked nervously), and she still play bows with my sheep frequently. But what about some of the other behaviors we see when dogs are playing with one another, like bared teeth, growling and nipping?

We’re all familiar with the classic doggie play bow, the unmistakable invitation to play that dogs use with other dogs and humans alike, and even other species. When I first adopted her, my young Rottweiler play bowed to one of my chickens (the hen was very confused and clucked nervously), and she still play bows with my sheep frequently. But what about some of the other behaviors we see when dogs are playing with one another, like bared teeth, growling and nipping?

To read more on this story, click here: Is My Dog Fighting or Playing?: How to Tell the Difference

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Chris Schindler Named Vice President of Field Services at Humane Rescue Alliance

One of the nation’s leading experts on animal cruelty and dog fighting joins Washington, DC’s animal welfare organization

WASHINGTON, DC – Humane Rescue Alliance President and CEO Lisa LaFontaine announced today that she has named Chris Schindler to the position of Vice President of Field Services for the organization.  Schindler brings more than 20 years of animal welfare experience, specifically expertise in the areas of animal cruelty and dog fighting. Schindler will oversee HRA’s Humane Law Enforcement and Animal Control divisions.   He begins his duties today.

“Chris Schindler is one of the nation’s leading experts on animal crimes, dog fighting and emergency response and we’re proud that he will be leading HRA’s field services division,” said LaFontaine.  “Chris’s skill set and experience are a perfect match this role and his vast national and international network in this field will be invaluable as HRA continues to grow.”

Schindler comes to HRA from the Humane Society of the United States where he served as the Director of Animal Cruelty and Fighting for HSUS and Humane Society International.  In 10 years at HSUS, he led their efforts against animal fighting, resulting in the nation’s most significant takedowns of those engaged in this horrific activity. His work made it possible for thousands of animals to be rescued and the most heinous of perpetrators to be prosecuted. Chris has also overseen the HSUS national investigations on animal cruelty, puppy mills and equine animal cruelty as well as led the field responses on major disaster response throughout the country.

Schindler is a native of the Washington, DC region and he spent three years as a senior law enforcement officer and field supervisor for the Washington Humane Society from 2004 to 2007.

“I am thrilled to join HRA, the organization that inspired me to work in this field” said Schindler.  “I’m looking forward to continuing the outstanding work this team does every day in law enforcement, animal care and control, and urban wildlife management.”

During his tenure at HSUS, Schindler worked on strategic national and international animal cruelty investigations, compiled intelligence and maintained a comprehensive database on known or suspected animal fighters, which was instrumental in helping law enforcement and prosecutors make their cases in court. Schindler has also consulted with and educated local law enforcement agencies on the signs and substance of animal cruelty and fighting operations.  He has worked extensively with the FBI and other federal law enforcement agents on cross-state cruelty, abuse and neglect cases.

Schindler and his wife Amy return to the DC area with their six dogs.  They have a special affinity for senior dogs, as three of their canines are 16 years old and older.

About the Humane Rescue Alliance:
The Humane Rescue Alliance has protected and served the animals of the community for more than 145 years and serves more than 60,000 animals annually. The broad range of programs offered include: rescue and adoption, humane law enforcement, low-cost veterinary services, animal care and control, behavior and training, spay-neuter services, humane education, and many others. The organization is dedicated to ensuring the safety and welfare of all animals, bringing people and animals together, and working with all communities to support these relationships. HRA is based in Washington, DC, the only major urban area in the country that has all of its animal protection programs and services unified in one organization, making the Humane Rescue Alliance a model for the nation. FOLLOW US!

U.S. Rep. Steve King is Being Accused of Supporting Dog Fighting and Being an Animal Hater: Voice Your Outrage

U.S. Rep. Steve King is picking a fight with the Humane Society of the United States.

On Jan. 29, the congressman from western Iowa tweeted the following: “The Humane Society of the United States, I have long referred to as the vegan lobby, is raising money again. Objective: animals = 2 people.”

This tweet triggered a flurry of responses from people accusing King of supporting dog fighting and being an animal hater. That, in turn, prompted King to emphatically state that he does not support dog fighting. Then he added one ill-advised suggestion: “You can check my record.”

But we already know what his record show right? – Read below:

His explanation for this baffling statement? Since humans are allowed to fight, why not allow dogs as well? ‘It’s wrong to rate animals above human being’ King opinatined during an interview at a town hall.

"There is something wrong with society to make it a crime to watch dog fighting, but there is no law that bans somebody to watch people fight". An audio recording of his statement can be listened to below in the video.

If we take King’s statements into account, then society should be allowing animals to enroll in university and get pets to pay their taxes.

The fundamental difference between humans and animals is that humans have a choice. If a person wants to be a professional boxer, for instance, he is entering a bout fully aware of what he is doing. It is his choice. Dogs are certainly not asked if they are willing to bite each other until they die just so humans can be entertained. Those dogs are defenseless, they are MADE to do this against their will! Unfortunately, Mr. King has a lot to catch up. I have also learned that this is not the first time Congressman King has sparked outrage in the animal rights community.

• In February 2010, King tweeted that he chased and shot a raccoon because the helpless animal had tried to get into his house during a powerful storm.

• In July 2012, King strongly opposed the McGovern amendment (in connection to the 1012 farm bill) that would have established penalties for knowingly attending an animal fight and for bringing underage children to such events.

• King was also one of the members that voted against an upgrade of penalties for transporting fighting animals across state lines in 2007.

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11 Pit Bulls Rescued from Harlem Dog Fighting Den: Owner Arrested

A group of pit bulls will get a fighting chance after cops rescued them from a Harlem owner who was conditioning them to do bloody battle, police said Sunday.

A series of 311 calls reporting the dog-fighting den on W. 112 St. at Manhattan Ave. led investigators to 11 malnourished pooches kept in “terrible conditions” in a cramped basement, cops said.

Authorities executed a search warrant Thursday and also discovered equipment often used in the brutal dog fights, police said.

“I was very happy to get them out,” said Sgt. Maria Sexton, an animal-cruelty liaison officer. “There were tails wagging all over the place.”

Brandon Baez, 41, was nabbed during the sting and hit with a slew of charges including 11 counts of animal cruelty and weapons possession.

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Dog Rescued from Dog Fighting, Exhausted, Falls Asleep and Snores in Caregiver's Arms

Guardians of Rescue saves dogs every day from horrific lives where they are tethered in the cold, hoarded, or forced to fight.  One of their newest charges, Fudge, was found wandering in someone’s yard.  While he was being treated at the veterinarian for bite wounds, he became so relaxed that he began snoring in his caretaker’s arms!

Fudge is seen wearing a muzzle because he was in so much pain that rescuers worried that he might bite out of fear and pain.  But he was a very good boy.

This post comes from Guardians of Rescue:

Dog fighting is real. It happens all over the world and here in beautiful Suffolk County, NY we are NOT immune to that.
We have named our newest rescue Fudge. His personality is too sweet.

Fudge’s body is dotted a hundred times over in old scars and new puncture wounds. He has clearly been used for fighting or as a bait dog. His life has only been filled with pain. Today that changes.

We are so thankful we received this call. Instead of ignoring the furry heap that laid in her yard, a concerned citizen called us. Because of that, Fudge’s life has been saved.

He has a long road to recovery ahead of him. Each of his legs have been shredded and left untreated resulting in infection and pain. He has a bite wound straight through his lip. His adrenaline has worn out and Fudge has melted into the sweetest, calmest little patient any vet would hope for. Fudge is giving up his life of fighting and is so grateful to his rescuers for this new chance. He’s a good boy. The simplest of things.

Fudge needs a foster home that can treat his wounds. He is being monitored by a vet for now but will need calm and understanding as he heals from his horrific life.

Thank you Bed and Biscuit for always stepping up to offer our rescued dogs a safe and loving place to lay their head at night.

If you are on Long Island and can foster this sweet boy, you can become a hero today. Step up for Fudge to prove to him that his only remaining fight in life is for a spot on the couch.

Please email us at: Info@guardiansofrescue.org

If you’d like to donate, please CLICK HERE.


Website: Guardians of Rescue

This is no doubt Fudge's first peaceful nights sleep. He is on a bed surrounded by people who already love him. 

This is why we do it. So we can take these animals with such broken spirits and restore them to how they should be.
Sweet dreams Fudge. You deserve it.

FUDGE UPDATE
Here's our boy Fudge showing how truly forgiving this amazing breed is. He is sitting next to Oliver, his foster brother. Fudge had a great first night in the home and snored loudly in bed with his new humans. 

These dogs don't want to fight and Fudge is proof of that!
Way to go buddy!

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WARNING: Dogs Missing from Nanjemoy and Laplata Areas in Maryland: 9 Dogs Missing in the Past 10 Days - Watch Your Pet

Sharing from, Southern Maryland Lost and Found Pets Facebook Page:

Everyone, please watch your pets at all times, even in your own yard. In the past 10 days, there have been a total of nine dogs missing between Nanjemoy and laplata area, and several more in the days before that.

Pet theft is on the rise, there are many reasons people will steal a pet. Some reasons are pet flipping, to be used as bait in dogfighting, to be sold to laboratories for experimental testing.

Please be vigilant and watch for any suspicious people or cars, and more importantly please watch your pet.

Southern Maryland Lost and Found Pets Facebook 

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The FBI Is Classifying Animal Abuse As A Top-Tier Felony To Stop It Once And For All

Abuse an animal, and you’ll be considered among the ranks of murderers and cannibals.

Earlier this week, the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced that animal abuse will be prosecuted as a “crime against society,” making it a Group A felony equal to arson and murder in the eyes of the law.

The AP reports that the FBI will prosecute intentional abuse and torture, gross neglect, sexual abuse and organized abuse, which includes dog fights.

To read more on this story, click here: The FBI Is Classifying Animal Abuse As A Top-Tier Felony To Stop It Once And For All FOLLOW US!

Virginia Creates Nation's First Attorney General's Animal Law Unit

Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring has created the nation's first attorney general's Animal Law unit.

The small group of existing staff attorneys will spend a portion of their time working with local law enforcement and state agencies on issues involving animal welfare, animal fighting or abuse,  attorney general's office said in a statement Thursday.


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The History Behind the American Pit Bull

October is Pit Bull Awareness month.

Although good Pit Bull owners practice awareness and education about the Pit Bull Breed all year long, it is our hope that during this month, all non Pit Bull owners will pay closer attention to the truths about one of the most misunderstood dog breeds in American history.

Listen, learn, and grow your knowledge, so that you will be better informed and spread the truth instead of rumors that are so detrimental to the Pit Bull breed in society today.

Are Pit Bulls a true breed of their own?

Many dog fanciers argue the question of Pit Bulls being a breed all their own or whether the term Pit Bull encompasses several breeds that have characteristics of a square head and bulky body.

According to Wikipedia, “The term Pit Bull is often used as a generic term used to describe dogs with similar physical characteristics.” And they go on to name a dozen or so breeds that can be considered a Pit Bull including and mix thereof.

But is this true, or does the Pit Bull have a history and breed status of its very own?

Where do Pit Bulls come from?

Historical information indicates that the Pit Bull began its original development in Roman times.

The muscular dogs of the Greek Molossi tribes were used in warfare, guarding villages, and subduing large prey. These Molossian dogs, called Molossus, were fierce and known for their ability to intimidate enemies in neighboring tribes. This breed is believed to be the ancestors of modern day Mastiffs and is now extinct.

During war times the Romans discovered the Molossus noting their strong build and extreme drive. They began exporting the breed back to the Roman Empire to use as war dogs, guard dogs, and to satisfy their countryman’s appetite for entertainment in the Roman colosseum.

While in Rome the prized Molossus was bred with indigenous dogs and over time a distinctive breed began to form. As the Romans traveled and fought wars the breed was spread throughout Europe.

By the 1700’s two breeds had emerged and those became known as the Blue Poll from Scotland and the Alunt from Ireland. Both breeds were commonly referred to as Bulldogs. These dogs were used for a variety of purposes, including bull baiting, as they had been used by the Romans in earlier times.

Later, Bulldogs were bred with New England Terriers to develop attributes in the breed most desired by their owners. Two Terrier types most common for this breeding were the Black and Tan Terrier and the White Terrier of England. The White Terrier is now extinct.

The common belief that this sort of breeding between Bulldogs and Terriers began in Staffordshire England and the origins of the Bulldog gives way to the name Staffordshire Bull Terrier. These dogs were bred for herding and working, with the intelligence of a terrier, the tenacity of a Bulldog, and the strength of the Molossus.

By the early 1800’s a breed had been developed that resembles the American Pit Bull of modern times. It was during this time that the bull baiting began to die down and in 1835 the sport was officially banned. Pit Bulls were put to their original and more useful purpose as herding and working dogs.

The Pit Bull made its entrance into the US as their European immigrant owners crossed the oceans and onto US soil. Once in the country the Pit Bull was bred to become larger and was known as the American Pit Bull Terrier and was the all around farm dog. Not only was it intelligent and strong it was genital and loving and a favorite companion for children. Additionally, the size of the new American bred Pit Bull made it useful for keeping predators off the farm.

In 1898, Chauncy Bennett founded the UKC with the American Pit Bull Terrier as an official breed.

By the early 1900’s the American Pit Bull was the symbol of strength, loyalty, and dependability.

Big businesses like RCA Records and Buster Brown Shoes used logos containing the images of a Pit Bull.

In 1903, Bud the Pit Bull was the canine companion for the the first car ride across America. Bud travelled from San Francisco to New York City, in the company of Horatio Nelson Jackson, and Bud’s owner, Sewall K. Crocker, Jackson’s assistant. Bud became famous for his journey and his riding goggles were later donated to the Smithsonian Institute.

Sgt. Stubby, a Pit Bull that fought alongside American soldiers in the WWI war trenches of France, saved the lives of many soldiers and even captured a German spy during his tour of duty. He was the most decorated dog of WWI serving as the mascot for the 102nd Infantry, Yankee Division.

One of the biggest animal stars of all times was Petey, the ever faithful and fun loving Pit Bull which starred alongside the Little Rascals in the hit series “Our Gang”, in the 1920’s.

During the early 1900’s the Pit Bull was favored as America’s choice dog breed and considered a devoted and loyal companion.

It wasn’t until 1936 that the American Kennel Club finally recognized the Pit Bull as a true breed and even then called it a Staffordshire Terrier, setting it apart from the American Pit Bull Terrier.

So if Pit Bulls were once America’s favorite Dog, why now are they so feared?

Despite the fact that dog fighting was made illegal in all fifty states, the sport made a heavy comeback in the early 1980’s. And during that time the American Pit Bull became the favorite breed used not only for dog fighting but to guard drugs and other illegal contraband for criminals and thugs across the country.

Pit Bull appearance, intelligence, strength, and tenacity, made the breed the perfect watch dogs of the time and the favorite status symbol for the criminal element. Stereo typing turned the once revered family dog into the devil dog of the modern age.

For the next decade and a half it was an all out war on the American Pit Bull with legislators, media, and even some large canine organizations citing the breed as killers on four legs. Dog bite reports, by “Pit Bull type” dogs, became common in almost every media outlet. Myths and rumors concerning the breed cropped up out of fear and lack of knowledge about the breed itself. Even today, when most people hear of a major dog bite incident or mauling, they almost always assume the dog must be a Pit Bull.

While it is true that The American Pit Bull is certainly an intelligent, determined, and powerful breed, the demonization has come strictly from criminals using the breed as a status symbol, media looking for powerful headlines, and law makers fearful of what they fail to understand. Any dog can bite, but after all is said and done; the attack of a Yorkshire Terrier rarely results in serious damage and simply does not make sensational news.

Pit Bulls are on the receiving end of what has become known as the biggest breed discrimination in canine history.

Their ever present popularity, despite the bad press they receive, makes Pit Bulls one of the most over produced breeds in America, and one of the highest euthanized breeds in shelters today. Documented statistics, from shelter euthanasia reports alone, indicate that almost 3,000 Pit Bulls are put to sleep every day in the US. These numbers are not inclusive of the ones that die each day due to illness, starvation, and at the hands of abusive and neglectful owners.

And yet there are still hundreds of thousands of Pit Bulls thriving in family settings across the US, with no incident. They are family dogs that get along wonderfully with other animals and humans alike. Healthy, well cared for, and properly supervised Pit Bulls do make great canine companions. Like any other companion animal they are only as good or bad as they are allowed or trained to be.

In recent years fanciers of the breed have fought back against breed bans (BSL or Breed Specific Legislation) and the demonization of this fabulous breed. It’s a slow but grueling process but there does appear to be improvement in the general perception of the breed, today.

As sad as the circumstances were, cases of dog fighting and animal abuse like that of the Michael Vick dogs, brought more positive attention to the breed than ever before. It showed that even though the Vick dogs had been trained to fight and become extremely aggressive with other dogs, rehabilitation is possible in this resilient breed. The vast majority of the Vick dogs were rehabbed and later placed in home environment and many became service and therapy dogs, thriving in their new lives.

For Pit Bull lovers everywhere there seems to be hope, now more than ever, that someday in the future the discrimination of an entire breed will end, and that each dog will be judged not by its appearance or breed, but by its behavior as an individual. FOLLOW US!

20 Pit Bulls Allegedly Used for Dog Fighting Were Removed from a Home in Jamaica, Queens by NYPD, and the ASPCA

Jamaica, Queens - Twenty emaciated and scarred pit bulls have been rescued from a Queens home that was allegedly the site of dog fighting.

Officers of the 113th Precinct, along with the newly formed NYPD Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad and the ASPCA Investigative team, executed a warrant at a residence on 196th Street in Jamaica on Thursday.  The dogs were found inside crates and cages at the back of the home.

Methamphetamine was also found at the scene.

The dogs were taken to the ASPCA’s main office for medical care. The organization will be providing ongoing care and enrichment for the dogs.

Addison Holder, 44, and Keisha Hall, 33, were arrested at the scene and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty, animal fighting and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

“Organized dog fighting is a brutal form of animal abuse where dogs are exploited and forced to fight as their owners profit from their torture,” said Matthew Bershaker, President and CEO of the ASPCA. “Through our partnership, the ASPCA and the NYPD are determined to protect New York City’s animals from this form of cruelty and bring their abusers to justice.”

If you are interested in adopting one of the dogs or the many other animals in need of homes, contact the ASPCA at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120 or visit their website. http://www.aspca.org/

                                               The dogs were emaciated and scarred, according to the NYPD.

                                                   The dogs were taken to the ASPCA's main office for medical care.

                                 Holder and Hall were charged with multiple counts on animal cruelty and animal fighting.

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ISPCA Warns That Casual Dog Fighting Is On The Rise

Casual Dogfighting, or  “rolling” is on the rise, according to the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA).

The ISPCA this week released photos of an English bull terrier named Garth who was found bloodied and beaten after a suspected dog fight.

The ISPCA’s Conor Dowling says that Garth’s case is not an isolated one.
“It is definitely a problem,” Dowling told TheJournal.ie.

He said that there is two forms of the bloodsport, with the second form becoming a problem.

Though dog fighting has been illegal for 170 years, it has still gone on and is generally linked to criminal community.

“These events would have their own rules and regulations, but it’s difficult to infiltrate.

“Previously, the fights would have been fairly organised and had weight classes and rules. But what we’re seeing is people just putting two dogs together that they think will fight.

“It’s called street fighting or rolling.

It’s a problem in built-up urban areas and is often linked to gangs. It is used to increase the macho image of someone and has been used to settle gang fights, rather than having two people fight.

As Garth proves, the impromptu nature of rolling doesn’t lessen the impact and damage on the dog.

There is also the danger that dogs are stolen for the purpose of rolling.

“There is certainly anecdotal evidence that people see what they think is a violent dog and steal them.”

For that reason, among others, the ISPCA says that anybody who has a dog should be micochipping it.

Dog fighting carries punishments including an up to €250,000 fine and two years in prison. The ISPCA has been buoyed by changes to the law that made attendance at a dog fight and keeping dogs for the purposes of fighting illegal.

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Michael Vick's Comedy Explosion Draws Protestors

Michael Vick's comedy tour came to Shreveport's Strand Theatre but there was also a show outside, two groups staging two different protests.

Emily Daye started the animal rights facebook protest against Vick and said, "I couldn't believe my ears when I heard that Michael Vick was coming to The Strand. When I verified that it was true I felt like I had to do something so I started the page and the response has been overwhelming."

Vick plead guilty to dog fighting charges in 2007 and was sentenced to 23 months in prison.

Dorian Ford, leader of the Michael Vick Forgiveness Rally said, "I do not uphold what he did at all, however, I do stand strongly for forgiveness."

Ford says Vick has paid his debt to society and stopping Vick from performing would only take money away from Shreveport.

"Cruelty to animals in still a huge problem, much bigger than probably most people understand it to be and if we keep worshiping celebrities that do wrong things, specifically cruelty to animals, then what does that say to our children?", said Daye.

But Ford said "For me, for you to hate him for what you feel like he did to the dog, you feel like he showed cruelty and hate to the dog but you're doing the exact same thing to him. So the only way for you to resitute hate or to correct hate is through love and that's what we're doing. We're counteracting that hate with love."




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Michael Vick's Rescued Dogs Reunited 5 Years Later - Take a Look at the Cute Video of Their Owners Trying to get them to Pose for a Picture

They were battered and bruised but, ultimately, they were not broken.
Seven dogs rescued from NFL quarterback Michel Vick’s Virginia property when he pleaded guilty to federal charges relating to dog fighting, were reunited in California Oct. 27, tails wagging, tongues out, happy.

Five years ago they had scars, some physical, all emotional.  They wore bandannas at their reunion celebration, surrounded by 125 emotional guests and their proud owners.

“They’re very forgiving and they all really enjoy other dogs, which is probably the other big surprise that came out of the case,” said Donna Reynolds, director of Oakland-based BAD RAP, an advocacy group for “pit bull-type” dogs. “In fact, dogs were a comfort to them.”

Reynolds’ organization worked with prosecutors on the Vick case in 2007 to identify dogs that were taken from Vick’s property who could be rehabilitated. Of the 10 that Reynolds’ organization secreted out of Virginia in the back of an RV because of the ongoing investigation, seven returned to their ranch nearly unrecognizable from the dogs that they were before.

                                                  (Image Credit: Mark Rogers/www.markrogersphotography.com)

                                                  (Image Credit: Mark Rogers/www.markrogersphotography.com)

Hector, a brownish pit bull, has scars up and down his chest and missing teeth from his days in Vick’s dog-fighting arena.

“He’s got a notch out of his tongue, a notch out of his ear. He definitely had a poor life before now,” his owner Roo Yori said.

Nearly five years ago, Yori and his wife drove more than 35 hours from Minnesota to San Francisco to pick up Hector. He came back to their home almost as if nothing had happened.

“Hector, fortunately, was one of the dogs that wasn’t as affected as some of the other ones. Hector, he just kind of got out of there said, ‘That stunk, let’s move forward,’ and that was it. It was very obvious he had never lived in a house; he had never been a pet dog,” Yori said.

“He unpotted a potted plant because he wanted to play with it like a stick.”
Hector now fits in well with the family: Yori, wife Clara and their four other dogs.
At the ranch, the normally independent, 7-year-old Hector became uncharacteristically animated, wagging his tail wildly and wiggling in excitement upon being reunited with Donna Reynolds and Tim Racer, the founders of BAD RAP.

“Hector actually loved Tim and Donna … you could totally tell,” Yori said. “He’s kind of an independent dog, he’s kind of aloof. When he saw Tim and Donna, he stared wiggling. You could tell he remembered them.”

                                                  (Image Credit: Mark Rogers/www.markrogersphotography.com)

All the dogs now lead full lives.

“Dogs live in the moment; they don’t dwell on the past,” BAD RAP’s Reynolds said. “Once they have enough positive experiences to draw on, they just run right into the present.”

Seven have Canine Good Citizen Certificates and three are therapy dogs in hospitals and children’s literacy programs.

At least one, Jonny Justice, a black and white  Staffordshire bull terrier with something of an eye patch, has become a bit of a celebrity.

Jonny appeared on “The Rachael Ray Show” in 2008 and next year will be the model for a stuffed dog made by manufacturer GUND as the winner of their “Top Dog” contest.

                                                  (Image Credit: Mark Rogers/www.markrogersphotography.com)

Of the 10 dogs rescued, three did not make it to the reunion: one because of distance and another because of a last-minute emergency. A third, Ernie, was just busy being a dog, no longer a “Vick dog.”

“Ernie’s mom doesn’t want him to be a Vick dog anymore, she just wants to have a dog,” Reynolds said.

                                                                       (Image Credit: Eric Risberg/AP Photo)

As the seven dogs and their owners posed for a glamour shot, giggles and laughter rang out when the dogs tried to squirm their way to freedom.

“The tails were just flying around,” said photographer Mark Rogers, who valiantly tried to wrangle the disorderly group for a final photo.

But there were also tears that came mainly from the 125 members of the public who attended the event just to lend some support.

“There were lots of hugs, kisses, lots of crying. When people meet these dogs, they cry,” Reynolds said. “They understand that they are little pieces of positive history.”

Take a look at the cute video below. They are trying to get the dogs to sit still for the picture. Tails are wagging all over the place...these dogs are happy now!




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