Back in 2007, a heartbreaking incident took place where 51 Pit Bulls were saved from the house of Michael Vick, the quarterback of Atlanta Falcons. These poor creatures were subjected to unimaginable cruelty such as beatings, electrocution, hanging, drowning, and forced fights. Despite the sad death of three dogs, the remaining 48 brave Pitties managed to make it through. Thanks to the unwavering patience and love of various rescue organizations and their forever families, these once-terrified and abused dogs are now on their way to living a better life.
Frodo, one of the survivors from Vick’s compound, passed away on December 18th, 2021, at the age of 15. For the past 14 years, he was treated like royalty and lived a comfortable life after enduring a year of misery at Vick’s facility. We bid farewell to the beloved Frodo and may he rest in peace.
On Facebook, BAD RAP, a non-profit organization for animal protection based in Oakland, shared the unfortunate news of a dog’s passing. The group played a crucial role in supporting and nursing the dogs back to health. The demise of Frodo, a courageous survivor who won everyone’s hearts, was also mourned in the post.
Frodo had a joyful existence with his beloved family and passed away surrounded by love. BAD RAP recounted Frodo’s last moments, mentioning that he devoured a huge bag of steak as his mother and sister wept. Dr. Williams, thank you for taking care of him until the very end. He trusted you and you went above and beyond to meet his needs.
Frodo’s Journey to Recovery
Frodo was a Pit Bull who spent his life breaking the negative stereotype of his breed. But more than that, he also showed how important kindness and patience are in a dog’s life as he went through his journey to recovery.
BAD RAP, an organization with vast experience working with dogs rescued from fighting rings, always believed in the potential of these puppies. The organization has previously emphasized that canines with traumatic pasts deserve another chance to heal and thrive. According to BAD RAP, Frodo’s successful story highlights the importance of early socialization for young dogs rescued from cruelty incidents. Frodo was only 3-6 months old when he was taken into police custody and spent six long, damaging months in confinement before his rescue. Upon his initial rescue, Frodo displayed signs of fear and timidity that were likely a result of his traumatic upbringing. In a 2009 interview with The Mercury News, Frodo’s adoptee Kim Ramirez elaborated on his journey to recovery.
The noise of anything mechanical causes discomfort to the dog, who would fixate on the ceiling fans in the house, leading him to fearfully stare at them. The slightest sound from a closet door opening and he would immediately run away. It is possible that the popping of microwave popcorn might remind him of gunshots, which could be why he reacts in such a way. Although he had not witnessed any fights, he likely heard them. Thankfully, the Ramirez family showered Frodo with affection and care, even transporting him in a stroller when his legs failed him. It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Frodo, another one of the 48 surviving “Vick” dogs’ heroes. Despite their difficult pasts, all of these canines received the love and opportunities they deserved and lived fulfilling lives.
When animal rights advocates unite, incredible things can occur. The 48 dogs known as the “Vick” dogs are a testament to this fact. After Michael Vick was found guilty of bankrolling dogfighting and even killing dogs, he was sentenced to almost two years in federal prison. However, despite this injustice, his notorious case helped change the way people viewed Pit Bulls and how mistreated dogs can still be saved with proper rehabilitation.