In 2007, a dark chapter in the world of animal cruelty came to light when authorities rescued 51 Pit Bulls from the Virginia home of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick. These innocent animals had endured unimaginable abuse, subjected to beatings, electrocutions, hangings, drownings, and forced dogfights.
Out of this horrific ordeal, 48 resilient Pit Bulls emerged as survivors, thanks to the dedication of several rescue organizations and their forever families. One of these survivors, Frodo, recently passed away at the age of 15 on December 18th, 2021. Frodo’s journey serves as a testament to resilience, second chances, and the unwavering commitment of those who fight for justice and rehabilitation.
Frodo’s life was a stark contrast to the year he spent in hell at Michael Vick’s compound. Once rescued, he was embraced by a loving family and pampered like a prince for the next 14 years. His passing left a void in the hearts of those who knew and cared for him, particularly BAD RAP, an Oakland-based nonprofit animal protection group that played a pivotal role in advocating for and rehabilitating the Vick dogs.
In a touching Facebook post, BAD RAP bid farewell to Frodo: “To Frodo – We all adored him. He was one of the most valiant survivors we’d ever met.” His passing was peaceful, surrounded by the love of his family, who ensured his final moments were filled with comfort and care.
Frodo’s journey wasn’t just a personal triumph; it became a symbol of hope and resilience for Pit Bulls and dogs with difficult pasts everywhere. BAD RAP, with its extensive experience in working with dogs rescued from dogfighting rings, always believed in the potential for these dogs to be rehabilitated and reintegrated into loving homes.
Frodo’s story dispelled the negative stereotypes associated with Pit Bulls and underscored the transformative power of patience and kindness in a dog’s life. He exemplified the importance of early socialization for dogs rescued from cruelty incidents, showing that with the right environment and loving care, even the most timid and scarred animals can thrive.
Kim Ramirez, Frodo’s adoptive mother, shared insights into his journey, explaining how mechanical sounds and sudden movements used to terrify him. She described the challenges of helping Frodo overcome his past trauma, such as his fear of ceiling fans and microwave popcorn, which likely reminded him of the traumatic events he had witnessed.
Throughout his life, Frodo enjoyed the devoted care of the Ramirez family, who accommodated his needs, including transporting him in a stroller when his legs began to fail. His story was a testament to the healing power of love and the resilience of animals.
Frodo’s passing is a reminder of the enduring legacy of the 48 survivors of Michael Vick’s dogfighting ring. These brave dogs were given the opportunities they deserved, and despite their challenging backgrounds, they lived happy lives, proving that remarkable transformations are possible with compassion and commitment.
While Michael Vick’s actions were reprehensible, the high-profile case did raise awareness about dogfighting and its devastating consequences. It also shifted public perception of Pit Bulls, showcasing their potential for rehabilitation and adoption. Frodo and his fellow survivors are living proof that even in the darkest of circumstances, there is hope for a brighter future.
As we bid farewell to Frodo, we honor his memory and the countless animals who have found their second chance at life through the dedication of animal rights activists and the kindness of loving families. Frodo’s story will continue to inspire us to fight for justice, compassion, and a world where every animal can thrive.
Bachelor Party Takes Unexpected Turn When They Hear Dog Barking In The Mud, Leading to an Unforgettable Rescue Mission.
Bachelor parties are a fun way to celebrate the ending of singlehood and the beginning of married life. Some people go absolutely wild in Vegas, some enjoy a quiet celebration with just a few buddies – there are a plethora of ways to have that last ‘huzzah’. Mitch White planned to have a relaxing canoe trip with his closest buddies. The groom-to-be had no idea that this trip would turn into a rescue mission for an elderly dog stuck in the mud. That’s a bachelor party he surely won’t forget.
Image credits: Carver County Sheriff’s Office
One lovely day, Mitch, a young groom-to-be, gathered his closest friends and set out on a canoe trip to celebrate his upcoming marriage. This bachelor party was supposed to be all about nature and bonding. And is there a better way to bond than rescuing a pup together?
Just after the group had lunch and moved on with their journey, Mitch’s nephew, Gaylen Fraenkel, heard a sad barking. They hadn’t encountered anyone, so it was highly unlikely it was some camper’s dog. The young man decided to turn the canoe around to make sure everything was okay. And good thing he did – a desperate dog was stuck in thick mud and using his last bits of strength to call for help.
Upon closer inspection, they saw that the poor fella was an elderly Saint Bernard. He was very thin and exhausted with a nasty tick attached to his eye. The rest of the group turned their canoes around and jumped in to help. The mud was so deep and thick, everyone sunk up to their knees. But they were relentless in their attempt to rescue the dog, using oars as shovels to dig him out.
Mitch White was out on his bachelor party trip with his closest friends. The guys were canoeing when they heard barking
Image credits: WCCO – CBS Minnesota
When they approached the shore they saw a dog asking for help, completely stuck in the mud
Image credits: WCCO – CBS Minnesota
The guys quickly jumped out and started digging him out, using oars as shovels
Image credits: WCCO – CBS Minnesota
To keep the pooch comfortable, they offered him water, of which he drank half a gallon before stopping. The kind guys shared their lunch with him, giving him some lunch meat and summer sausages. This quick snack was supposed to give him an energy boost to get up. The bachelors named him Wilson and called out his new name in an attempt to get him up, but he was too tired, even after the delicious summer sausages.
The group didn’t want to approach Wilson too closely as they didn’t see any collar and weren’t sure if he was friendly. That’s a good practice when dealing with a dog you don’t know.
Alex, one of Mitch’s friends, decided it was time to call for help and dialed up 911. He explained the situation and they dispatched the Carver Fire Department, who came to Wilson’s aid in 20 minutes. They brought a harness that they were able to get under his chest and the fire department men, together with two of Mitch’s friends, pulled Wilson out of his muddy prison. Hurray!
Image credits: WCCO – CBS Minnesota
Thanks to the kindness of the bachelors and help from the local fire department, the adorable pooch was rescued
Image credits: Carver County Sheriff’s Office
After a successful rescue mission, Wilson was in for another pleasant surprise. Five minutes after he was pulled out of the mud, his owner showed up. He was surprised to see his four-legged pal all covered in mud. “Ed! What are you doing down there in the mud?!” he exclaimed at the sight of his dog. That’s how Mitch and his friends found out they’d been calling Ed the wrong name. Although he does look like a Wilson to me.
A couple of days ago, Mitch got a pleasant surprise when a friend of the owners reached out to him. He wanted to let Ed’s saviors know that he was doing much better, recovering nicely and was already moving around on his own. I bet his owners won’t let him out of their sight now.
Ed, a lovely senior Saint Bernard, was reunited with his owner and is feeling much better
Image credits: WCCO – CBS Minnesota
Adorable Ed was clearly born under a lucky star. Mitch’s party found him just in time to get him to safety. But what if they hadn’t found him?
Owners want the best for their dogs – the best treats, loads of toys and freedom to roam and explore. Unfortunately, letting your dog off the leash can be very dangerous as they can get lost like poor Ed here. They might decide to snack on something dangerous that can result in a stack of medical bills and a long and painful recovery. Keep an eye on your pet to avoid injuries or some malicious person trying to steal your beloved pooch.
Walks with their human are the highlight of any dog’s day and they look forward to it. It’s that one time of the day when they have your undivided attention and love, so try to make the best out of it. Avoid going on your phone or listening to music; instead, try talking to your dog and watch their face light up when you say, ‘hey buddy!’. The more fun activities you do, the stronger the bond you create with your pooch. Look into those eyes and remember that you are everything to them, so make the most of the short time you have together.
People in the comments praised the bachelors for their act of kindness
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