Vick's Pit Bulls, Learning to Live

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Sunday, August 31, 2008

Cherry was petrified of people. All of Georgia's teeth were removed. Denzel suffered a mysterious illness, and Meryl's dangerous aggression resulted in a court order.

The four pit bulls, rescued from a Virginia dogfighting compound owned by former Atlanta Falcon Michael Vick, are spotlighted in the two-hour season premiere of "Dogtown."

The unscripted series, set in the canine facility of Utah's Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, begins its second season by tracing the ongoing rehabilitation of the so-called Michael Vick dogs.

Twenty-two of the 47 survivors from Bad Newz Kennels arrived at Best Friends eight months ago. Staff veterinarians, trainers and others are working to heal the animals' physical and behavioral scars with compassion, patience, toys and treats.

"I want people to realize that just because they have a bad history doesn't mean they're bad dogs," said Michelle Besmehn, the sanctuary's dog care manager. "They were chained or taken out for fighting, and now we're showing them basic life skills."

The program shows how each dog, fearful and confused, progresses to walking on a leash or chasing a ball.

"It is amazing to see these dogs that were in such a dreadful situation are so eager to learn," said John Garcia, an assistant dog care manager at Best Friends.

-- Kathy Blumenstock

"Dogtown" airs Friday at 9 p.m. on National Geographic Channel.