In 2007, authorities rescued 51 Pit Bulls from the Virginia residence of Michael Vick, quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons. These animals endured heinous cruelty. They were beaten, electrocuted, hanged, submerged, and forced to fight.
Three of the dogs perished, but 48 courageous Pitties survived. Several rescue organizations and their forever families treated these terrified, formerly abused dogs with compassion and patience.
Frodo, one of the survivors, lived until he was 15 years old. He passed away on December 18, 2021. After spending a year in hell at Vick’s compound, he was treated like a prince for the next fourteen years.
BAD RAP, a nonprofit animal protection organization based in Oakland, announced the dog’s passing on Facebook. In advocating for and rehabilitating the dogs, this organization was invaluable.
The following is the BAD RAP entry regarding the death of Frodo:
“To Frodo: He was adored by all. He was one of the most courageous survivors we’ve ever encountered.”
Frodo enjoyed a happy life with his adoring family and passed away in love. This is how BAD RAP described the dog’s final moments:
Frodo consumed that enormous bag of steak while his mother, Kim Ramirez, and her daughter, Dominique, were crying. Thank you, Dr. Williams, for attending to his medical needs until the very end. You earned his trust by exceeding his expectations.”
Recuperation of Frodo
Frodo was the face of the campaign to dispel the negative stereotype of Pit Bulls throughout his life. He also demonstrated the importance of kindness and patience in a dog’s life.
BAD RAP, who has extensive experience working with dogs captured during fights, believed in these puppies from the start. Previously, BAD RAP stated that dogs with troubled pasts deserve a second chance:
“Frodo demonstrated that younger dogs rescued from acts of cruelty need early socialization in order to mature into fearless, strong individuals.” When he was apprehended by police, he was probably between 3 and 6 months old, and he was held in isolation for six torturous months before being rescued.”
Frodo was unusually timid and scared when he was rescued from his terrible environment. Frodo’s adoptee, Kim Ramirez, explained in a 2009 interview with The Mercury News:
“He dislikes the sound of anything mechanical. Our home had ceiling fans, and he would fixate on them and stare up at them in terror. If I opened a closet door, he would flee. Microwave popcorn is an alternative choice. I’m uncertain, but I believe he perceives the popcorn to resemble gunfire. I do not believe he witnessed any of the fights. But I am confident he heard them.”
Frodo was fortunate to have the Ramirez family, who showered him with affection and compassion. When the adorable dog’s legs failed, his family used a stroller to transport him.
A genuine survivor has died.
The 48 “Vick” Dogs’ Heroes Who Survived
In 2019, thirteen dogs that had been rescued from Vick’s ring were still alive. In October 2021, Jonny Justice died two days before Frodo, accompanied by his family, and Uba crossed the rainbow bridge.
These dogs were given the chances they deserved, and regardless of their origins, they all lived happy lives.
When animal rights activists unite, incredible things are possible. These 48 “Vick” canines are living evidence.
Vick was sentenced to 19 months in federal prison for financing dogfighting and admitting to 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ing dogs. Despite this injustice, the high-profile case altered the public’s perception of Pit Bulls and how abused dogs can be rehabilitated.
