(portrait by Derek Erdman)
Did it ever occurred to authorities or mental health professionals that best course of therapy for John Wayne Gacy or Jeffrey Dahmer might’ve been adoption? Probably not, though had they considered the reasoning of Eagles QB Michael Vick, who knows what would’ve happened? Vick tells The Grio’s Mara Schiavocampo that he’d like nothing better than to experience the joys of canine companionship.
Vick has often expressed his love of all animals — not just dogs, and hopes that the court-ordered rule that prevents him owning a dog will one day change.
“I would love to get another dog in the future,” he told the Grio. “I think it would be a big step for me in the rehabilitation process. I think just to have a pet in my household and to show people that I genuinely care, and my love, and my passion for animals.”
It is safe to say that Vick once found himself making all the wrong decisions when it came to the care of the dogs. But he claims outside influences enabled his dogfighting hobbies years ago.
“I hate to use our culture as an excuse, but it is what it is and that’s what happened and that’s the way I thought about it growing up,” the quarterback said. “This is just the way we were brought up.”
“[I’m a] better player, [a] better person. More patient, more persistent and a willingness to, set high goals and high standards, not only on the football field, but in life. And in so many ways, I thank God for changing my life and keeping me healthy and putting me on the path to where I can redeem myself and make a great comeback,” Vick said. “I thank God for the people who came into my life and gave me a second chance and was willing to give me another opportunity.”