Where is Michael Vick now? Last surviving dog from ex-NFL QB's dogfighting ring dies
An animal welfare organization announced on Monday, December 20, that the last surviving pitbull rescued from former NFL quarterback Michael Vick's dogfighting ring has died. The pitbull, named Frodo, was 15 years old at the time of his death and originally rescued in 2007 when Vick's kennels in Virginia were raided and 48 dogs seized.
After the 2007 raid, Frodo was adopted by Kim Ramirez and her daughter Dominique in California, when he was around one year-old. Animal welfare charity Bad Rap described the dog as one of the 'most accomplished' among all of Vick's mistreated dogs as he had been able to overcome his traumatic childhood. Ramirez said that initially Frodo cried regularly and suffered from nightmares after being rescued. Turning on the TV or a fan would soothe him.
READ MORE
Monkeys vs Dogs: Over 200 puppies dropped to their deaths by vengeful simians
HERO Amazon delivery lady saves young woman and dog from aggressive pitbull attack
"I've had to somewhat rearrange my life in a way for Frodo," said Ramirez. "And he's worth it, believe me." He was put down on Saturday. His adoptive family "helped him pass over" with a bag of steak as his final meal after his health failed. "He was the last of 48 brave survivors from that game changing case," the Oakland organization said in a statement. "Sweet Frodo – how we loved him. He was one of the bravest survivors we've ever met."
Where is Michael Vick now?
When Vick was arrested, the 27-year-old was the first black quarterback to be drafted, and was playing with the Atlanta Falcons. Investigators discovered that he was running an illegal basement den of fighting at what he had nicknamed "Bad Newz Kennels". After he pleaded guilty to the crime, he was sentenced to 23 months in prison. After that, he was dropped by sponsors, lost lucrative deals, and ended up paying nearly $1 million in restitution to care for the surviving dogs. NFL also made him give back the signing bonus from his 10-year, $130 million contract. He was later forced to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and found himself nearly $20 million in debt by the time he was released from jail.
In an interview in November 2017, Vick seemed to be contrite when asked about his legacy. "I hate it," Vick said. "I think about that more than all the good years and the good times. S***, it hurt [my chances of] going in the Hall of Fame. It's going to impact everything. But it was all self-inflicted. I was young. I didn't have no guidance. I don't use this as no excuse. I could've said, 'No.' I could've made those right decisions, like, 'This ain't for me.' That's a blemish that I will never be able to erase."
Vick now advocates for the Humane Society and owns a Rottweiler, Lotus, whom he described as "the sweetest dog ever."
How Vick overcame his debts
By the time Vick served 548 days in prison and was released in July 2009, he owed his creditors $17.6 million. He had lost all the money he had earned during his stint with the Falcons, and he was unsure whether he would ever sign another contract with the NFL again.
When everything seemed hopeless, the famous rapper and dear friend of his, T.I. reached out to him. Thus was when the former QB asked T.I. for $50,000 to start his new life. But T.I. ended up gifting Vick $75,000 in total. Eventually, Vick was reinstated by the NFL. In 2011, he signed a five-year, $80 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, and he was able to pay off his $17.6 million debt a few years later. He officially retired in 2017 after spending the entirety of the 2016 season as a free agent.