“Sometimes men come and take a few of the dogs away. Sometimes those dogs come back tired and panting….Sometimes they come back scarred and limping….Sometimes they don’t come back at all, as if they’ve simply disappeared. As if they’ve vanished into a black hole.”—from The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick’s Dogs and Their Tale of Rescue and Redemption
Have you ever toured the sheds where Michael Vick ran his dogfighting operation? They’re an important part of history—albeit, as in what NOT to do—and if the current leadership of Dogs Deserve Better gets its way, these black, windowless buildings will be nothing but dust soon.
The organization was taken over by DDB Blue Ridge (near Charlottesville) a year ago. You may not even know this, because transparency hasn’t been one of their “things,” but the new leadership now wants to destroy the sheds and sell the property to the highest bidder.
Of course, this action would please Michael Vick to no end, but since when do dog advocates care about Vick’s happiness? Since today, I guess.
This property is not just a piece of real estate; it is hallowed ground, where our beloved best friends were forced to fight to the death, and where so many died. The blood of the innocent soaks the land; those buildings are a sobering look at the world of dogfighting and the horrible cruelties Vick forced them to endure.
Will you stand with me against these plans by the current Dogs Deserve Better leadership? History needs us to speak out on behalf of the dogs who died there. I hope you’ll join me.
The property, including the sheds, should remain in the hands of animal advocates, so the dogs who suffered there have dedicated champions bringing their stories to the world.
In Short:
In 2011, Dogs Deserve Better—the nonprofit I founded in 2002 in PA to rescue chained dogs—bought Michael Vick’s dogfighting compound in Surry County, Virginia. Our goals were to preserve the truth of what happened in those black sheds AND create a loving rescue home for our dogs; a place where dogs were never chained, but ran with abandon through the fenced fields. We accomplished this and more.
All the while we were creating a haven for chained dogs, we had to fend off attacks from Vick’s cronies in Surry County. What followed was four years of struggle and legal battles with a county that appeared to prefer dog fighters over dog lovers.
Derp. I guess I should have realized WHY Vick put his dogfighting compound in that county, eh? Lesson learned and all that.
By the time we had beaten Surry County in court and they settled our lawsuit, I was a broken woman. I’m not proud of this fact, but it’s nonetheless true.
I should have known the evils that man is capable of and been prepared. I wasn’t. This is when you fall.
Feeling that a trained monkey could do my job better, I decided to step away from the organization I loved to take care of my resulting PTSD and compassion fatigue. I turned the organization over to a newly-formed board, and held out hope that new leadership would bring the fresh start the organization needed.
Boy, was I wrong. (About so much, but right now I’m just talking about the monkey part.)
The History:
Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Michael Vick Decided to Moonlight as a Dogfighter…Because Being a Star Football Player Was Just BO-RING. So little death, amiright?
NFL football star Michael Vick bought 15 acres in Surry County, Virginia, in the fall of 2001. The address? 1915 Moonlight Road. Over the next few years, he and several high school buddies built a clandestine dog-fighting operation on the property under the guise of a boarding and breeding kennel. Four sheds were constructed as a compound for training and fighting the dogs—these barns were painted black and placed in the trees and behind a fence to keep them hidden. A beautiful white house was constructed at the front of the property to serve as living and play quarters for the men, a distraction for anyone driving by, and a front for the operation.
When the dogfighting operation finally came to light, it was obvious that the Surry County Commonwealth Attorney had no intention of arresting Michael Vick; Gerald Poindexter obfuscated the evidence and obstructed the case at every turn. Finally, the feds took over and the rest, as they say, was history. Vick served federal time for leading the dogfighting operation, but never a day for animal cruelty, despite confessions of hands-on culpability in the brutal murder of Man’s Best Friends—dogs who didn’t perform in the fight ring.
The Little Red Dog Who Never Got a Name
Of the many dogs who failed to perform as Vick and his buddies expected, some were little red pitbull type dogs. According to The Lost Dogs, one small red female had no interest in fighting, cowering and shaking when she was tossed into the ring. She was murdered that night, along with eight others, all brutally, all in retaliation for being “good dogs.” Vick himself took his anger out on the timid dog by slamming her with a vengeance—repeatedly—into the ground. Despite his confession to this act of cruelty and others, the local Commonwealth Attorney Gerald Poindexter dropped all animal abuse charges against the football star.
The little red dog died having never known a friend. Her short life ended in pain and fear of humans, without a single memory of play or love to cling to as her world dimmed, wavered, and turned to black.
Enter Dogs Deserve Better, Inc.
Dogs Deserve Better, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that I founded in Pennsylvania in 2002 to rescue our canine companions from the cruelty and isolation of chaining and and bring them into the home and family. When Vick got arrested in 2007, he quickly sold off the property to a local builder, who expected a quick fix turnaround on the property. Four years later the property still languished…turns out no one wanted to buy a property with such a checkered past.
Dogs Deserve Better chose it as a home for our rescue facility in 2011. It was a full-circle moment for the organization, and we were eager to bring happiness to a ground littered with the bones of the innocent.
SURRY COUNTY Seemed to Preferred DOGFIGHTERS
What I didn’t know about Vick’s supporters in the governance of Surry County could fill a book, and in fact filled two of them. Both The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick’s Dogs and Their Tale of Rescue and Redemption and Badd Newz: The Untold Story of the Michael Vick Dog Fighting Case pulled very few punches in highlighting the corruptly outrageous and seemingly illegal behavior of Virginia Commonwealth Attorney Gerald Poindexter.
Although the organization landed on the property full of enthusiasm and eager to bring happiness to other dogs in honor of those who lived and died here, we were under near-constant attack. Finally, a lawsuit against Surry County was settled without them ever apologizing for their cruelty or even acknowledging any wrongdoing on their part.
The Rescue Shepherd Who “Bought” the Property . . . for his Dog Friends
Despite the county’s interference, we were able to pay off the property (and even purchased the acre next door, for a total of 16 acres) within less than two years due to my rescue of a dog named Doogie in Pennsylvania.
Doogie was an old shepherd mix who spent his life chained in the family backyard. As his health deteriorated, bone spurs along his spine became so painful that he could no longer stand. He lay for three days on the ground as the neighbors tried to convince authorities to help the dog.
That Monday, Dogs Deserve Better got a call begging for our assistance. Shocked at the dog’s condition, I removed him from his chain and drove him immediately to the vet.
Soon police called, demanding I return the dog to those who’d left him lying in the rain while they went four-wheeling for the weekend. I refused, was arrested, and ultimately convicted in a jury trial of theft and receiving stolen property for helping Doogie; I cleaned library shelves for 65 hours as “punishment.”
Doogie lived another six months in a foster home where he received veterinary care, walked again, and yes, even trotted around the backyard looking for his next snack.
The nation embraced Doogie’s story. He even appeared on Inside Edition and in the National Enquirer, as well as the now-defunct monthly Animal People newspaper. Animal People’s ongoing coverage of the case landed Doogie many doggie fans, and as a result the organization was included in the wills of two California-based animal lovers. These bequests covered the remaining loan amounts for the property, bought the extra acre, and provided a cushion for monthly expenses.
Dogs who suffer at the end of chains, like Doogie and the dogs Vick abused, deserve better than a life of cruelty. Doogie’s story made that possible for so many more dogs, and ensured that the dogs who suffered at Michael Vick’s hands would not be forgotten. To see video of Doogie’s story compiled by SHARK, visit this link:
The Importance of this Property to History and Humanity
The property at 1915 Moonlight Rd. is the ONLY property of a former dogfighter that has come into the hands of animal activists. Not only that, but it belonged to not just any dogfighter, but an NFL football star named Michael Vick. Vick’s case made national headlines for years, and this property is the best educational tool we have for ending the abuse of dogfighting. The educational opportunities surrounding the compound are many and important to any animal activist who speaks on behalf of the voiceless.
“The Vick compound stands as proof of his heinous conduct and as a memorial to the dogs whose lives were lost, admittedly killed by his own hand. The property and sheds should be preserved as a reminder to all that justice was served and the suffering of the dogs who died on the grounds should never be repeated. Erasing this distinct part of the past by destroying the only remaining evidence of the crime? It should not happen in a society where we learn from past mistakes through education and correction.”—Mark Kumpf, Animal Control Officer involved in both Surry County Dogfighting Cases
The Dogfighting Compound Sheds: A Roadmap to Understanding Dogfighting
As Animal Control Officer Mark Kumpf states, the four sheds that remain on the property are a stark reminder of what happened here. Each shed served a different purpose—one for fighting, one for training, one for breeding, and one for dogs they fix up after a fight. I’ve never given a tour of those sheds that doesn’t end in a tear or in some other way profoundly affect the visitor. The educational opportunities on this animal issue on the grounds are immeasurable.
The ONLY Person who Stands to Benefit from the Destruction of the Sheds? Michael Vick
I don’t know about you, but every animal decision I make, I say to myself, “Self? Would this action make Michael Vick happy?” Then if the answer is NO, I go ahead and do it, satisfied it must be the right choice. (This isn’t a real thing, but we could make it one. Call me.)
Take this blog, for example.
When the Nazis were about to be overtaken by the allies at Auschwitz Death Camp, they implemented their scorched earth policy—in which evidence of their war crimes as well as resources were destroyed so the outside world wouldn’t see the levels of their depravity.
The Nazis were not successful in destroying all of the evidence from death camps like Auschwitz and Dachau, and today millions of people visit each year to learn, memorialize, and understand the true atrocities committed there. These sites, although not pleasant, are invaluable social landmarks and serve an educational purpose for future generations.
The ONLY person who benefits from this destruction is Michael Vick.
Calling Out Debra Griggs
Who is Debra Griggs? Debra Griggs is a Hampton Roads animal advocate who “mentors” animal rescuers, and I’ve been told by DDB’s current leader, Kimberly Payne Hawk, that Debra thinks the sheds should be destroyed.
Oh nos! Debra thinks they’re too ugly? Say it isn’t so!
I’m SO SORRY, Debra. We really should have taken your sensibilities into consideration before buying the place. My bad!
Now this isn’t from ME to YOU, so don’t take it personally…but the dogs told me to tell you WHAT HAPPENED TO THEM THERE MATTERS. And, well, then they said something unladylike, which I shouldn’t repeat…but you get the gist.
Yes, I’m well aware the sheds are ugly. They are a stark and brutal reminder of what happens in the dogfighting world.
And that’s exactly the point.
Erasing the evidence of crimes against our best friends is a stain on all those who allow it to happen. Not only did Michael Vick’s dogs deserve better, but their memories deserve better too.
Dogs Deserve Better’s Moral Responsibility with Regards to 1915 Moonlight Rd.
If the current leadership of Dogs Deserve Better (Kimberly Payne Hawk as CEO and Roz Willis as President of the Board) wants to destroy the sheds, sell the property, and relocate their rescue center to the Charlottesville, VA area, they can knock themselves out.
But they first have a moral obligation to ensure that the Moonlight Rd. property goes to animal advocates who will treat it with the respect it deserves and continues to move forward with plans for it to serve as an educational destination for those who love dogs and want to understand the crime of dogfighting.
Selling to a “Solar Panel Guy?”
On May 8th, myself and two others who worked for DDB in the past and love the property visited in an attempt to begin negotiations to repurchase the property I’d already purchased once. We hoped to save the sheds and find another FUN dog-related use for the property. To our dismay, we were politely shown around and then just as politely shown the door.
We were told there’s a “Solar Panel Guy” who might be interested. In fact, the organization seemed more concerned about making the most money they could and completely disregarded the special needs of the property and the promises made by Dogs Deserve Better to our donors.
We have to Think “Like a Business”
When we made attempts to talk about buying the property back from Dogs Deserve Better, we were told that “we’ll let you know when it’s on the market,” and “we have to think like a business.”
But businesses must have social consciences, and those that don’t are doomed to fail or destroy property that matters to future generations. We all support businesses that care about the animals and the environment with our purchase dollars. To see the current leadership of Dogs Deserve Better putting the highest dollar amount—regardless of the tragedies that could further befall the memories of the victims—on a property that needs loving and caring guidance is deeply concerning and makes for NOT ONLY BAD BUSINESS BUT an animal rights organization who isn’t putting moral values ahead of the almighty buck.
Dogs Deserve Better, right? That includes all those who suffered at 1915 Moonlight Rd.
Destruction of a Boy Scout Eagle Project
In 2014 a Boy Scout named Tyler Ducar chose Dogs Deserve Better for his Eagle Scout project, and brought his troop with him to paint and fix what was formerly the fighting sheds as step one in our memorial process. These boys and girls worked diligently all weekend, and even brought their fathers and other friends to help. The turnout was amazing and heart-warming.
Tyler chose Dogs Deserve Better and the preservation of these sheds as his eagle project because he recognized the value of this memorial landmark to all dog-loving Americans.
Will his reward for this hard work and for the teens and adults who helped him will be the destruction of that which he sought to help preserve? DDB gave our word to Tyler that we would continue to make these sheds into the landmark and museum they deserve to be.
And now the word of this nonprofit means nothing? Apparently.
Dogs Deserve Better Donors Bought Plaques and Fence Panels
Many DDB donors paid for fence panels that we assured them would stay for years to come. Since the organization feels they have to honor no promises made by previous leadership, will they destroy or remove the fencing too?
A Moving Ceremony Planted Trees in the Field on Behalf of Each Vick Dog Survivor
I wasn’t there when the organization held a ceremony for the Vick dog survivors and planted a tree in each dog’s honor. The ceremony was attended by many of the adopters, and I’m told tears flowed freely throughout the day.
Would the “Solar Panel Guy”—or whoever will give them the most money—destroy all those trees planted in honor of the victims? Yes, yes they would. How can Dogs Deserve Better do something so cruel to the memories of these dogs and all they went through on the property?
We Brainstormed So Many Fun Dog Ideas
When we heard that Dogs Deserve Better wanted to sell the property, four of us who love the place began to brainstorm how we could continue to make it a joyous property for dogs.
We wanted to invite all dog lovers and dog organizations to an inspirational, happy place where friends can mingle in the field for a family movie night, pick flowers or strawberries in a “harvest” field, visit the “Monument Reflection Garden,” or experience a Zen water feature—even a in-ground swimming pool for the dogs eventually.
One might “tie the knot” at a pet-friendly wedding venue, visit the dog park, or go “glamping” with your furry friends. All of this and more would provide opportunities for adventure while promoting a gathering place offering unique experiences with your dog.
I Feel Ashamed, Saddened
I feel ashamed, because those who have reigned over the organization since I left seem to be lacking in moral integrity. I’ve also been forced to reconsider my EVEN-A-TRAINED-MONKEY-COULD-DO-BETTER stance.
I apologize to all those DDB has let down, first and foremost Vick’s dogs and dog adopters. I’m sorry.
Will You Stand with Me on Behalf of Vick’s Dogs?
Maybe if enough of us raise our voices before it’s too late, DDB will reconsider this irresponsible and even cruel stance. Email DDB President Roz Willis at roz@dogsdeservebetter.org and tell her that history is not theirs to destroy.
Have a Great Dog Idea for the Place?
Send DDB an email and ask them to negotiate with you. Hopefully you’ll have more luck than the woman who paid off the property. After all…what the fuck do I know?
Tamira Thayne's "Untethered" 