Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/michael-vick-dog-frodo/

At less than a year old, Frodo the pit bull faced a bleak future.

He was one of nearly 70 dogs that were crammed into the “Bad Newz Kennels,” an illegal dogfighting ring in Virginia run by NFL superstar Michael Vick.

There, dogs were forced to attack, repeatedly injuring and traumatizing each other until a federal investigation was able to not only stop the ring in its tracks but also lead to convictions against Vick and his co-defendants.

Now, nearly 15 years after that infamous bust in 2007, Frodo has passed away surrounded by his adoptive family.

He was the last surviving dog rescued from the illegal operation and, along with the many others that were freed that day, became a symbol of the horrors of dogfighting and animal abuse.

Bad Rap, the charity that helped rehabilitate and rehome the Vick dogs following the landmark case, eulogized Frodo on their Facebook page, writing:

“On Saturday, we had the great honor and privilege of attending the transition of the sweet, shy Frodo as his family helped him pass over to be with the rest of the dogs from the group.
He was the last of 48 brave survivors from that game changing case. Seized and rescued in 2007, we estimate that he would’ve been 15 years old – and THIS is the important part – the last 14 years of his life were spent being pampered like a prince with the Ramirez family and dogs. Sweet Frodo – How we loved him. He was one of the bravest survivors we’ve ever met.”

Vick, who served 19 months in federal prison for his crimes, recalled his behavior as “a blemish that I will never be able to erase” in an interview with The Washington Post in November of 2021.

He has since gone on to a career in sports broadcasting and advocates for animal rights.

Though his passing is painful to the family that patiently rehabilitated him through nightmares, behavioral issues, trauma, and more, Frodo’s life is worth celebrating, not only as a reminder of the horrors he overcame, but the love and community he found for the 14 years of his life that were filled with belonging and happiness.

Learn more about Bad Rap and their important advocacy for animal welfare at the state and local level by visiting their official site here.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog