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MONTEREY, Calif-An eight-year-old pit bull named Red, who was once a part of Michael Vick’s infamous dogfighting kennels has died after a short battle with cancer.
Red, an eight year old pit bull arrived at the Monterey County SPCA with scars on his face and chest. Though he had a violent past, Red filled a vital role by helping SPCA Pet Behavior Specialist Amanda Mouisset with her behavior consultations.
Red was trained to fight other dogs but he found his calling helping to calm aggresive dogs. True to his gentle nature, Red would sit relaxed in the training area, serving as a calming agent while Mouisset and her client eased the other dog’s aggression by redirecting focus and energy.
Red shared a home with Mouisset, her husband, two children, two dogs, and a cat. He went from Vick’s fighting kennels to playing with other dogs, cuddling on the couch, and letting kids play dress up with him as their willing model.
Last week, Red was diagnosed with two cancerous tumors, one in the center of his brain and one in the neck inside his spinal cord. Veterinary specialists felt that aggressive treatment would only extend Red’s life by a few short months, so Mouisset and her family chose to keep him comfortable with medication to give him a few days or weeks of quality life. Sadly, Red’s condition worsened and he died Monday night.
“Red truly shows that dogs are amazing and resilient,” says Beth Brookhouser, SPCA Director of Community Outreach. “Red was born into a life that no animal deserves. But he overcame his past and showed us all what a dog like him can do with a little love and affection. He was a true ambassador for his breed and we will all miss him.”
To help rescue other abused animals, please share Red’s story with your friends or donate to The SPCA for Monterey County in memory of Red. www.spcamc.org/
it's a shame it wasn't Michael……..
I totally agree, people that do this to animal break my heart!
I should be ashamed to say it but seeing him in the worst pain imaginable would make me feel great. I wish I did not feel this way but I hate him. Praying for myself has not made me feel any different!!!! I know it is wrong for me to feel this way but just wait!!!! Michael Vick’s day WILL come!
I’m so happy that at least for Red’s life he knew what it was like to be loved and not be forced to fight. He died knowing he was safe and loved… Vicks should be forced to fight and beaten if he didn’t do it right… and to think, the City of Dallas gave him a key to the city.. Makes me want to puke!
Red had a chance to know what love and trust really meant. The beginning of his life was extremely painful and something no animal should ever have to encounter. The important thing is we know Red was surrounded by love and compassion before he passed on. My baby girl Bella will greet you at the gates sweet boy Red!
Let’s just be glad the dog spent his last years in a nourishing happy caring family home!!
RIP. When he went to the rainbow bridge, he carried the good memories with him. He knew that he was loved.
i lost my 5 year old staff to a spinal tumour 2 years ago…it killed him in 2 weeks from onset of symptoms to the day i lost him and it broke my heart…its just nice to know that red left this world after experiencing love…..lets hope michael vick gets his one day……
We as a nation, especially with the article about Jazzy being raped and permanently maimed…should start a national organization, NO SECOND CHANCES. These “people” should not be able to serve time and be let back out in society. You can’t do this crap to innocent and defenseless beings and think a price can be paid to absolve you of your CRIME.
RIP, Red. You lived through horrors no one should have to endure, yet you survived and were able to enjoy the kind of life every dog is SUPPOSED to have: one filled with love, happiness, and people who appreciate you. You are also the kind of dog who disproves the haters out there who despise your breed: a dog who’s been through what you have and can be so full of love makes them look like the fools they are.
While you’re there, I’m sure my dogs will want to keep you company, as well as some of my neighbors dogs who have passed. You’re a great dog.
Really, why can’t Vick die of cancer, he doesn’t deserve to live this dog did. R.I.P Red, your family loved you more than anything. I am so sad for them 🙁
RIP RED, hang with my boxer Brandy, she crossed the rainbow bridge on 7/6/11 due to lymphoma, and she isn’t prejudice…she loves pits too!
Rest in peace dear Red. I’m so glad you got to know what love is and got the chance to live with people who loved you dearly.
RIP Red, condolences to the family that loved him. The horrors that he must have endured but he kept his gentle nature, that is something only a dog can do. He was truly reformed, Vick is not.
Red you were awesome , RIP our friend………….u mean Vick hasn’t passed yet??!!!! I’m surprised with the world that hates and befriends him…………go figure
R.I.P. Red. You did your new job and life being loved and cherished. You will be missed by all who knew you and what your were.
Mike Vick needs to be put down!
Red, you are a symbol of what a fighting dog can do after he is out of that torturous existence…cities that are considering selective breed banning(mostly pits) should know about Red and stop believing that pit bulls are bad.
RIP, Red. May you run free, happy and healthy on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. I’m so glad you had a forever family even if it was only for a few years. They loved and cherished you; something that should have been done for you from your birth.
RIP Red <3
I will never again eat at Subway, or purchase anything Nike. (and we have runners and swimmers who have worn many Nike products before)