Regrettably, it is time for us to say goodbye to Frodo, the last surviving canine rescued from Michael Vick’s dogfighting ring.
Back in 2007, Michael Vick, who was then playing for the Atlanta Falcons, had a whopping 51 Pit Bulls taken away from his Virginia residence by authorities. It’s just so sad to think that these innocent creatures were subjected to all kinds of abuse, like being beaten, electrocuted, hung, drowned, and even forced to fight each other. Sadly, three of them didn’t survive the ordeal, but thankfully, 48 did. That’s because there were several rescue groups who stepped up to help these poor dogs, and they were eventually adopted by loving families that gave them a fresh start.
Frodo, a brave soul who endured a challenging phase at Vick’s compound, had the privilege of living up to 15 years. However, it is with deep regret to announce that Frodo has passed away on December 18th, 2021. He enjoyed 14 years of lavish treatment, compensating for the brutal year he spent in misery. Let us all pay our last respects to the beloved “Sweet” Frodo, as he rests in eternal peace.
BAD RAP, a nonprofit animal protection group located in Oakland, recently shared some heartbreaking news on their Facebook page. They announced that a very special dog named Frodo had passed away. Frodo was a dog that had been rescued and rehabilitated by BAD RAP, and the organization was deeply saddened by his loss. In their tribute to Frodo, they spoke about how much he had meant to them and how inspiring his resilience and bravery had been. Despite the challenges he had faced, Frodo had lived a happy life with his family, and he passed away surrounded by love. BAD RAP expressed their gratitude for the time they had spent with Frodo and the lessons he had taught them, and they encouraged others to remember him fondly.
As Frodo’s mother, Kim Ramirez, and her daughter Dominique cried, Frodo happily chomped on a large bag of steak. They thanked Dr. Williams for his dedication to Frodo’s health, which went above and beyond expectations and earned the dog’s trust. Frodo’s journey towards recovery not only defied negative stereotypes about Pit Bulls but also highlighted the significance of patience and kindness in a dog’s life. BAD RAP, an organization that specializes in rehabilitating dogs involved in fighting, believed in these puppies from the beginning and emphasized the need to give dogs with challenging pasts an opportunity to lead better lives.
The tale of Frodo emphasizes the significance of early socialization for puppies that have been rescued from abusive situations. It is speculated that he was only 3-6 months old when he was saved and had been imprisoned in isolation for six months. This experience had a profound impact on Frodo, rendering him timid and fearful. Luckily, he was adopted by Kim Ramirez who understood the importance of providing him with the necessary support and coaching to help him conquer his fears and develop into a self-assured and resilient adult canine.
Frodo had a heightened sensitivity to mechanical noises, which would make him feel uneasy and agitated. Even the ceiling fans at home would capture his attention, causing him to stare at them in fear. The mere act of opening a closet would be enough to make him run away. It was also noted that the sound of microwave popcorn seemed to distress him, possibly because it reminded him of gunfire. Although he did not witness any fights, it is possible that he heard them. Despite these challenges, Frodo was lucky to have the Ramirez family, who cared for him deeply and showed him immense empathy. They even went the extra mile to transport him in a stroller when he could no longer walk on his own.
With sadness, we say goodbye to an incredible survivor. The brave individuals who saved the 48 “Vick” dogs have managed to keep 13 of them alive till this year. Unfortunately, one of the pack favorites, Jonny Justice, passed away just two days before Frodo and Uba. Despite their troubled pasts, these dogs were given a second chance at life and are now able to enjoy happiness thanks to their rescuers.
When individuals who advocate for animal rights join forces, remarkable things can happen. The rescue of 48 dogs involved in the notorious Michael Vick dogfighting controversy is a perfect example of this. Despite Vick’s involvement in the illegal enterprise and admission to murdering dogs, the case played a significant role in changing public opinion regarding Pit Bulls and showed that abused animals can be rehabilitated and lead joyful lives.
