04/25/2026
✨ Never forget. ✨
🚨 Call to Action 🚨
On the 19 year mark since events were put into motion that would eventually lead Handsome Dan to freedom…
(I stole a lot of these words from my friend Justine’s post.)
19 years ago yesterday evening, a police K9 alerted officers to the vehicle owned by Davon Boddie. Boddie led police to Michael Vick's home when he used Vick's address as his own. Law enforcement uncovered more than they bargained for at 1915 Moonlight Road in Surry County, VA.
They walked back behind the house to a dogfighting yard, a covert dogfighting operation disguised as "Bad Newz Kennels." One dog was found to be injured beyond saving and one was deemed too aggressive to remove from the property, so in sum, 51 pit bulls were removed, along with 9 beagles, 2 Rottweilers, and a Cane Corso. For the first time, dogs seized from a fighting operation were given a second chance thanks to the ASPCA, Best Friends Animal Society ,BAD RAP, and a few other forward thinking organizations.
Since then, we have watched the Vicktory Dogs' recovery. We watched them live lives filled with loving kindness, and we've shed tears as they’ve passed away.
Thank you to all those responsible for bringing them safety and happiness.
The Lost Dogs book by Jim Gorant is an excellent resource. And if you haven't seen The Champions documentary yet, you simply must. It does not depict violence and is very uplifting. Dan and our family is included in the film.
Take a few minutes today to think about how, yesterday evening 19 years ago, a police K9 put into motion events that would lead to changing the landscape for survivors of dogfighting. It’s not about them being owned by a famous football player, it’s about their success when given the chance to be seen as individuals that made the change and is now industry standard.
🚨CALL TO ACTION 🚨
Please take a moment to tell one person about the bloodsport of dogfighting. Do it for Dan, and for all the dogs still out there waiting, at the end of their chain. Tell their story.