Posted: July 30, 2008, 5 a.m. EDT
Four pit bulls who were rescued during a 2007 police raid on a property owned by Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick will be featured on the National Geographic Channel series “Dogtown” during a special two-hour season premiere on Sept. 5.
“Saving the Michael Vick Dogs” follows the journeys of four dogs named Cherry, Meryl, Denzel, and Georgia, as Dogtown’s team – including assistant dog care manager and trainer John Garcia, dog care manager Michelle Besmehn, veterinarian Patti Iampietro and trainer Ann Allums – works to help the dogs overcome their violent pasts.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons’ training season kicked off Saturday with no mention of Vick, who is serving a 2-year sentence in a federal prison for running a dogfighting ring.
“I’m not going to talk about last year, but I’ll talk about right now,” linebacker Keith Brooking told USA Today.
“I guess there is probably a little less media coverage this year from what I understand,” said newly drafted quarterback Matt Ryan, referring to last year’s camp, which featured protesters taunting Vick. “I think the message from the top down through the organization has been to focus on the future. We haven’t talked much about last year. It’s all about a fresh start and getting ready for 2008.”
“Saving the Michael Vick Dogs” airs Friday, Sept. 5, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.