Vick Indicted In Dog Fighting Probe

RICHMOND, Va. -- NFL star Michael Vick was indicted by a federal grand jury Tuesday on charges of sponsoring a dogfighting operation so grisly the losers either died in the pit or sometimes were electrocuted, drowned, hanged or shot.
The Atlanta Falcons quarterback and three others were charged with competitive dogfighting, procuring and training pit bulls for fighting and conducting the enterprise across state lines.
The operation was named "Bad Newz Kennels," according to the indictment, and the dogs were housed, trained and fought at a property owned by Vick in Surry County, Va.
Vick and the other three defendants will appear in district court in Richmond on July 26.
Vick, Purnell Peace, Tony Taylor and Quanis Phillips will appear before a magistrate judge, Dennis Dohnal, at 3:30 p.m. for bond and at 4 p.m. in front of Judge Henry Hudson for arraignment.
The 19-page federal indictment, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, alleges the 27-year-old Vick and his co-defendants began the dogfighting operation in early 2001, the former Virginia Tech star's rookie year with the Falcons.
The indictment states that dogs fought to the death -- or close to it.

The activities alleged are cruel, degrading and illegal. Michael Vick's guilt has not yet been proven, and we believe that all concerned should allow the legal process to determine the facts.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy
If convicted, Vick and the others could face up to six years in prison, $350,000 in fines and restitution.
Telephone messages left at the offices and home of Vick's attorney, Larry Woodward, were not returned. A woman who answered the phone at the home of Vick's mother said "no comment" and hung up.
"We are disappointed that Michael Vick has put himself in a position where a federal grand jury has returned an indictment against him," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said.
"The activities alleged are cruel, degrading and illegal. Michael Vick's guilt has not yet been proven, and we believe that all concerned should allow the legal process to determine the facts."
Vick and the Falcons are scheduled to report to training camp on July 25.
"Obviously, we are disturbed by today's news," the team said in a statement posted on its Web site, apologizing to fans for the negative publicity.
"We will do the right thing for our club as the legal process plays out. We have a season to prepare for," it said.
John Goodwin of the Humane Society said the manner in which losing or unwilling dogs were killed was especially troubling.

AP Photo/Steve Helber
State and federal officials load coolers of evidence into a truck as they search the grounds behind a home owned by Michael Vick in Smithfield, Va., on July 6.
"Some of the grisly details in these filings shocked even me, and I'm a person who faces this stuff every day," he said. "I was surprised to see that they were killing dogs by hanging them and one dog was killed by slamming it to the ground. Those are extremely violent methods of execution -- they're unnecessary and just sick."
Vick and the others are accused of "knowingly sponsoring and exhibiting an animal fighting venture" and conducting a business enterprise involving gambling, as well as buying, transporting and receiving dogs for the purposes of an animal fighting venture.
About eight young dogs were put to death at the Surry County home after they were found not ready to fight in April 2007, the indictment said. They were killed "by hanging, drowning and/or slamming at least one dog's body to the ground."
The indictment also outlined a rough chronology:
• In March 2003, after a pit bull from Bad Newz Kennels lost in a fight, it said Peace consulted with Vick about the losing dog's condition, then executed it by wetting it with water and electrocuting it;
• In March 2003, after two Bad Newz Kennels dog lost fights to dogs owned by a cooperating witness, it alleged that Vick retrieved a bag containing $23,000 and gave it to the owner of the winning dogs. One of the fights had a $20,000 purse;
• In the fall of 2003, a person witnessing a dog fight involving one of the dogs trained by Bad Newz Kennels incurred the ire of another cooperating witness by yelling out Vick's name in front of the crowd during the fight.
It also said that after establishing Bad Newz Kennels in early 2002, Vick and the others obtained shirts and headbands promoting their affiliation with the kennel.
After a police raid on the property in April, Vick said he was rarely at the house, had no idea it may have been used in a criminal enterprise. He blamed family members for taking advantage of his generosity.
On Vick's Web site, he lists his birthplace as Newport News, "a.k.a. BadNews."
Purses for the fights ranged from hundreds of dollars to the thousands, and participants and spectators placed side bets, the document said.
Local authorities have been investigating the allegations since the April 25 drug raid at the property Vick owned. On June 7, officials with the Department of Agriculture executed their own search warrant and found the remains of seven dogs.
Surry County prosecutor Gerald G. Poindexter said he didn't know of the indictment before it was filed, and said he's not sure how the county will continue its case.
At the start, authorities seized 66 dogs, including 55 pit bulls, and equipment commonly used in dogfighting. About half the dogs were tethered to car axles with heavy chains that allowed the dogs to get close to each other, but not to have contact -- an arrangement typical for fighting dogs, according to the search warrant affidavit.
The indictment said dogfights were held at the Virginia property and dog owners brought animals from six states, including New York and Texas.
In a search warrant executed July 6, the government said the fights usually occurred late at night or in the early morning and would last several hours.
Before fights, participating dogs of the same sex would be weighed and bathed, according to the filings. Opposing dogs would be washed to remove any poison or narcotic placed on the dog's coat that could affect the other dog's performance.
Sometimes, dogs weren't fed to "make it more hungry for the other dog," it said.

Mango Charlotte von Choppies

Dear Friends and Family,

I write this letter to you with a heavy heart and sad news. Most of you know that our beloved English bulldog, Porkie, passed away months ago from a brain tumor at the young age of six. Although we are still deeply grieving her loss, I made the decision to take in a French bulldog in honor of her memory. My heart was weary of opening itself to a newcomer, but after having been asked for help by the previous rescue person, we somehow knew it was the right thing to do and that Porkie would have agreed. We rescued Mango Charlotte von Choppies from a puppy-mill only two months ago. She came to us in horrible condition having obviously been severely neglected. The previous rescue home had done what they could, but her neglect was severe and would take time to transform.

Having her in our lives has been hard both financially and time-consuming, but she has been nothing short of a huge blessing—she gives much more than she could ever take from us. Mango is a loving, silly Frenchie with personality to spare! Although she has only been a part of our home for six weeks now, we already can't imagine life without her. Yesterday we found out that what we thought was a mere urinary tract infection that Mango struggled with is, in fact, transitional cell carcinoma. In short, she has a tumor in her urinary bladder that is the size of a golf ball. Being realistic the veterinary specialists said possibly 290 days to one year to live...up to 2 years, and there was a special case where a dog lived past 2 years...just depending on if the Piroxicam can shrink the tumor to where she can still urinate. He said because we do not know her previous medical history (see her exact myspace page for the info)we don't know how accurate the diagnosis is.
In a desperate search for help, I consulted with a homeopathic vet who directed me towards something called PSP and Vital Red. I did further research and found that it is used in China as a tumor shrinking agent and that it could be the difference that Mango needs to make it through this horrible diagnosis.I am sending this letter to ask for help from those of you who feel led to do so. When we took in Mango, we did so to make a difference. To let others know that there are people out there who are willing to make a difference in the lives of an older dog in need. To give a frenchie the love that she has ALWAYS deserved, but never received. Never did we think something like this would happen. Unfortunately, after all that we went through with Porkie and with Mango's initial care needs, we just don't have the finances to cover her medical expenses. Her diagnostic procedure alone was $885.00 and then a three-week supply of her medication ran us $300. We had to do a second biopsy because the first came back inconclusive. That procedure was $890.00. She just started her first chemo treatment today which is $740.00 per treatment and she will require 4 in total. She will need to wear diapers, have blood work done and regular testing. These figures are without adding in the thousand dollars we spent before we found out that her medical difficulties were so severe and in need of further investigation.

Even a donation of a dollar could add up for us and make a huge difference in helping with the cost of Mango's care. I know that we all have needs in our own lives, but if you are able to help, please know that it would be greatly appreciated by our family. Please also know that if you cannot help us financially, your prayers are just as equally welcome. Thank you all so much for being such great friends. We truly appreciate all of you and the care and support you have always given to us...

Love,Porkie, Chubbie, Cheekie, Mango, and LCC

Please visit Mango's new site for donations, words of prayer, and just encouragement.

We thank Gwennie and Maeg for helping us to write this letter while we are still bogged down with sorrow.

http://www.myspace.com/helpthisfrenchie

Again, thank you all for being such supportive and love friends! You're the reason why we're on myspace!

Princess Porkie's Death

Princess Porkie's Death

A big thank you for all of your condolences, inspiration, and kind words during Porkie's sudden illness and death. On 2/16/07, Princess Porkie died in her sleep while having a violent seizure. She had been diagnosed only 2 days earlier as having a left forebrain lesion (brain tumor). Our great inspiration for London Canine Couture is gone, but not forgotten! Stay tuned for "The Porkie Foundation"; an organization raising awareness and education on brain tumors in canines. Her memory and legacy will live on to help other canines fighting this type of cancer.

We will also be adding your condolence comments to our blog. Many other retailers, friends, and customers sent us wonderful flowers, cards, and pictures in memory of Princess Porkie.

Frenchie Oolaalaaa

What is more quintessentially French than a French Bulldog in a Frenchie tee? Tongue twister? Maybe. Nothing shouts Eiffel Tower or Champs Elyessees more than this little frock of ooolaalala cuteness. Cheekie Chops just needs a small beret to complete the look! Accents not included.

-Made from lycra polyester blend. Very stretchy and comfy fit. Adorned with a red applique' heart and a pin. All handmade clothing!

Mommy Rocks!!!

Yes, I know. LCC's mommy DOES rock! What a better way to show it off in this sweater? Your spoiled fashionista can strut down the street letting everyone know about mommy this winter. Lambs wool blend, comes in pink or black. Simply adorable. Click on the pic to purchse this hottie from London Canine Couture today!- Adorable frenchie not included!

Country Club Cheekie

Big thanks to our nephew for sending Cheekie this wonderful sweater. It has provided much warmth on those chilly mornings and cool days here in Florida. Although Cheekie Chops looks semi-male we think the pink collar gives it away. And doesn't she just look really "posh" in this outfit? "We just hit 9 on the green darling...how about we go in for a glass of tea love?" LOL

Princess Porkie in her bed

We don't know if it was the relaxing weather today or if we just put way too much potato salad in their food, but something was up with the bullies and their sleeping habits today! We caught Porkie half in and half out of her bed ASLEEP! Unfortunately, by the time we got the camera she woke up only to find we were eyeing her up. But at least she was surprised!

Chubbie Chops Sleeping

Yes fans...this is what Chubbie Chops really looks like in his Bowsers bed snoring away without a care in the world!

We wonder if he would be embarrassed?

Doggy in the Window!

Cheekie Chops cannot stand to be away from her Mommy even if in the same vicinity. This picture was captured as the little princess tapped at the window of our office trying to get closer to me. Of course, all she had to do was come back in thru the lanai, the living room, and into where I am to be closer, however she likes to show her monkey cute-ness quite frequently! Yes..her nickname aside from "Frenchie" is "Monkey" because she acts like a lil' monkey!!

Happy Valentine's Day

Wow, we can't believe Christmas is over and Valentine's Day is upon us! Where has the time flown? Wasn't it just a few weeks ago we were ripping open our gifty-gifts from under the tree? Wasn't Cheekie Chops just grabbing ornaments and bringing them to us? Wasn't Porkie making herself look like an ornament? Well you guys get the picture! Momma has updated the site with some new items just in time for Valentine's day. She says Chubbie Chops will be bringing us love-filled goodies in hopes of swooning over us females. Little does he know he is going to get a swat on the head and a few bites on his ear!

We have a few cute heart inspired items that your pup will just do flips over! Haute Diggity Dog has come out with their new plush squeaky toy- a chocolate heart shaped box of plush candies (totally chew-ful). They have the "as always" plush squeaker inside. For the male heart enthralled pooches the glam rock is in! Your parents can get you the guitar or maltese cross and bones which slides onto your collars. How awesome is this? I mean, they even come in pink for us femmes! Perfect for the Valentine's dinner out is the pink gingham tulled dress. It is just to die for! Another tah-dah if we must say so ourself. So get those love filled wish lists ready...it is time to go shopping once again!

The Trio- 3 of the Cutest Bulldogs EVER!

Finally!! We were able to get a picture of Porkie (left), Chubbie Chops (center) and Cheekie Chops (right) out on a nice afternoon walk...without Porkie flopping on the ground refusing to partake in any exercise. Yep, that is right folks. Lil' Miss Porkie knows how to stop, drop, and roll when it comes to leaving the drive for a stroll. Maybe she should have gone into firefighting?

Where is my Grrrizon Cell Bone?

I think we told everyone how much Cheekie Chops LOVES her new toy....here she is looking for it and doesn't even realize it is right beside her. Why is that? Well the Princess receievd TWO of these for Christmas and yes, one is underneath the cabinet ;) She is just way tooo cute!

Happy 2007!

Welcome to the New Year and more fun!. Happy 2007 everyone!! We partied so much the last several weeks that it almost seems as if the 3 little bulldogs slept their way into 2007...shhhh don't tell anyone but they did! Exhibit A. --> We caught Porkie in high snooze already at 5.00 p.m. right after dinner. We don't think she was posing as a Christmas Tree ornament either!

Speaking of Christmas. The bullies made a list of their all-time fav Christmas presents they received this year. Going in order of what has been played with (or begged for) the most we have the following:

1. Grrbizon cellbone. Cheekie Chops LOVES this toy!
2. My Doggy Bites. The bullies cannot get enough of these delicious treats.
3. Planet Dog's orbee balls.
4. Pal Dog's shampoo and body bar. We swear the dogs just jump right into the tub to get clean!
5. Cheekie Chops is forever grateful for the Bulldog Hoodie given to her by daddy! She loves the way it feels and the warmth it gives her on those freakishly cold Florida mornings. Not to mention the intense cute factor it has with the velour material and bulldog patch on the back. WeeooOOOoF!