Inspirational Dogs from the Photo Books: Teddles

Teddles (limited edition print)

Today's post is the beginning of a series of daily posts about the inspirational dogs in all three of the photo books thus far. I'm creating limited edition prints of the dogs of the books, both individual prints and collage prints, and photos and links will accompany each post.

It seems fitting to start with the Vick Dogs, since these dogs have captured the hearts of so many who followed their story since they first heard about Michael Vick's dog fighting operation, Bad Newz Kennels, in 2007.

I will go into more detail tomorrow about the Vick Dogs in general, and will repeat if you haven't read the book The Lost Dogs by Jim Gorant, then you REALLY need to read it. I know many people who have said they don't want to read what the Vick Dogs endured, however, while some parts are difficult to read, the overall story is inspiring and uplifting. The book doesn't just detail the dogs' story, but also the story of those who believed in these dogs, those who didn't give up on them and who made sure the dogs were evaluated and given a chance at life so that all dogs seized from fight busts in the future would be evaluated individually and given that same chance. They are truly inspirational. 

Meet Teddles (limited edition print)

We're starting our stories with adorable Teddles, otherwise known as Ted-Baby and T-Mac! This 72-lb. lapdog was seized from Bad Newz Kennels back in 2007. You would never know this big boy was seized from a dog fighting operation. He is nothing but smiles and ears and a whole lot of love.

It isn't believed that Teddles was fought (he was actually in a photograph with Vick for a magazine article in 2001). He was one of the Vick Dogs evaulated as being ready for a foster home. Teddles did have emotional and psychological damage from his time at Bad Newz Kennels. When he was first adopted he was afraid of certain noises, such as train whistles and gunshots that could be heard at a nearby shooting range, and he was afraid of his own shadow. He guarded his food, and like many dogs who were raised in isolation (such as dogs from fighting busts or dogs from puppy mills) Teddles didn't know how to play with toys. However, it didn't take him long to start to realize he was at last in a good place and that no one was ever going to hurt him again. 

Today Teddles has completely overcome his past. He's just a big, goofy lovebug. Everyone who meets him loves him. In 2009, Teddles earned his Canine Good Citizen certificate. He is now a cherished family pet and loves his canine "sister" Izzi. He enjoys cuddles and kisses, and loves wrestling with Izzi, playing with toys, and going on hikes with his family. His beloved naptime on the sofa ranks high on his list of favorite activities. His "mom"  said, "We are so blessed to have Ted in our lives!"

Teddles Photo Strip (limited edition print)

Teddles, along with 9 other Vick dogs and 71 other pit bull type dogs, is featured in the photo book Pit Bulls & Pit Bull Type Dogs.

25% of all of the Vick Dog Limited Edition Prints is being donated to your choice of one of the following three rescues: BADRAP, Best Friends Animal Society or Dogs Deserve Better (the rescue that converted the Vick property into a rehab center for formerly chained dogs)

Comments

[danielle]

Husband and I listened to the vick story on tape - it was a very hard book to listen to - but heart warming in so many ways. It has not lessened by disgust for so called humans who can treat any of our 4 legged friends in such horrifying ways tho.

[Joan]

Beautiful pictures and the Lost Dogs and all the dogs and people involved are truly a story that must be told over and over again reminding us that this time around the good in people won over the ultimate evil in people and some poor dogs that never would have normally been saved were and the world got to know more about a nightmarish illegal activity involving dogs called dog fighting and its unspeakable cruelty and neglect towards innocent dogs. The dogs showed us their amazing & unique, resilient & loving personalities when given love and guidance from some extraordinary people who had the compassion & integrity to try what was never done before. Give some victims of dog fighting a chance at a normal life as a dog, a pet, a cherished companion. Definitely some extraordinary people and resilient and loving dogs that need to be celebrated every day.