The Lost Dogs

Michael Vick’s Dogs and Their Tale of Rescue and Redemption

By: Jim Gorant

Narrated by: Richard Powers

Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

This is an inspiring story of survival and our powerful bond with man’s best friend in the aftermath of the nation’s most notorious case of animal cruelty.

Animal lovers and sports fans were shocked when the story broke about NFL player Michael Vick’s brutal dogfighting operation. But what became of the dozens of dogs who survived? As acclaimed writer Jim Gorant discovered, their story is the truly newsworthy aspect of this case. Expanding on Gorant’s Sports Illustrated cover story, The Lost Dogs traces the effort to bring Vick to justice and turns the spotlight on these infamous pit bulls, who were saved from euthanasia by an outpouring of public appeals coupled with a court order that Vick pay nearly one million dollars in “restitution” to the dogs.

As an ASPCA-led team evaluated each one. They found a few hardened fighters, but many more lovable, friendly creatures desperate for compassion. In The Lost Dogs, we meet these amazing animals, a number of which are now living in loving homes, while some even work in therapy programs. Johnny Justice participates in Paws for Tales, which lets kids get comfortable with reading aloud by reading to dogs; Leo spends three hours a week with cancer patients and troubled teens.

At the heart of the stories are the rescue workers who transformed the pups from victims of animal cruelty into healing caregivers themselves, unleashing priceless hope.

©2010 Jim Gorant (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Beautifully written and forthright…The Lost Dogs should make some news; not just for animal lovers but for anyone pondering the human propensity for violence and goodness.” (Library Journal)

“You will come away from The Lost Dogs warmed by the knowledge that it wasn't only Vick who got a second chance.” (George Dohrmann, senior editor at Sports Illustrated and author of Play Their Hearts Out)

Love the book and the narration

I really loved this book. I never realized what happened with the Michael Vick dog fighting issue. This book really brought home the horrors of the incident, along with the challenges of the rehabilitation. Also, a lot of the specifics of the actual case and the people behind it. Once I started listening to this book, I had a hard time putting it down.

Loved it!

I was afraid of hearing graphic descriptions of the treatment of Vick's fighting dogs, but was able to get through the short sections (chapter 2 and some short mentions in other chapters). The chapters on the investigation, were enlightening and very interesting, but the majority of the book is about the rescue and rehabilitation of the dogs. The tales are informative, heart-warming, and really highlight that, above all of the hoopla and media attention, the real victims of the actions of Vick and his crew, were these loving, furry souls. The book has changed my view on the American Pit Bull Terrier, and I would happily adopt one when the time is right for my family. A must read for anyone who has an interest in the welfare of dogs.

A Tale of Redemption

This is a troubling investigation into Michael Vick's dog-fighting operation. It will be of interest to dog lovers, sports fans interested in context will be informed, and people looking for an engaging story will not be disappointed. It is true crime "tail" with a twist. The last part of the book details what happened to each and every dog. This is the heart warming part. The stories of the the personal sacrifices that individuals made to rescue and rehabilitate these dogs is remarkable. Well written by Jim Gorant and expertly read by Paul Garcia. This is a jewel of a little book.

Sad, but needed to hear their story...

I almost didn't want to listen to this book even though I knew it was a story of ultimate inspiration with a sort of happy ending. Being an animal lover and dog owner of a rescue, I get that the story needed to be told and I need to hear it, even though it created a great deal of emotion.

That being said, the first part was very sad, and gratefully, the second part was not so sad and gives one hope that sad tales can have a better result. I am filled with outrage about the world of any kind of animal fighting that causes the senseless torture of animals for man to enjoy as "sport." So, I think that is why I listened all the way through this one. As distasteful as this subject matter was for me, I needed to know. Kudos to all the people who cared enough and helped from all over the country to save and rehabilitate these dogs. I know that pit bulls have a bad reputation, but that is humans' fault, not the dog. I think this book does much to help dispel that bad reputation.

I also have to wonder if the treatment some of these dogs received at some of the shelters on their way to being truly cared for and rehabilitated was just another form of abuse/neglect?

This issue also brings up the consequences for those engaged in a caught in dogfighting. Clearly, for Michael Vick, it was just a blip in his football career and for his future. Basically very little jail time for spawning such cruelty... and his life was more or less back to normal. Unfortunately, he is just one among many who engage in this type of activity.

Very good story

This book is perfectly written to untie the reader into the story and helps them imagine what it would be like in a dog fight ring.

Heartbreaking and heartwarming

I wasn't expecting the character development this book has, not only of the people but of the dogs as well. It seems to be a thorough account of all the players involved in this tragic inhumane way of behaving. Heartbreaking and heartwarming account.

heart warming

This was heartwarming, funny, and heartbreaking. Even so, I had to skip over the abuse sections. When I heard just the beginning, they were so horrible I wanted to vomit and even that short part gave me nightmares. I really loved the parts were the dogs were being saved and helped. I loved hearing about the dogs better lives. The narrator was excellent.

Glad I took a chance on this book

I was somewhat leery about this book. I do not like to read about animals hurting. But this was such a significant event.. The writer did an exceptional job is exceptional job providing enough details so that you got an idea of what went on without having to experience the whole thing.

Emotional rollercoaster

The details of this book describing the horrible treatment and cruelty aimed at these poor dogs will break your heart. It was so graphic I could hardly continue on but I’m glad I did. In the end many of these animals were saved and went onto lead happy lives with loving families.

I wish Michael Vick had been made to pay a higher price and longer prison term for his unspeakable cruelty!

A wonderful (and true) story!

I volunteered in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and knew first hand about much of this story.