Meet Cherry, Who Survived Use as a Michael Vick Fighting Dog

[Last night the JP-based MSPCA of Libby Sherrill's documentary about pit bulls, "Beyond the Myth." One of the dogs forced to fight in Michael Vick's dog pits, Cherry, also attended. Here's a Q&A about Cherry. We've also published a Q&A with the director.]

In the past: When Cherry was rescued from NFL quarterback Michael Vick’s Bad Newz Kennels, he was in bad shape. Cherry and 21 other dogs were taken to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, a no-kill shelter, where they were rehabilitated. Those at Best Friends believe that Cherry was a “bait dog” in Vick’s dogfighting ring – meaning he was used to determine the fighting spirit of other dogs, often thrown into one-sided bouts with his defenses taken away. 

Adopted: Two years ago.

Best buddies: Cherry is never seen without his owners Paul and Melissa and his buddy Madison, a female dog Paul rescued several years before adopting Cherry as well.

“Madison is actually the reason we were approved to adopt Cherry,” Paul says. “Because she took to him so well. We thought Cherry would have a good home with us and her, but we kind of miscalculated – it was well beyond our imagination how great Madison took to him. She’s kind of the unsung hero of the whole group. When Cherry gets uncertain of something, he’ll look over at Madison and if she’s good to go, then he is all right. He takes a lot of cues from her.”

At home, Cherry’s favorite friend is Walker, a rescue cat. The two often wrestle, groom each other and play and they love to cuddle on the couch or bed.

Cherry also still has playdates with Handsome Dan, another dog rescued from Vick’s compound.

Activities: Besides cuddling with Walker and spending time with his family, Cherry loves going to day care where he can play with other dogs. He is also learning to swim.

Favorite food: Cherry has to stick to a special diet because of allergies, but he loves dehydrated liver treats.