Michael Vick Taking Dog Training Class at PetSmart
NFL quarterback Michael Vick, infamous for his role in an illegal dog-fighting ring, is reportedly taking dog training class at a popular pet store.
The Philadelphia Eagles' player was seen at a New Jersey PetSmart store signing up for a dog training course, Philadelphia website Crossing Broad reported.
"Vick, his family and a bodyguard have been attending dog training classes for Angel, the Vick family's young Belgian Malinois," the website said, adding that Vick signed up for a total of six training sessions.
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Vick was released from prison in 2009 after pleading guilty to involvement in an interstate dog-fighting ring. Vick served 21 months in prison and in October 2012 admitted owning a dog, which was allowed after his probation terms expired last summer, according to USA Today.
When news of Vick owning a dog broke, he released a statement that detailed his desire to teach his children to develop a health relationship with animals.
"As a father, it is important to make sure my children develop a healthy relationship with animals. I want to ensure that my children establish a loving bond and treat all of God's creatures with kindness and respect," Vick said in a statement released at the time.
"Our pet is well-cared for and loved as a member of our family. This is an opportunity to break the cycle. To that end, I will honor my commitment to animal welfare and be an instrument of positive change," he added.
Vick also wrote his autobiography, "Finally Free," while in prison in Leavenworth, Kansas, which was released in September 2012.
In the book, Vick explained that he realizes the mistakes he made in life were very serious, but the experience has helped him "reclaim the narrative to his life."
"People are always going to have their opinions and feel the way that they do," Vick wrote. "You can't change it. The reason I'm writing this book is so people can have an understanding and not just go off of what they see on TV or what they heard, the picture that's been created."
