The Lost Dogs

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

By: Jim Gorant

Narrated by: Richard Powers

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.

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!