Michael Vick’s former home in Virginia is not a popular item; it’s like trying to get rid of a haunted house. The place has been on the market off and on since 2007, and last I’ve seen it was listed at $1.1 million, with no serious bids of more than $750,000. But now an animal rescue group wants to buy the place and turn it into a rehab center for abused dogs.
The non-profit Dogs Deserve Better launched a campaign on Facebook to raise $600,000 to buy the property and turn it into an animal rehab center.
Esther Williams, who runs the volunteer-based Rainbow Animal Rescue in Norfolk, VA, supports the plan.
“This, I’m assuming, would be a well-organized rehab center where they’re going to have behaviorists and trainers that can re-socialize the dogs with the problems,” Williams said.
Williams said the rural setting, wide open spaces and centralized location is a huge plus.
“The animal controls have to take anything that comes in. They can only take so many,” Williams said. “Once they run out of space then they have to start euthanizing and there are some really, really good dogs that are being put down.”
Hmm. The last time something like this happened in Virginia was when the U.S. government turned Robert E. Lee’s mansion and property into Arlington National Cemetery during the Civil War.
From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Organization founder Tamira Thayne said Tuesday that about $55,000 has been raised. She said it was important to buy Vick’s home rather than a less expensive piece of property for a rehabilitation center because of its symbolism.
“When something of this nature happens it’s kind of a collective hurt on the entire nation — especially the dog lovers of the nation,” she said. “It’s almost like you’re powerless against this evil that’s come along. When you step back and take over this property … you’re empowering yourself.”
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- nelsonbentz - Feb 10, 2011 at 5:32 AM
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How do you find good refinance rates? I like 123 mortgage refinance. They gave me the option of selecting various rates with different problems. I choose the lowest rate of 3.29% BTW Remember to call and verify the loan rate. Search online to find them.
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- pennycyn - Feb 10, 2011 at 7:31 PM
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i think this is ridiculous! I love animals but what a great way to get people to give you 1/2 mill. For that amount of money you could buy a fabulous farm property, without the million dollar home, to create a rehab facility…AND pay salaries for a year or more! I feel like they are trying to use the Vick name to milk people for money and buy a property far beyond what they need to do this work.
