From Fighting Dogs to Best Friends Dogs

Meet the 22 Michael Vick Dogs at their New Best Friends Animal Sanctuary Home

(Vocus) January 18, 2008 -- For the first time since the well-publicized dogfighting sentencing of Michael Vick, the media will be free to photograph and cover 22 of the dogs who were seized from the dog-fighting operation in Virginia. These dogs are learning a new way of life: playing, eating, sleeping and receiving belly rubs at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, the nation’s largest no-kill animal rescue facility.

Who:

Coverage of Michael Vick Dogs (www.bestfriends.org) in their New Sanctuary Home

What:         

- Photo opportunities of the dogs in their new environment

- Observe Best Friends’ enrichment program for the dogs

- Interviews with the dogs’ caregivers

- Interview with Best Friends CEO Paul Berry

- Meet the dogs up close and personal

When:        

Monday, January 28, 2008

10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Where:     

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Five miles north of Kanab, Utah

Why:         

A happy ending story about a group of dogs with a new lease on life. This is the first opportunity for the media to photograph and report on the Michael Vick dogs (www.bestfriends.org) up close and personal.

Bonus:        

Meet the stars of the new National Geographic Channel documentary series "Dogtown."

Tour:         

For those interested in more detail on the sanctuary, we can arrange for you to visit the various areas of the sanctuary (cats, birds, bunnies, horses, potbellied pigs, etc.).

Directions:     

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (www.bestfriends.org) is located five miles of Kanab, Utah on Highway 89. Watch for the Best Friends sign on the right and proceed to the Best Friends welcome center.

Air Travel:    

The nearest large airport is McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas (a 3-hour, 15-minute drive to Best Friends). There are also regular flights to St. George, Utah (a one-hour, 15-minute drive from Best Friends.

RSVP:        

John Polis, johnp@bestfriends.org, 435-644-2001 ext. 4858 (office) or 435-689-0265 (cell)

Barbara Williamson, Barbara@bestfriends.org, 435-644-2001 ext. 4408 or 435-689-0202 (cell)

Note:        

Cell phone coverage is spotty in Angel Canyon, where the sanctuary is located. However, wireless internet is easily accessible.

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