Dogs Deserve Better Set to Close on Michael Vick Property

I love happy endings, and it just doesn't get any better than this! Dogs Deserve Better (DDB), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping chained and penned dogs, is set to close on the property formerly owned by Michael Vick.

That's right - Bad Newz Kennels will become Good Newz Rehab Center for Chained and Penned Dogs.

"Purchasing this property and in effect giving it back to the victims of the abuse that occurred here is a very powerful step for animal advocates and our country's dogs alike," states Tamira Thayne, DDB founder and CEO. " We are sending a message to those who want to abuse and fight dogs that a new day is dawning in America, a day where dogs are treated with the love and respect they deserve as companions to humans."

Dogs Deserve Better, which has rescued and fostered over 3,000 dogs in the 10 years they've been in operation, hopes to build a facility on the property, which will house and rehabilitate 300-500 dogs per year when it is up and running.

The group has raised the 30% down payment required by the bank and will close on the loan this Friday, May 27. They still need to raise funds to pay the remainder, build a fence around the property to keep the dogs inside and safe, and install temporary housing for dogs.

They are also seeking volunteers to help with these projects, as well as to assist with the move from their current headquarters in Pennsylvania to Virginia.

"I ask every dog lover to donate what they can and spread the word. Ask your family, friends, celebrities, company owners, [and] everyone you can possibly think of, " said Thayne.

For more information on the center, please visit http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/ddbcenter.html.