Leo, Former Michael Vick Dog Dies (Video)

Leo, one of the dogs brutalized in Michael Vick’s Bad Newz kennel, died last week of a seizure disorder. Gaining fame as a therapy dog, Leo was a shining example of how animals can heal if given the chance.

In 2007 Leo became one of fifty Pit bulls rescued from the dog fighting kennel owned by Vick. He went to live with Marthina McClay, founder of Our Pack Pit Bull Rescue and under her guidance earned his mark as a superstar therapy dog. Together the duo worked in hospitals to bring comfort to cancer patients.

Ms. McClay posted this tribute to Leo’s life:

“It is with great sadness I must announce the loss of a wonderful soul. This week Leo passed away from a severe seizure disorder. Leo was my working partner, friend and family loved one and I will never forget how wonderful he was. He was so many things to many people and to many dogs.

“Leo came to Our Pack from the Vick case and I was lucky enough to later adopt him. Even though he didn’t have a good start in life he made life for others around him better. Just after arriving to us, Leo quickly turned inhumanity into humanity. He gave love that wasn’t even given to him.

“He worked with cancer patients as a therapy dog. He showed kids that no matter what you can still show love and compassion toward others regardless of how life has treated you. He showed the world that one should not be judged based on what property he lives on but on who you are and what you do as an individual. Many dogs are alive today and many people have smiled because of Leo and his work. He gave a second chance to other dogs that may never have gotten one because of who he was and what he did.

“Please join me in remembering the good that Leo has done and pass it on. We’ve suffered a great loss but we’ve also received a wonderful gift in the time we were lucky enough to share with him. Leo accomplished so much in so little time. Thank you Leo, I love you so much and you will never be forgotten….Ever.”

Rest in peace, Leo.

Leo and friends.

Click here to learn more about Our Pack Pit Bull Rescue.

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Photo: Our Pack Pit Bull Rescue.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Ann S.

3:43PM PST on Jan 12, 2012

And just to curtail any rebuttals, no, I do not believe that "dumb" is being used in this case to represent deaf and mute, because that would be an incredibly un-pc usage of terminology and insulting the the deaf/mute community.

send a green star

3:41PM PST on Jan 12, 2012

I'm really bothered by this petition put on the site by the "Dumb Friends League" and Care2 should remove it. It's either an incredibly stupid name for an organization or some jerks trying to make fun of animals rights activists. I've read the "full petition" and it's clearly put up as either a hoax or by person(s) lacking decent knowledge of the English language.

3:38PM PST on Jan 12, 2012

Thanks for your awesome work Marthina McClay!

Tanya K.

4:30PM PST on Jan 9, 2012

everything happens for a reason and unfortunately it had to be drastic this time, but these dogs proved pit bulls once fighters are most definitely not always fighters, in fact they never were in the first place. without the media attention this story received, pit bulls trained to fight would still be under the stereo type they're not adoptable or permanently vicious. these dogs proved the world wrong and their story will save their amazing loving intelligent breed. Rest in peace and thank you for your kind heart Leo you will not be forgotten!

Julia T.

11:25AM PST on Jan 8, 2012

I personally do not want to wait for Vick to die, for him to go to hell since we don't even know if that exists or not.. He is making millions and now claims that he wants to get a dog after he is finished with his parole time.. Meanwhile of course this baby suffered seizures from being forced to fight.. I'm tired of all the animal cruelty and also those who ignore it...

Past Member .

9:30PM PST on Jan 7, 2012

I'm going to make an educated/human guess and say that Vick, this so called "changed man", didn't even give two shits to try and reach out to Leo's owner or say anything to show the sorrow of this innocent beings loss and the fact that because of what he was put through by him is probably why he had this seizure disorder to begin with. A man that is truly changed would have reached out. I'm sorry for Leo's loss, but I'm glad this boy got such a great second chance at life that he so deserved. Vick will have to pay for the damage he first handedly caused to these wonderful dogs lives one day.

Bev B.

12:54PM PST on Jan 7, 2012

I too am very happy that Beautiful Leo got the chance to know true Love. After the horrifying life with vicks. 18 months just isn't enough for that type of behavior. I don't know how you can hurt something that love you unconditionally like most animals do. He should have to turn in at least 1/2 his salary for the next 20 years to dog shelters. Our children look at him like some sort of hero but I make sure I tell my son what a SOB he truly is.
Im glad you too got to share in Leo's life. Looks like a match made in heaven. Im sorry for you losing your best friend.

Queer V.

9:06PM PST on Jan 6, 2012

Our pets are a gift from the Universe.

I am so sorry for your loss, Ms. McClay.

darla h.

9:01PM PST on Jan 6, 2012

Michael Vick should never have been allowed to play ball again as his animal abuse speak's volume's for who he truely is as a human being... Human Being?? Oh that is not him!! He is a poor example to our youth and sport's figure's who are really great... I only hope he get's it all back "Karma" Poor Leo but so glad he had a loving home and did people healing while he was here... Pit Bull's are beautiful no matter.. The owner's are the problem!!! Thank you for loving this angel... God Bless!!

Veronica G.

9:00AM PST on Jan 6, 2012

Crying like a child and so blood thirsty Michael Vicky type. Thanks for sharing.
Leo you'll be remember as a Champion: at the same time a survivor and a hero.
Requiescat In Pacem

DEAR KARMA:
I HAVE A LONG LIST OF PEOPLE THAT YOU SEEM MISSED