One-time Vick fighting dog embraced by St. Paul 3rd-graders

Kyndell Harkness, Star Tribune

Hector, one of the dogs rescued in 2007 from Michael Vick’s dogfighting operation,visited schoolkids at Barack and Michelle Obama Service Learning Elementary School in St. Paul on Tuesday with owner Clara Yori of Rochester.

Star Tribune

Last update: December 22, 2009 - 10:20 PM

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Hector, a battle-worn pit bull that was part of NFL player Michael Vick's dogfighting operation, mingled with third-graders Tuesday at the Barack and Michelle Obama Learning Elementary School in St. Paul.

The 4-year-old was placed with a family in Rochester and is now a registered therapy dog used by a Minnesota Rottweiler and pit bull rescue group to educate the public about the breeds.

"He's the sweetest dog in the world," said Kellie Dillner, of Twin Cities-based A Rotta Love Plus, which helped oversee Hector's lunch-hour visit. "It's hard to imagine him having to act any other way."

The 55-pound dog, still bearing scars on his chest and front legs, appeared at ease and receptive to the hands-on attention -- even hugs -- from the students.

Dillner said visit organizers "set up safety guidelines for kids that might be fearful of dogs in general. We talk to the kids about not shouting, not running around, being very calm."

Vick, a former Atlanta Falcons star quarterback, served 18 months in prison for his role in dogfighting, in which several dogs were killed and dozens more injured. He was reinstated to the NFL and joined the Philadelphia Eagles in September.

Hector is one of 52 dogs rescued from Vick's operation in Virginia, Dillner said.

PAUL WALSH

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