Melissa Harward
Intern, Digital Media

As an animal lover, I don't like to think about the millions of animals that are euthanized in shelters each year. If I had the resources, I'd adopt all of them--cats, dogs, iguanas--and I'm sure many people feel the same way. However, seeing as I'm not allowed to have a pet in my dorm, I don't think that will happen any time soon. I am, therefore, always proud of the many save-the-animals organizations out there who try, despite the lack of funding and recognition for their efforts. Organizations like Best Friends Animal Society.

Today, however, these organizations have something else to be proud of.

Best Friends Animal Society was awarded a 2009 Asset Forfeiture National Award today by the U.S. Department of Justice for its work with the dogs from the Michael Vick case. In 2007, Best Friends wrote to the U.S. Attorney's Office offering to take 22 of the worst-case Michael Vick pit bulls, many of who were considered "lost causes."

However, these "Vicktory" dogs, four of which were featured on the National Geographic Channel's show DogTown: Saving the Michael Vick Dogs, have slowly been recovering from their previous lives thanks to the dedication and hard work of those at Best Friends. One has been adopted, and another dog is one step closer in foster care.

John Garcia and Michelle Beshmehn, two co-managers and trainers from DogTown, accepted the award on behalf of the Best Friends Animal Society.