One Life Saved Two

UPDATE: On Tuesday, with his terminally ill dog's suffering too much for him to bear, Scott Seymore had his heroic dog Brittney euthanized by his veterinarian in Grand Rapids, Mich. Keep reading to find out what made Brittney such a hero.

Scott Seymore has his bulldog, Brittney, to thank for his life. Brittney has Seymore to thank for extending hers.

Two weeks ago, Seymore, who lives in Grand Rapids, Mich., learned that his 9-year-old American bulldog has several cancerous tumors. Seymore's veterinarian didn't think Brittney would survive surgery and Seyore thought chemotherapy would be too hard on her.

Seymore chose medication to ease Brittney's pain instead of putting her down. The vet expected Brittney to die within a few weeks.

Early Saturday, a barking Brittney woke Seymore in time for both of them to escape from Seymour's burning house. Firefighters told The Grand Rapids Press the house might be a total loss.

Just like "It's a Wonderful Life," it's amazing to see how one life - or, in this case, one humane decision - can affect so many other lives.

Godspeed, Brittney. May your owner truly appreciate what you gave him.

The First Words Michael Vick Should Say

Michael Vick, the former NFL star quarterback and the convicted dog killer, left a federal prison in Leavenworth, Kan., early today. The first chance he has to say something into a microphone or to a reporter, his words should go something like this:

"I am sorry. I'm sorry I killed dogs. I'm sorry I had people kill dogs. I'm sorry I abused dogs or had them abused. I'm sorry I paid for dogs to be used in fighting rings. I'm sorry I encouraged dogfighting and attended dogfights.

"All of it was wrong, and I am profoundly sorry for the pain and suffering I and my associates inflicted on all of those dogs."

That would be a start.

Vick left prison this morning to begin the home confinement portion of his 23-month federal sentence for financing a dogfighting ring and participating in the executions of pit bulls who performed poorly in the ring.

Already there is word from the Humane Society of the United States that Vick wants to work with the animal-rights group to speak out against dogfighting among urban teens. Society president Wayne Pacelle told The Associated Press that he met with Vick at the prison after Vick's legal team approached him.

That's another good sign.

After all of those "I'm sorry's" are said and work is done by Vick to speak out against dogfighting, then maybe it will be time to think once again about football. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said as much Tuesday: "Michael's going to have to demonstrate to myself and the general public and to a lot of people, did he learn anything from this experience? Does he regret what happened? Does he feel that he can be a positive influence going forward?"

Goodell will have the only vote that matters on Vick's reinstatement to the NFL. And that won't happen before Vick's time in federal custody ends July 20.

PAWS for People's Boo Radley Dies

Boo Radley, the golden retriever with soft, red fur and a gentle way with people, died Thursday at the PAWS for People office, surrounded by the people who loved him. He was the original PAWS for People and PAWS for Reading dog.

The 11-year-old dog, owned by Lynne Robinson, executive director of PAWS for People in Hockessin, was diagnosed last fall with coetaneous lymphoma.

Boo retired April 26 after six years of service and 3,000 visits to nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and to libraries, where children polished their reading skills by reading to him, often as they petted his soft fur.

"Boo was a gentle, faithful and loving companion with an unmatched intuition that made him a remarkable therapy dog," The PAWS staff said. "He will be missed by everyone he has touched."

Boo and Lynne started pet therapy visits in 2003, two years before Lynne founded PAWS.

If you would like to pay tribute to Boo, PAWS for People has set up a fund to memorialize him and to continue the therapy work he was famous for. Send checks to: PAWS for People, Box 1353, Hockessin, DE 19707.

If you would like to send a personal condolence to Lynn, send it to PAWS for People, 14 S. Parkway, Elkton, MD 21921.

Name Your Best Dog Parks in Delaware

We're compiling a list of the best dog parks in Delaware - sorry, nearby Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey, we'll catch you next time - and I would love to hear what you think.

Besides the park closest to your house, where do you love to go with your dogs? Is there a bark park you favor? A park that is a little less crowded? A place where your dog can dip a paw into the water? A park that you enjoy as much as your dog?

Please include the park, why you an dog enjoy it, and your name and daytime phone number, and e-mail your information to pets@delawareonline.com. I'll include your best suggestions in the list.