On Sunday, March 6, we'll be welcoming a panel of rehabbers, rescuers and owners of former fighting pit bulls, including two of the dogs rescued from Michael Vick's Bad Newz Kennels.

While some consider Michael Vick a hero, pit bull lovers know better. They also know who the heroes really are: The dogs who overcame horrific beginnings to become loving companions and even therapy dogs.

On our panel will be Andrew "Roo" Yori, who shares his life with ex-Vick dog Hector.

Known as "Hector the Inspector" by his friends, his list of titles is impressive by any standards. He passed the Canine Good Citizen test twice, was certified as a therapy dog through Therapy Dogs International, and passed the American Temperament Testing Society test. Hector's life motto? "Making up for lost time." Learn more about Hector at his website.

When Marthina McClay of Our Pack watched the initial raid on the Bad Newz compound, she was drawn to one dog who stopped and hammed for the cameras. She tried not to think about him, though, knowing that fight bust dogs never survived their "rescue."

But times were about to change. When the dogs were allowed a chance at life Marthina and Our Pack took on a hyper dog named Bouncer.

A name change, a home and a lot of love later, Leo emerged. Proud and dedicated, Leo works as a therapy dog. He visits cancer patients weekly at a local facility and puts on his inner clown. He, like Hector, has passed his Canine Good Citizen test as well as the Therapy Dogs International test. He has won an achievement award for his work from the Animal Farm Foundation. He also prefers his bed blankets messy instead of folded and neat. A perfect day is playing with his de-squeaked rubber bone and snuggling with in the bed.

I have shared the story of my girl, Cleo, before. Confiscated during a dog fight right in November 2007 in Milwaukee, she came to live with us in December 2007, just as the Vicktory crew was gaining their freedom. The histories were the same, but the outcome was different. In Milwaukee there were no arrests, press coverage or outrage. The owner surrendered custody and went on his way.

Often times my most challenging dog, Cleo is an ambassador for the breed, as well as for the ability to love despite her past. She partners with Chicagoland Bully Breed Rescue sanctuary dog Vinnie, also a victim, to be a witness against the horrors of dog fighting. Her scars were not on the outside, but inside. She has overcome a lot in her short life and works tirelessly to show that each dog, no matter their history, has a chance at a life. Chicagoland Bully Breed Rescue has a long history of working with dogs from dog fighting homes. If we can get the shelters to release them to us, we gave them a shot.

Our work with training, testing and socialization of our beloved dogs was fueled by the "something special" we saw in each and every one of these dogs and we saw. We hope you can join Roo, Marthina and me on Sunday March 6 at 8 pm Eastern Time/5 PM Pacific Time in the Auditorium to learn more about what it takes to rehabilitate and live with these incredible dogs.

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