Turn cold shoulder to the Eagles, Vick

Eleanor Papaleo, Las Vegas

Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009 | 2:01 a.m.

What are dogs to us?

Since the beginning of time they have helped us. They warned the caveman when predators were coming. They huddled with them to provide warmth. And now they provide search and rescue tasks for people in avalanches, collapsed buildings and other kinds of peril.

Dogs allow the blind to function normally; the deaf to know someone is calling; the lonely to feel comforted; and paraplegics to have a decent life.

And what do they ask in return? Love and care.

One dog’s life is worth so much more than Michael Vick’s could ever be. He should not be rewarded simply on the strength of his saying he is sorry and that he has changed. Before he could begin to be forgiven he needs to do more than talk. As the saying goes, talk is cheap. He clearly established himself as a cruel, insensitive and vicious subhuman.

It has been said the Eagles owner and the team’s management showed courage in hiring him but, in fact, if they truly believe he is an avenue to the Super Bowl, they would have been more courageous in not hiring him until he did more than talk of how changed he is.

It’s about time someone puts humanity before money and glory. The Eagles organization should be ashamed to afford Vick an opportunity to hear the cheers of one single fan.

I challenge every man, woman and child who has shared the love and companionship of an animal to get out and collect money to donate to PETA so it can run ads calling on the NFL to rescind its contingent reinstatement of Vick. Animals should never be abused and certainly not for profit. Do not watch or support the Eagles. You would be supporting animal abuse.