Philadelphia Eagles launch TAWK

With all the hubbub surrounding the hiring of Michael Vick, the Philadelphia Eagles are trying to do some good for animals.

On October 12, the football organization launched their new initiative - TAWK - Treating Animals With Kindness. From the Eagles website - "TAWK is is a new comprehensive community outreach initiative to reduce the abuse of animals, promote responsible adoption, encourage spay and neuter and put an end to dog fighting through increased public education and awareness." Through the TAWK program, the Eagles will also offer the TAWK series - bringing animal educators to Philadelphia schools, PSAs, a dedicated TAWK website, and other promotions. Through the TAWK program, the Eagles are also making donations to the HSUS End Dog Fighting program, a low-cost spay and neuter facility - PAWS - Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society, and to help Berks County Humane Society with a mobile veterinary clinic.

I was really glad to hear about the Eagles doing something like this to help combat the bad publicity that Michael Vick joining their team has brought. The program really sounds like a good thing, and I sure hope that they get Vick involved (require?!). What are your thoughts about the Eagles organization announcing their TAWK program? Does it help make up for the fact that they hired Vick, in spite of his criminal past? I'm not sure it does for me, but I'm glad to see them getting out there and doing these good things for animals! (photo from the Eagles' website. Omar Gaither is pictured.)

--Tammy

Comments

[Chris]

I have a hard time being critical of anyone doing something good for animals. So I'm happy to see another program that is presumably beneficial to animals and their people.

I always look at people's motivation however, and here the motivation is obvious. The Eagles are simply trying to make up for the sordid past of one of their players in an attempt to assuage criticism for hiring this player.

I still think the NFL should have told Vick that he isn't welcome in their league. The NFLs record of who they do and don't let into their little club as of late is simply mind boggling.

None the less I hope TAWK is benefical to a bunch of animals and owners.

[Laurel]

Well, I agree with Chris about wanting to support animal outreach programs, but, come on! The motive here is so transparent. I have to wonder how seriously they will take this program and how soon it will simply fade from the public eye. My hunch is that it won't even exist a year or two from now once the hub-bub about Vick dies down.

[turtlecookie]

All of you have pretty much stated how I feel. I hope this program is a sincere effort. If it is, it will still be in place years from now and not peter out in one or two seasons. I guess only time will tell. At least it's a positive step.

Turtlecookie