Stray from the Heart's 2008 Calendar

Get yours today!

Go to http://www.strayfromtheheart.org/ for all the pictures and to get your copy of the 2008 Stray from the Heart calendar -- Tails of Hope and Joy. Our little gondolier (left) is Mr. July!

Vick Gets 23 Months for Dog Fighting

Go to CNN for full coverage: http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/law/12/10/vick.sentenced/index.html

RICHMOND, Virginia (CNN) -- Michael Vick, once one of the highest paid players in the National Football League, was sentenced to 23 months in prison for financing a dogfighting ring and helping to kill pit bulls that did not fight aggressively.

Michael Vick began serving his sentence before he knew what it would be.

Vick's stunning downfall from NFL superstar to disgraced dogfighting defendant culminated Monday in a 90-minute sentencing hearing in federal court in Richmond, Virginia.
Vick was dressed in a black-and-white striped prison suit and apologized to his family and to the judge.

"You need to apologize also to the millions of young people who look up to you," U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson retorted.

"I am willing to deal with the consequences and accept responsibility for my actions," Vick continued, as about a dozen of his friends and family members looked on.

But Judge Hudson appeared to be unmoved. "I'm convinced it was not a momentary lack of judgment on your part. You were a full partner," he told Vick.

The judge added that he wasn't sure Vick had fully accepted reponsiblity for his actions. Supporters, including former baseball great Hank Aaron, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and the pastor of Vick's church sent letters while others called the judge's chambers.

Vick, 27, had faced a maximum of five years in prison. Federal sentencing guidelines recommended a sentence of 12 to 18 months.

Animal rights protesters lined up outside the courthouse. Some carried signs with photographs of dogs, while others read "Dogs deserve justice," and "Report dog fighters."
U.S. Attorney Chuck Rosenberg said after the hearing that the investigation "exposed a seamy side of our society." He added, "I hope Mr. Vick learned important lessons and that his admission of guilt will speed his rehabilitation."

Stray from the Heart Home for the Holidays Party

I just wanted to send out a big thank you to everyone who attended the third annual home for the holidays party last night at Guest House in Chelsea. The crowd was amazing! The food was awesome, and the raffle was the best ever!

Have a great Xmas!
Love, Carol, Georgia, Dylan, Rosa and Micah