Marcus Vick: The Dog Scout

by Stan, Ghosts of Wayne Fontes

(Author's Note: Is this going over the line? ... maybe ... oh well, here goes).

You ever been to a dogfight? Ever seen "Bumfights"? Well, dogfights are a lot like "Bumfights"...on steroids, dawg. You know me, I'm Marcus Vick. And look, first and foremost I want everyone to know my brother is innocent, I think. I mean he's a stand up guy...just look at what he's done for me. I'm the top Dog Scout east of the Mississippi.

I've had my share of ups and downs, but I've landed back on my feet. And if it wasn't for my brother giving me a second, third, fourth and a fifth chance...I might be in jail or working at a Wendy's. Either way, I got a career now...and you're 'bout to be a guest in my world.

Personally, I feel like dog fighting should be a respected sport like horse racing. We’re doing what we can for the sport right now…just trying to get it into the mainstream. People would understand it better if they could see it, for real though. Being a professional dog scout, you always got be on your toes. Right now, I’m looking for the next Barbarro of dog fighting.

I do a majority of the leg work for the team, while Michael does the promotion. I help scout the dogs, get them on a proper diet and with the right trainers. Shit, my dog is gonna be able to bust through bricks by the time they enter the arena.

The first thing you gotta know about when you gettin’ your dog ready for the big show is diet. Just like a human athlete…dogs gotta eat healthy and hearty. ‘Round these parts we like to use “Nature’s Best” by Science Diet with our dogs. It’s like organic and shit, 100% natural and real food. Training a dog to fight is a science…and so should be their food.

This one time Michael and I were all blazed out and he dared me try some dog food. And you know what? It don’t taste half that bad. It’s gotta be good for you with all those natural flavors. And that “Alpo” stuff with the gravy…you didn’t hear it from me, but that shit is like Thanks-mutha-f%$^&ing-giving dawg.

When scouting a dog, it’s all about the incisors and the aggressiveness. You can usually get a read on a dominant dog in the first 2-3 minutes of interaction with other dogs. You don’t want no passive dog, they’ll just lead to heartbreak in the squared circle. You always gotta have ears to the ground for tips. This is a cut throat business. You may hear about a dog one day and before you know it; your rival dog team already has the paperwork. It ain’t show friends, it’s show business.

This week we got a warm lead on this Pitbull named Gyspy over in Memphis, TN. And you know what they say about Memphis right? Making easy money pimping ho’s in style…ha ha! Anyhow, Gypsy has the all intangibles. She is straight up gangsta. She is quick and muscular with a mean streak. We tested out her kung fu death grip…and man when she locks the jaw, you're gonna need a crowbar to separate it. This is all good; good things to report back on to the family.

Dog fighting is a lot boxing. It’s a promotional business and you've always got to be looking for the talent. Gypsy is gonna make the Vick family proud. She has the ability to be the next big thing on the circuit. And I should know…I’ve got a trained scouts eye. Honestly, this job is the best thing that’s ever happened to Marcus Vick. People thought I was done, that I’d never make it back. Yet, look at me now! I can’t wait to send Michael these pictures from my cell phone. And remember...my brother is INNOCENT.