Now let me go on record. I have a 14-year old Bichon Frieze who I would die for. Her name is Scarlet and she is my buddy. We go everywhere together, including when she takes me for long walks.

But as big a dog lover as I am, I am also one who believes that when a person pays the penalty for having committed a crime, that person, such as Michael Vick, should be forgiven so that he can move on with his life.

If new head coach Mike Singletary of the San Francisco 49ers decides to sign Michael when he’s released from prison, it’s a sign that Singletary is just practicing his strong Christian beliefs. He doesn’t just talk the talk; he also walks the walk. Of course it helps that Michael is a fantastic quarterback who can run and pass the ball with great efficiency, but more important will be the effect his hiring will have on the team.

Singletary will be sending them a strong message that he cares about players as human beings first, and then as athletic performers. And this is something that can’t be faked, although some coaches try to do just that. So I say good luck to Michael. And Michael, it wouldn’t hurt also if you were to donate a percentage of your earnings to The Humane Society. Believe it or not, it will actually help your performance on the field.