Buying Vick's house for animal rehab is this woman's mission

By Danielle N. Coley

Correspondent

A dog is woman's best friend

Virginia Beach resident Monica Severy found out early on that her purpose is to give a voice to abused animals.

Through the help of Dogs Deserve Better, a nonprofit organization designed to rehabilitate abused animals, Severy has vowed to raise $600,000 to buy Bad Newz Kennels, the Surry County house and former base of the dog fighting ring of convicted felon and NFL star Michael Vick.

Severy is a franchise owner of Charley's Grilled Subs, including the restaurants at Lynnhaven Mall in Virginia Beach and MacArthur Center mall in Norfolk, where she has set up donation boxes for Dogs Deserve Better.

She organized several fundraisers for the cause, including an online eBay auction, a wine-and-cheese tasting and a private CPR refresher course.

"We've raised $100,000 alone in online revenue," Severy said. "I myself have also committed $60,000. We're certainly hoping for positive results."

Dogs Deserve Better has to act quickly. It must raise the purchase price of the Surry house by March 20 because a closing date has been set for March 31.

"We're seeking all of our options, including reaching out to celebrities," Severy said. "We've already gotten some positive feedback, and we've even been invited to the 'Dr. Phil' show."

Severy, a Maryland native who lives in the Virginia Beach courthouse area, joined the organization two years ago, when she said she had an urge to make a difference.

Helping abused animals seemed to fit her needs perfectly because she has loved furry friends since her childhood.

"I grew up with a German shepherd that I saw chained up constantly. I always wanted to do something about it and I couldn't. That's why Dogs Deserve Better is so near and dear to my heart."

Severy didn't see herself going in this direction. She started as an accountant, a profession she committed herself to for 20 years.

But after moving to South Carolina vabout 10 years ago, she was presented with a different venture - owning her own restaurant franchise. She's now the owner of three Charley's franchises in Virginia and two in South Carolina.

She says she has brought her employees to the cause.

"All of the employees wear buttons that read, 'I'm turning bad newz good.' We also have a Dog's Deserve Better donation box for anyone that eats here."

Severy has several hopes for the Surry County property.

"We want to restore the home so that it fits the needs of the animals, but we also want to keep the old kennels as a memoriam to the dogs that we're lost so that no one forgets."

Forgetting is certainly not an option for Severy, who has dedicated so much time and effort to the cause that she can't wait to see the outcome.

"All I want to do is give a voice to those who can't speak for themselves."

Danielle N. Coley, daniellecoley88@gmail.com