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PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Convicted dogfighting-ring operator Michael Vick hopes to own a dog again someday.

The Eagles quarterback tells TheGrio.com in a video interview that he genuinely cares for animals and one day hopes to have a dog as a household pet. Vick says it would a "big step" in his rehabilitation process.

Vick served 18 months in prison after being convicted in 2007. The federal judge overseeing the case also prohibited him from ever owning another dog.

He has become an advocate for the Humane Society of the United States and makes school appearances to talk to students about his past.

Vick told the site he wouldn't take dog ownership lightly if he ever gets the opportunity.