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bookworm_rn's review against another edition
5.0
Shows how pit bulls can be rehabilitated even after living through such horrible circumstances. Love them!
cynic_rising's review against another edition
4.0
Good book! Get some tissue handy because it's a rough read in parts, especially for dog lovers.
crowsandprose's review against another edition
3.0
The writing is somewhat simple, but moving -- the message matters more then the medium, in this case. I raged, I cried, I was left with some hope. I'm proud that Best Friends sanctuary is but a drive away for me.
If you're a Mike Vick fan-- and I don't know how any rational human can be a fan of a violent criminal-- you should read this, and maybe re-evaluate your priorities.
If you're a Mike Vick fan-- and I don't know how any rational human can be a fan of a violent criminal-- you should read this, and maybe re-evaluate your priorities.
meggie82461's review against another edition
5.0
Parts of this book are really hard to read, especially when you know the details you’re reading actually are truly what happened. However, it’s necessary to not only read what these dogs went through, but to actually try to put yourself in their shoes. Because I’ll tell you what- if humans had continuously treated me the way these dogs were treated for a long period of time, I would hate people with a fucking passion.
In other words, I would probably need to be put down.
These dogs, though? They’re special. Their awful experience made them who they are, which, in some cases, means a therapy animal that gives comfort to others.
As a former owner of two pit bulls (only one now, sadly), their resilience didn’t really surprise me. All dogs just want to be loved, but my rescue pittieswere always so low maintenance. Give them food and a place to cuddle, and they were happy, because a home isn’t a given for them. It’s almost like this here- they know how bad it can be out in the world, so they are going to be on their best behavior to keep the better life they have now. They forgave and moved on, and it’s a beautiful and sad story all rolled into one.
In other words, I would probably need to be put down.
These dogs, though? They’re special. Their awful experience made them who they are, which, in some cases, means a therapy animal that gives comfort to others.
As a former owner of two pit bulls (only one now, sadly), their resilience didn’t really surprise me. All dogs just want to be loved, but my rescue pittieswere always so low maintenance. Give them food and a place to cuddle, and they were happy, because a home isn’t a given for them. It’s almost like this here- they know how bad it can be out in the world, so they are going to be on their best behavior to keep the better life they have now. They forgave and moved on, and it’s a beautiful and sad story all rolled into one.
jena_33's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.5
birdloveranne's review against another edition
3.0
I read it but I skipped all the scenes in the first part of the book that described the dog abuse.
duparker's review against another edition
3.0
Consider it a 3.5 star book. I enjoyed reading this as much as I could. It is a sad tale, but also an intricate and detailed heist in a lot of ways. I was surprised at how much work went into the training and construction and layout of the dog fighting operations.
I was bit taken aback by the position that Vick has served his time and should be allowed to move on. This is not a position I would have thought to take, but it really makes sense from the standpoint of double jeopardy and the standpoint of making the impact to the dogs being more important than the impact to Vick.
The impacts on the dogs are hard to digest at times and awkward at other times. As a fan of pitts it makes you want to run out and figure out how to take care of a dog in a more loving and accessible manner.
I was bit taken aback by the position that Vick has served his time and should be allowed to move on. This is not a position I would have thought to take, but it really makes sense from the standpoint of double jeopardy and the standpoint of making the impact to the dogs being more important than the impact to Vick.
The impacts on the dogs are hard to digest at times and awkward at other times. As a fan of pitts it makes you want to run out and figure out how to take care of a dog in a more loving and accessible manner.
librarica11's review against another edition
5.0
If you can make it through the first twenty pages, this may be one of the most rewarding animal stories you ever read. It is very, very well written.
ameserole's review against another edition
4.0
Now I sort of knew about this whole situation but at the time, I didn't really dive into the investigation to know more about it. Mostly because when this came to light, I think I was in High School.. and just worried about boys, soccer, and friends. Oh and books - can't forget about them!
That being said, I was really intrigued to dive into this book. I'll even admit that I cried my eyes out. So this book dove into the actual fighting and then into their foster lives. It was quite a shock to see both sides and definitely took my an emotional roller coaster ride. Hence, the tears.
Being a dog lover, I never got into the idea that dogs are born aggressive. It just isn't true and rubs me the wrong way every time someone says it to my face. I believe that a dog is only aggressive due to the owner. So if the owner is aggressive then I would assume that the dog would follow. Now that doesn't mean it's one hundred percent accurate but I have two Doberman Pinschers and, of course, everyone thinks they will be attacked by them.
Since I'm an asshole I always say 'Sorry, not today.' just to get them out of our way. My dogs, basically huge puppies, are just so lovable. They loving playing and people petting them but if they say a comment like that - well, I just walk away and don't let them pet my damn dogs. Sorry that you missed out on some awesome dobey kisses.
Now going through the emotional train, I enjoyed each and every story that was in this book. It nearly broke my heart that some dogs missed being saved weeks before it actually happened. If only they had waited to do this dirty deed.. or if the cops and such showed up earlier. So many dogs could still be around and learning what true love is.
Ugh, my heart is already starting to break right now. Overall, this book was so good and I'm so happy that I got to dive into it.
That being said, I was really intrigued to dive into this book. I'll even admit that I cried my eyes out. So this book dove into the actual fighting and then into their foster lives. It was quite a shock to see both sides and definitely took my an emotional roller coaster ride. Hence, the tears.
Being a dog lover, I never got into the idea that dogs are born aggressive. It just isn't true and rubs me the wrong way every time someone says it to my face. I believe that a dog is only aggressive due to the owner. So if the owner is aggressive then I would assume that the dog would follow. Now that doesn't mean it's one hundred percent accurate but I have two Doberman Pinschers and, of course, everyone thinks they will be attacked by them.
Since I'm an asshole I always say 'Sorry, not today.' just to get them out of our way. My dogs, basically huge puppies, are just so lovable. They loving playing and people petting them but if they say a comment like that - well, I just walk away and don't let them pet my damn dogs. Sorry that you missed out on some awesome dobey kisses.
Now going through the emotional train, I enjoyed each and every story that was in this book. It nearly broke my heart that some dogs missed being saved weeks before it actually happened. If only they had waited to do this dirty deed.. or if the cops and such showed up earlier. So many dogs could still be around and learning what true love is.
Ugh, my heart is already starting to break right now. Overall, this book was so good and I'm so happy that I got to dive into it.
emilyhawkinspdx's review against another edition
3.0
It was very informative but also extremely hard to read. What those dogs endured is just awful. I wish that anyone who thinks Michael Vick "served his time and should be left alone" would read this. I also wish people who endorse BSL or think pits are scary would read this. What those animals went through, only to come out the other side willing to love and trust is just a testament to what wonderful creatures dogs are!