Four Feet Tall and Rising
A Memoir
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4.7 • 163 Ratings
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- $5.99
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
Luigi Francis Shorty Rossi, the tough-talking, fedora-wearing star of Animal Planet’s hit show Pit Boss, may stand only four feet tall but that hasn’t stopped him from living large, becoming a successful businessman and an outspoken advocate for pit bulls, the most misunderstood breed of dog in the world.
A third generation dwarf, ex-gang member, and ex-con, Shorty knows what it’s like to be misunderstood and in this candid memoir, he shares his personal story for the first time. No one expected Shorty to live let alone succeed, and yet he has, overcoming every challenge, from an abusive home to the violent streets and gangs of South Central LA, to the notorious cell blocks of Folsom Prison where he was imprisoned for attempted murder.
After 10 years, 10 months, and 10 days behind bars, Shorty gained his freedom and the chance to put his entrepreneurial and negotiation skills to the test. He cut the ribbon on his own business, Shortywood, with three goals: to turn his life around, act as a talent agent for little people and establish and fund charities that advocate for, rescue and place abandoned or abused pit bulls into safe homes. In the process, he became a reality-TV star. Now, with Hercules, his rescued pit bull and newly trained service dog by his side, Shorty continues to save pits from the basements and backyards of breeders and abusers while taking on new and even bigger challenges. And nothing is gonna stand in his way.
Shorty Rossi is four feet tall—and rising.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
As host of Animal Planet's Pit Bull show, Rossi has become a name in the animal rescue community for his fierce advocacy for the interests of the pit bull, which he sees as a misunderstood breed. In this energetic autobiography, Rossi a "third-generation Little Person" tells a fascinating life story, including his early escape from his dysfunctional, antisocial dad; living on the street at age 14 and becoming a legendary white member of the L.A. Crips gang, which led to a 10-year prison sentence; and his postprison career as the head of a talent agency for little people. Through it all, however, runs the thread of Rossi's relationship with pit bulls, from the first pit that helped him through his tough adolescence to the number of pits he currently owns. Starting with one "spark" "to convince kids in the projects that pit bulls weren't dangerous and shouldn't be used for fighting" Rossi starts his own rescue service, which allows him to free dozens of pit bulls and develop an in-your-face approach to people who mistreat the breed. This led to his discovery by Animal Planet and his development as a dynamic television personality. But Rossi makes no apologies for his passion: "Dog rescue often turns normal, good-intentioned people into crazy fanatics."
Customer Reviews
Great book!!!
I love this book!! Shorty is the man!!!!
Love it
I had read the book before and i loved it. I love love love how he is cranky and all. I just read it again and i fell in love again.
Thanks Shorty for sharing your life story
Great Book
This is a must read for anyone who is a fan of Pit Boss. It gives you insight into the world of Shorty Rossi. It tells the story of his life from childhood, his years in prison, to his success with Animal Planet's Pit Boss & all he has done to promote the breed and stop the BSL bans. It's written in Shorty's humorous, tell it as it is, & hold no punches style which makes for an enjoyable and enlightening book.
THANK YOU SHORTY ROSSI, for all that you do for Pit Bulls & people. Your proof that there is still some humanity left in mankind. Imagine the world if we could all be as loving and loyal as our dogs.