Gimme Shelter by Louis Spirito
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This author is a two time A B.R.A.G. MEDALLION HONOREE.
Gimme Shelter by Louis Spirito is an insightful and revealing story of a family who rescues a dog and how they are impacted. Louis comes from an Italian family in which tempers flared and anger flowed freely. It wasn’t until Louis and Eugenie found Tanner and welcomed him into their home did it become clear to Louis that his anger affected everyone.
Gimme Shelter by Louis Spirito is a brilliant story of how one family impacted the life of one rescue pit bull and how he changed their lives. The decision to bring a rescue dog into one’s family is a decision that can have dire consequences if not handled well or thought out completely.
Spirito accomplishes many different things in his book, Gimme Shelter. Not only does he provide much needed information on the care and resources available for a pit bull and rescue dogs but he provides support for each reader. Spirito also addresses the stereotypical beliefs of some breeds:
“But Tanner was a far cry from the schizoid, hair-trigger killers portrayed by the fear-mongering media. He was gentle, loving, intelligent, and eager to please quiet simply the best, sweetest dog I’d ever known.”
Although timid and shy, Tanner was also a handful. It soon became clear that patience and keeping an even keeled temper around Tanner was very important. Unfortunately, Spirito grew up in a volatile Italian family whose father gambled and expressed his anger physically and verbally. Spirito’s temper and anger would slip out and terrify Tanner.
“Watching my jarring roller coaster ride, Eugenie was moved and impressed. Nevertheless, she wondered why a brief, tenuous relationship with a rescue dog, even one as sweet and loveable as Tanner, would inspire me to undertake such a difficult transformation when my human connections, including my twenty-year marriage to the woman I adore, had failed to move me to action.”
Gimme Shelter is an emotional read. Furthermore, it is one that should be read by anyone who is considering rescuing an animal. Don’t be surprised if during the course of your rescue relationship, the tables turn and it is YOU who are rescued!
Spirito is a gifted story teller and word crafter. His ability to describe his experiences vividly and in great detail allows the reader to know him, Tanner and Eugenie. It is a well written book and readers cannot help but connect to this family and Tanner. This is a must read for all pet lovers!
Gimme Shelter receives a 5 star review from WordsAPlenty.
Click here to purchase Gimme Shelter.