Loyalty Unleashed: Pit Bulls and the People Who Love Them

Loyalty Unleashed: Pit Bulls and the People Who Love Them

By   Publisher  CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

ISBN  1496133501

ANSI  1496133501

Published in   Pets, Short Stories,
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Synopsis

A beautiful collection of stories and photographs that create an optimistic and uplifting celebration of pit bulls, perhaps the world’s most misunderstood and negatively portrayed dogs. For the last 20-30 years pit bulls have been unfairly stigmatized as dangerous, aggressive dogs when in reality, they are characteristically gentle by nature and commonly make ideal family pets. When raised by loving and responsible owners, they are capable of acts of heroism, service and unparalleled devotion. This heartfelt look at these amazing dogs takes the reader beyond the stereotypes. Read stories of courage, hope and triumph in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, as told by the people who know these dogs best – their owners, rescuers and shelter volunteers. Loyalty Unleashed seeks to break down barriers and change perceptions, one person at a time. Its goal is also to educate readers about the true nature of pit bulls with the hope of increasing their adoption rates in our nation’s shelters. As an impassioned rescue volunteer and animal advocate, the unplanned adoption of an abused, unwanted pit bull from death row inspired the author, Sue Torres, to lovingly craft a compilation of individual stories about pit bulls and the people who love them. Around the turn of the century and for many years thereafter, pit bulls were generally viewed as all-American dogs. They are typically seen in vintage photographs, often tending to babies and young children. In recent years though, due in large part to irresponsible breeding, negligent owners and media sensationalism, the reputation of pit bulls has been severely tarnished and the number of pit bulls that populate our animal shelters has increased enormously. Conservative estimates are that only one in six hundred shelter pit bulls will ever find a home. Loyalty Unleashed strives to restore the reputation of pit bulls by portraying them in a more positive light – as the heroes, best friends and family members that they truly are. If you are a person who already knows and loves these dogs, Loyalty Unleashed is an affirmation. If you are one who doesn’t, it just may change your mind.

What is the Tag Line for your book? (A short description of your book in a sentence or two)

A beautiful collection of stories and photographs that create an optimistic and uplifting celebration of pit bulls, perhaps the world's most misunderstood and negatively portrayed dogs. This heartfelt look at these amazing dogs takes the reader beyond the stereotypes. Read stories of courage, hope and triumph in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds as told by the people who know these dogs best - their owners, rescuers and shelter volunteers.

Do you write full time or part time

Part time

How do you structure your day when you write

I A portion of my day is blocked out specifically for writing. I also schedule time to keep up with my social media and stay on top of relevant news with regard to animal rescue, animal advocacy etc.

Why do you write? (Example; For fun, to make extra money, a personal experience you want to share with the public)

I write mostly to educate, reaise awareness and to raise money so that I am able to donate to animal welfare organizations and causes.

What are you working on right now / or your most recent work

I am currently working on an e-book - somewhat of a sequel to my first book with updates, new stories and pictures and dogs that have been featured on my website since its inception in March, 2014

What inspired you to create this book

The unplanned adoption of my first pit bull who was scheduled to be destroyed only hours after I was able to rescue him inspired me to write a book with the goal of saving other shelter pets, especially pit bull breed dogs.

What genre do you write in and why did you choose it

Non-fiction because this is what I know and what speaks to my passion

How much research did you do on your book? (If it applies)

Quite a bit as far as legislation, pet knowledge, etc.

How do you think you have evolved creatively from when you first started writing until now

I feel my writing has improved through writing articles, weekly blogs and on social media

What was the hardest thing about writing this book for you

Gathering stories for the book. Once I was able to amass enough material, the rest kind of took off.

What was the most rewarding

When I hear people tell me that I have changed their minds or enlightened/educated them that is the most rewarding to me. It is also rewarding to be able to give back to animal welfare organizations monetarily.

If you had to start over, is there anything you would do different

I may have allocated the money I budgeted for the book in different directions but hard to say.

How have you evolved from when you first started writing until now

I am more involved than ever in animal rescue and I feel I am a better writer.

Are you a planner type person, or do you prefer to dive right in when you write

A little of both.

How much dialogue do you have with your readers

A lot. I meet people at public appearances and through my rescue volunteer activities which gives me opportunities to talk about the book and interact with readers.

Do they influence your writing

Not greatly but somewhat.

Do you recommend being a part of a support groups to help you with your writing

Yes.

Do you work with an editor If so, how much input do they have

I did the first time. I feel it is good to have a second set of eyes.

Was there anyone in your past that you think influenced your writing

Probably teachers and also my son who is a professional writer

Do you have any tips or useful resources on marketing

I have done most of it on my own and have tried many different things. I am always looking for new outlets to market my book(s).

How are you publishing this book? (Indie / self-published, traditional)

Self published

What are your thoughts on book series

It is a possibility.

Do you have a strategy for finding reviewers

I think 200-300 pages is a good length.

What advice would you give to your younger self today

Follow your passion and don't be afraid to try new things.

What is your favorite book or film

I have many.

If you don’t already have one, do you have plans to have a book trailer and what are your thoughts on them overall

I have been thinking about this but have not done so yet.

What are you working on next

E-book

When you get frustrated, how do you deal with it

Take a break and do something fun.

What advice would you give a writer that is just starting out

Follow your dream and believe in yourself.

About the Author

Sue Torres

Sue Torres is an animal advocate, rescue volunteer and proud owner of a previously abused pit bull who was slated to be destroyed for being tense and fearful in the shelter environment. Inspired by their resilience, devotion and ability to forgive, she now devotes herself to restoring the image of these once-esteemed and cherished family pets. She works tirelessly to promote the adoption of pit bulls in our nation's shelters and change perceptions about this extremely misunderstood and unjustly maligned breed. She lives in Connecticut with her rescued pit bull, Mickey, and two other part-time step-dogs, a rescued Plott Hound and another rescued pit bull. Loyalty Unleashed is her first book.