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Lucy Hickey-Rios has loved animals her entire life, and that is why she works so hard as the Executive Director of Mercy Animal Shelter. Mercy is an open, non-profit humane society that serves an upstate New York county. They care for unwanted pets and strays, and investigate complaints of animal abuse.
Lucy hates any form of animal abuse or neglect, but most of all she despises people who fight animals. When she and her staff discover evidence of organized dog fighting right under their noses, they become obsessed with catching those responsible and rescuing the pit bulls being so horribly used.
They must battle the dog fighters, the prejudice against pit bulls and even the feds in their efforts to rescue these dogs and purge their city of the horror that is dog fighting.
Through it all, Lucy must also deal with a situation at home that threatens her decades old marriage.
Lucy hates any form of animal abuse or neglect, but most of all she despises people who fight animals. When she and her staff discover evidence of organized dog fighting right under their noses, they become obsessed with catching those responsible and rescuing the pit bulls being so horribly used.
They must battle the dog fighters, the prejudice against pit bulls and even the feds in their efforts to rescue these dogs and purge their city of the horror that is dog fighting.
Through it all, Lucy must also deal with a situation at home that threatens her decades old marriage.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 23, 2012
38 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 21, 2025
I chose this book because my grand doggie was a pit mix and I adored her. This book had me crying, laughing and cheering on Lucy, the director of the animal shelter. This was so good.
December 23, 2013
Lucy Rios who works as the executive director at Mercy Animal Shelter enjoys her job. She loves animals of all kinds and when she discover that there has been organized dog fighting occurring under her nose she is shocked and horrified. She has to fight to save these dogs and at the same time she has to deal with problems in her marriage. I really liked this book because since a young age I have always adored animals and I feel like can really connect with Lucy. I didn't enjoy having to read about her struggles with her husband. I all in all really enjoyed the book because it had a lot of drama and kept me interested the whole time.
May 18, 2015
This is the second of Laraine's books I've read, and this was very hard to read due to the subject being dog fighting. It is nice that she gave the dogs a happy ending, and some interesting statistics about pit bulls, I'm glad they are no longer automatically euthanized, dogs aren't born vicious, humans make them that way.
I will definitely read her next book, even if I would struggle to recommend this due to the subject matter.
I will definitely read her next book, even if I would struggle to recommend this due to the subject matter.
May 27, 2017
Meaniful on many levels !!
This was s v
This was a very meaniful book on many levels . it will motivate me in a new direction I awill call the local store that is donation that helps the animals shelter !! The number has been on my refrig for months and now I am motivated to call asap !! Thank you !!
This was s v
This was a very meaniful book on many levels . it will motivate me in a new direction I awill call the local store that is donation that helps the animals shelter !! The number has been on my refrig for months and now I am motivated to call asap !! Thank you !!
April 5, 2016
pity an animal shelter noval
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat at times. I gave it a four star rating because the author gets a little wordy. I would recommend this book.
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat at times. I gave it a four star rating because the author gets a little wordy. I would recommend this book.
September 14, 2017
Great book!!
I chose this book because I'm a big animal lover of dogs especially. It's sad to see the plight of pit bulls in this country and how they are often misunderstood. Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down.
I chose this book because I'm a big animal lover of dogs especially. It's sad to see the plight of pit bulls in this country and how they are often misunderstood. Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down.
December 24, 2017
Engaging characters. These books are a cross between animal welfare stories and cozy mysteries, but I REALLY enjoy them. You will learn things you definitely should know about animal companions, animal rights, and animal shelters. Lebron knows her stuff.
March 1, 2024
After getting information on a dog fighting ring and finding a dead pit bull. They secretly go hunting these criminals on the down low. Can they find them in time and save the remaining dogs before more are maimed and killed.
March 17, 2025
Loved this animal shelter novel. It was a sincere story that depicts financial and economic constraints on community services. This was a good story of community coming together to support a great cause. Would read again.
February 20, 2016
Excellent
I love this series. It's great for any animal lover and crime story readers. I love the balance of story and details. The mix of truth and possible truth. Love it and can't wait for the next book.
I love this series. It's great for any animal lover and crime story readers. I love the balance of story and details. The mix of truth and possible truth. Love it and can't wait for the next book.
July 24, 2014
The book is really poorly written, but the story is cute. I'm a sucker for anything that sheds a positive light on pit bulls and pet adoption.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews