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Four Feet Tall and Rising: A Memoir
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.
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.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
17 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Shorty Rossi
5 books5 followersLuigi Francis Shorty Rossi is a pit bull activist, owner of Shortywood Productions, star of Animal Planet's Pit Boss, and a third-generation dwarf.
In 1987, Rossi was involved in a gang-related shooting and convicted of felonies including attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. He was sent to the California Youth Authority and was later transferred to Folsom State Prison to serve a total sentence of 10 years, 10 months and 10 days.
Determined to start anew, Rossi began working in the entertainment industry, filming many television shows and movies, including The Grinch and The Kid. In 2000, Rossi founded a company, Shortywood Productions, to provide little people entertainers for all types of events.
Since owning his first pit bull terrier at the age of 14, Rossi has championed the breed, which he credits with getting him through some of the roughest times in his life. This led him to form Shorty’s Pit Bull Rescue, a nonprofit that rescues, rehabilitates, and restores this often abused breed into loving homes. It also focuses on raising awareness of breed-specific legislation and educating the community. It caught the attention of cable TV network Animal Planet, leading to its continuing series "Pit Boss".
Rossi currently lives in Venice, California, with his five pit bulls, two of which are registered service animals.
In 1987, Rossi was involved in a gang-related shooting and convicted of felonies including attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. He was sent to the California Youth Authority and was later transferred to Folsom State Prison to serve a total sentence of 10 years, 10 months and 10 days.
Determined to start anew, Rossi began working in the entertainment industry, filming many television shows and movies, including The Grinch and The Kid. In 2000, Rossi founded a company, Shortywood Productions, to provide little people entertainers for all types of events.
Since owning his first pit bull terrier at the age of 14, Rossi has championed the breed, which he credits with getting him through some of the roughest times in his life. This led him to form Shorty’s Pit Bull Rescue, a nonprofit that rescues, rehabilitates, and restores this often abused breed into loving homes. It also focuses on raising awareness of breed-specific legislation and educating the community. It caught the attention of cable TV network Animal Planet, leading to its continuing series "Pit Boss".
Rossi currently lives in Venice, California, with his five pit bulls, two of which are registered service animals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 13, 2012
Fans of Animal Planet’s Pit Boss will recognize Rossi as talent manager and owner of Shortywood Entertainment and founder of Shorty’s Pit Bull Rescue. Here, he tells his life story—and what a story it is! A third-generation Little Person, Rossi wasn’t expected to survive infancy, but, in his first defiance of authority, he was born without the limitations doctors predicted. After an abusive childhood, Rossi fled the suburbs for the projects of South Central Los Angeles, where he became the only white member of The Bloods. A gangland shoot-out led to an attempted murder charge and a ten-year prison stint, which Rossi credits with saving his life. Through education, anger-management classes, and business acumen picked up from being a housing clerk in Folsom State Prison, Rossi launched an entertainment career. At the same time, his love for pit bulls turned him from animal hoarder to activist.
Verdict: Rossi’s riveting account includes prison encounters with Richard “Night Stalker” Ramirez and Rick James, his stint as Alvin at Universal Studios, and dealing with international fame as a reality-television star. Funny and foul-mouthed, Rossi and his book have tremendous appeal.
[Xpress Reviews—First Look at New Books, January 13, 2012]
Verdict: Rossi’s riveting account includes prison encounters with Richard “Night Stalker” Ramirez and Rick James, his stint as Alvin at Universal Studios, and dealing with international fame as a reality-television star. Funny and foul-mouthed, Rossi and his book have tremendous appeal.
[Xpress Reviews—First Look at New Books, January 13, 2012]
January 20, 2012
I LOVE Shorty & what he does for Pit Bulls. A very well-written memoir telling the whole story of where Shorty came from & how he ended up where he is today. I had a very hard time putting this down!
March 4, 2012
I give Four feet Tall and Rising 5 stars of of 5
So let me just start off this review saying that I LOVE Shorty Rossi and I have so much respect for him. I know who he is from the Animal Planet show Pit Boss. The amount of dedication and love he puts in his rescue for pit bulls is inspiriting. It's also inspiriting how he went from an abusive home to the gang to prison and eventually a successful business man. I feel like Shorty Rossi is making a big difference in this world and hopefully one day he will be able to change the Pit Bull image from "mean dogs" to the sweet family dogs that they are.
So I mean I did hate how Shorty had to live with an asshole of a father who beat him. It was interesting to me that the dad also intimidated his sisters with his verbal abuse. Shorty wrote that "When it comes to control, size doesn't matter. Intimidation is a powerful motivator." You would think that Shorty's sister would' t be afraid of their small father and just knock him over when he was verbally abusive to them. However they were afraid of him. I found it so ridiculous that Shorty's father insisted on lifing his life as if he wasn't a midget. He would not lower any shelfs or put anything where his family could reach it. For a smart, strong guy that Shorty is I just wish he had at least one parent who would have protected him but I guess all his struggles made him who he is today.
It's neat how even at a young age Shorty researched birds, and then when he was at the Dewitt prison he ran a cat shelter behind the place. Then today he runs a rescue for pit bulls. Its also neat how in prison he was inspired by a book written by Donald Trump and it taught him to turn a negative situation into a positive one. Even tho Shorty had a lot a struggles in his life, he pushed through every single one knowing that one day he would have a better life. He had a dream of being a successful business man and he didn't stop until that dream was achieved.
This book is well worth reading and I love how he put his personality into this book. He wrote it with such sass and witty humor. I look forward to watching as many season of Pit Boss as they make and possibly a sequel to this book. Keep up the good work Shorty!
So let me just start off this review saying that I LOVE Shorty Rossi and I have so much respect for him. I know who he is from the Animal Planet show Pit Boss. The amount of dedication and love he puts in his rescue for pit bulls is inspiriting. It's also inspiriting how he went from an abusive home to the gang to prison and eventually a successful business man. I feel like Shorty Rossi is making a big difference in this world and hopefully one day he will be able to change the Pit Bull image from "mean dogs" to the sweet family dogs that they are.
So I mean I did hate how Shorty had to live with an asshole of a father who beat him. It was interesting to me that the dad also intimidated his sisters with his verbal abuse. Shorty wrote that "When it comes to control, size doesn't matter. Intimidation is a powerful motivator." You would think that Shorty's sister would' t be afraid of their small father and just knock him over when he was verbally abusive to them. However they were afraid of him. I found it so ridiculous that Shorty's father insisted on lifing his life as if he wasn't a midget. He would not lower any shelfs or put anything where his family could reach it. For a smart, strong guy that Shorty is I just wish he had at least one parent who would have protected him but I guess all his struggles made him who he is today.
It's neat how even at a young age Shorty researched birds, and then when he was at the Dewitt prison he ran a cat shelter behind the place. Then today he runs a rescue for pit bulls. Its also neat how in prison he was inspired by a book written by Donald Trump and it taught him to turn a negative situation into a positive one. Even tho Shorty had a lot a struggles in his life, he pushed through every single one knowing that one day he would have a better life. He had a dream of being a successful business man and he didn't stop until that dream was achieved.
This book is well worth reading and I love how he put his personality into this book. He wrote it with such sass and witty humor. I look forward to watching as many season of Pit Boss as they make and possibly a sequel to this book. Keep up the good work Shorty!
April 11, 2012
Shorty Rossi is larger than life, and his personality shines through in this memoir. I'm sure his family members aren't happy he put their business out like he did, but if you don't do it, there's nothing to tell. This book feels like a conversation with Shorty, and it did answer a few questions that had not been addressed fully on his show. I wondered why he gravitated to the hood, and I wondered about the whole prison business. His father is a piece of work. Why his mom stayed I do not know. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Shorty embodies that statement.
p.s. I just realized how full of trite expressions my review is. LOL
p.s. I just realized how full of trite expressions my review is. LOL
March 19, 2012
I thought this was an amazing tale by an obnoxious ex-felon. Shorty Rossi has undoubtedly had a difficult life but many of his problems were self induced. He admits that in this fast paced intriguing story of his life... so far. I really enjoyed the story and I was captivated by his struggles and how hard he worked to overcome them. This is a must read book.
January 17, 2012
I'm a fan of the his reality show and this book exceeded my expectations...I thoroughly enjoyed it. It reads exactly like I have heard him speak, and it was very interesting the full scoop on his life. I find him pretty inspiring.
July 16, 2021
Shorty is a dear friend and knowing him personally made reading this book a different experience from any other book I’ve ever read. I ‘heard’ every word of this book straight from Shorty’s mouth. His voice, his dialect, his improper use of grammar - lol. But it was true Shorty and I’m so glad I didn’t read this book before having the opportunity to know the man first.
His passions are real - his opinions are strong - and his experiences have made him the man he is today. I’m so proud to call this foul mouthed, opinionated, hard working, pit bull advocating Little Person my friend.
As a fellow animal rescuer and lover of pit bulls (I have 6 rescued pitties of my own), I understand Shorty’s heart and his desire to make the world a better place for the bully breeds.
If you’ve never met a pit bull, you’re missing out. They are wonderful... trustworthy... faithful... loyal... loving... and appreciative. These amazing creatures will steal your heart; they want nothing more than to love and be loved. Although my daughter and I save all types of dogs, cats and kittens... there is a special place in my heart for pit bulls.
Thank you, Shorty, for candidly sharing your life, your story with us. We are all better for it.
His passions are real - his opinions are strong - and his experiences have made him the man he is today. I’m so proud to call this foul mouthed, opinionated, hard working, pit bull advocating Little Person my friend.
As a fellow animal rescuer and lover of pit bulls (I have 6 rescued pitties of my own), I understand Shorty’s heart and his desire to make the world a better place for the bully breeds.
If you’ve never met a pit bull, you’re missing out. They are wonderful... trustworthy... faithful... loyal... loving... and appreciative. These amazing creatures will steal your heart; they want nothing more than to love and be loved. Although my daughter and I save all types of dogs, cats and kittens... there is a special place in my heart for pit bulls.
Thank you, Shorty, for candidly sharing your life, your story with us. We are all better for it.
July 24, 2019
Its funny, reflective and shocking the untold truth of shorty and his big mouth told by shorty.
August 6, 2019
Great book, great show, great soul, great man with big ❤️
July 21, 2025
Loved this show and was sad only 3 seasons. Loved his honesty and outlook on life. He's done so much for the pitbull community and for little people. Highly recommend this book.
December 17, 2015
My original intention coming here was to write a long-winded review on Shorty’s book but after coming here and reading other’s reviews, I figure most everyone has said what I had wanted to say and probably better. It’s all everyone is saying here--Shorty is authentic, brutally honest (thank you Shorty) and is an intelligent guy with a big heart who has taken every single negative in his life and turned it into a positive tenfold.
That being said, I would like to add one other thing. I used to be an avid reader when I was much younger but, like so many others, in recent years I have so much responsibility to handle that I don’t have two minutes to myself to read a book. About a year and a half ago, my mother was placed in a nursing home after being in the hospital and the stupid hospital put her in a facility that is 30 miles away. For a while I just ran back and forth and then I thought maybe I could get some audio books from the library and be entertained by them on my trip. Well my mother came home about four months ago and I still check out audio books from my library and delightedly found Shorty’s bio on the “new” shelf. I would like to say to everyone, listen to the audio book version. It is narrated by Shorty (so is obviously in his own voice) so much emotion, tone and inflection is conveyed in his voice maybe more so than in just reading the book. There is a warmth and connection you feel because you feel like he is talking specifically to you. Anyway, check it out.
That being said, I would like to add one other thing. I used to be an avid reader when I was much younger but, like so many others, in recent years I have so much responsibility to handle that I don’t have two minutes to myself to read a book. About a year and a half ago, my mother was placed in a nursing home after being in the hospital and the stupid hospital put her in a facility that is 30 miles away. For a while I just ran back and forth and then I thought maybe I could get some audio books from the library and be entertained by them on my trip. Well my mother came home about four months ago and I still check out audio books from my library and delightedly found Shorty’s bio on the “new” shelf. I would like to say to everyone, listen to the audio book version. It is narrated by Shorty (so is obviously in his own voice) so much emotion, tone and inflection is conveyed in his voice maybe more so than in just reading the book. There is a warmth and connection you feel because you feel like he is talking specifically to you. Anyway, check it out.
March 22, 2012
I really enjoyed this memoir. I read almost the whole thing in one morning and finished it while I was fixing dinner. I had seen Shorty Rossi's show on Animal Planet and knew some of his history, but I found his writing to be like sitting and having a conversation with him. I thought he was honest and just spoke his mind. He didn't sugarcoat the bad things that happened in his life, or the mistakes he made, but he didn't whine about them either. Having once had a family pet that was mixed, but mostly pit bull, I totally agree with him that pit bulls are not the problem, the people that own them are.
March 20, 2012
Loved this book! I have watched the show for a while so new the premise but after reading this book I have so much respect for Shorty Rossi and the things he has overcome in his life. No whining in his world. Suck it up, make the best of a bad situation and get to it! He has done so much to help pitbulls and to change peoples opinions about them. He has even tried to take on Denver, CO to change their breed specific legislation outlawing pits in the city. Go get'em Shorty! It makes me want to do more for them and other dogs! Also, I loved his honesty and the way it was written. Funny! Having watched him, you can just hear his voice a lot of the time.
January 4, 2013
This is not War & Peace or To Kill a Mockingbird but it was a fun, interesting book to read. I actually could not put it down. My family watches the show Pit Boss and we find Shorty Rossi's story interesting. Though this book was co-written with SJ Hodges, the voice sounds just like Shorty from the TV show. His is a tough guy who encountered obstacles and some poor decisions in his life. Yet is is also a softy who will do anything for his (or anyone else's) pit bulls. Check out this book. It will inspire you to be a better person, and hopefully might result in people looking at dwarfs (the term used in the book) and pit bulls differently.
April 28, 2012
He may be short, but he is big in so many other ways! He has a big mouth and a big heart. Shorty tells his story here, warts and all. We read all about prison, his abusive father and the positive people who influenced him to change his life. It's not Pulitzer Prize material,, Shorty writes as if he is just talking to you and there is much use of the f**k word. Since I watch his TV show, it was an interesting read for me. And you gotta love a guy who is willing to do just about anything to save a dog.
June 19, 2012
I'm a sucker for anything having to do with animal rescue, and this book doesn't disappoint. Shorty's candid stories about his life, obstacles and the animals he has rescued are interesting and sometimes entertaining, but this book lets us get to know the man behind the animals. He even touches on the troubled relationship he has with his family in a manner that seems to be meant as a lesson for others in similar situations. Overall, a great book, especially if you enjoy memoirs or animal rescue.
September 12, 2012
Shorty Rossi is one guy that I love his life storie. It amazes me how he could go from being off the streets in a gang, doing drugs & and shootings to running his own business for a pit bull rescue & is a talent agent for dwarfs. This storie is so easy to understand stand and I just couldn't put it down! This book I would recommend for young adults and older because there is some fowel language and inappropriate words but hey it's shorty his mouth isn't the cleanest.
Project: sculpture
Project: sculpture
January 16, 2016
Shorty Rossi is a ex con, ex gang member and a third generation dwarf. He is arrogant, pushy and has a very loud mouth. He has made tons of poor choices and uses the misunderstood game to try and rationalize them. He is driven by money. He is an outspoken advocate for Pit Bulls and is the owner of Shorty's Pit Bull rescue. He is a reality-TV Star on Animal Planet's Pit Boss. He is the owner of Shortywood Entertainment were is a talent agent for Little People. Good and interesting book.
March 12, 2012
Because I watch the Pit Boss, I really enjoyed reading this book. I learned more about Shorty and how he changed his life for the better. I always knew he had a big heart despite his Italian temper. Even before I read this book, I always said I'd like to have him over for dinner. He's a riot. He would have to watch his mouth though!
April 10, 2012
Being a fan of Animal Planets show Pit Boss, I was intrigued with Shorty Rossi's story. After finishing the book all I can say is... WOW. It is an uncompromising look at a man's life and the choices, both good and bad, that made him what he is today. Four Feet Tall and Rising: A Memoir is a terrific book and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
May 13, 2012
This is hands down the most inspiring book I have ever read. Shorty's journey is inspiring and it shows that anyone can change and achieve their dreams! It is also funny and you can picture Shorty saying everything in the book. The passion Shorty feels for his pit blogs and the breed in general is contagious. I definitely recommend reading this book!
March 6, 2013
Great memoir! Shorty Rossi has done a lot to raise awareness for those who are sometimes discriminated against - little people and big dogs. Love the show and was happy to hear his authenticity in sharing his story, and his goal to save pit bulls from unfair breed specific legislation. If you love dogs, read this book! If you don't like dogs or are scared of pit bulls, read this book!
August 27, 2013
What an interesting life story. This book is very easy to read. Shorty Rossi's life before the show Pit Boss is the main focus of the book. Fascinating inside look at gangs, Little People, prison life, and more. If you're a fan of Shorty's this is a must read. If you don't know who Shorty is, or don't like him, read it anyway!
July 10, 2014
This book was better than I expected. In the beginning of it, Shorty isn't a very likable character. I'm not saying that he becomes a Sister Tersa but some admirable qualities do surface in the course of thebook.
The book kept my attention till the end, which surprised me. I wish that there was a 3 1/2 star rating because that's what I think it deserves.
The book kept my attention till the end, which surprised me. I wish that there was a 3 1/2 star rating because that's what I think it deserves.
January 23, 2012
Amazing how much he has turned his life around. I hope that someday (sooner rather than later) he can convince the world that pitbulls are not monsters. Seeing the discrimination the breed goes through is so tragic.
February 26, 2012
I am an avid fan of The Pit Boss. It was great to find out more about Shorty Rossi and his life. He is one of my heroes for changing his life and doing the work he does. I have actually had the pleasure of meeting him. Loved the book!
February 24, 2012
Loved this book! If you are easily offended by colorful language be warned there is some. I adore this man. He is wonderful with children, we met him last year and he was great answering my kids questions. Great insight to how he got to where he is today!
March 10, 2012
the first part of the book is about how shorty got into jail and what happened there. the second part was about how he met the gang and got shortwood going. it's a great insight into the man behind Pit Boss. thank you shorty for sharing!
March 31, 2012
This is a good read. If you are a fan of Pit Boss I would say read this book. You will learn that Shorty isn't the big but thread people may think he is. You get the feeling he is real and doesn't put on a show just for the cause of a t.v. show. Hope others enjoy too.
September 4, 2012
I loved the book as I also love the man for what he believes in the rescue of pitt bulls. Got to meet him this year and he is as out spoken and direct as he is in his book!!! A great read if you love the cause!!!!!!!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews