One Hour with Patrick

by Jeff Coltenback, Sarah Keyishian (Editor)

On March 16, 2011, at an apartment complex in Newark, New Jersey, a city maintenance worker happened upon a trash bag that appeared to be moving. Inside was the emaciated, crumpled body of a barely breathing red dog. Animal control was dispatched and the young pit bull was transported to a Veterinary Clinic. Incredibly, and against odds stacked heavily against him, he survived the night. When he opened his eyes on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, it was nothing short of a rebirth, hence the dog being named after the patron saint celebrated on that date. As a nation and world of animal lovers followed his inspiring recuperation over the next several weeks, Patrick’s story took on another twist. A highly publicized custody battle broke out, and dog trainer Jeff Coltenback was enlisted to evaluate the dog that captured the world. Jeff’s immediate and life changing bond with Patrick went beyond evaluator and subject. As a recovering drug addict turned successful trainer, business owner, and recognized pit bull advocate, Jeff too had before experienced a rebirth. Detailed in this book are the events that led up to Jeff’s meeting with Patrick, his evaluation itself, and an overview of the public court hearing he attended on Patrick’s behalf. Also included are some of Jeff’s personal experiences with other abused pit bulls. In addition to his desire to share Patrick’s story, the author hopes that this book will inspire others to become more actively involved in animal welfare, rescue and advocacy. If ever a story could motivate a reader to rescue a dog, this is it. The author reminds us that we are our brothers’ keepers, and sometimes…our brothers are pit bulls.

92 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 15, 2011

Reviews

[Kim Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

A must read for animal advocates and rescues everywhere. I really wasn’t sure what to expect... but this book delivered it clearly and precisely.... “if the animal you save could talk, they would tell you; Thanks for saving me, thanks for helping me. That one pet you save would tell you how you made a difference to them. You made their life better. And, there would be one less homeless, hopeless animal out there”

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really afraid to read this short book. I realized it was about the severely abused pit bull that I had read about on Facebook, and while I knew that he was stilll alive, I wasn't sure what to expect. This book was very enlightening, written by the man who has been a Pit Bull advocate for many years.After reading this book of 90 pages in one sitting, I was in awe of what this man and othersw who rescue animals mean to me. I have always felt that animals are who they are because of how they were raised, treated, cared for...or the lack thereof. It truly breaks my heart whenever I hear or read about any abused animal. The unconditional love that our pets give us is somehow unnoticed by people who are truly evil! Thank you, Jeff, for your life spent with animals in need.

[Rick Piatt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't care for this book very much. It was 90% documentation of the author's examination of Partick and 10% pro pit bull spin. I'd have given it 1 star but the last chapter touched me.

Pitties are dogs, not monsters. I doubt this book will sway anyone who believes differently. Well, maybe that last chapter might reach a few (I hope).

[Peanut · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's pretty short, I finished it in a few hours... I thought it was a good glimpse into the Patrick Miracle... If a person is interested in helping animals & can get past a few grammatical errors, it's a really good story.

[Amy Kinard · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading about Patrick online and I love how great things turned out. This book isn't really bad, it's just got a ton of grammar and spelling errors and really isn't written well.

[Tina Brady]

Inspirational

Thanks so much for all you do!
I was inspired to get some more training and help more dogs also.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of the pit bull Patrick and his evaluation.