Pound for Pound: A Story of One Woman's Recovery and the Shelter Dogs Who Loved Her Back to Life – A Poignant Memoir of Healing and Resilience

by Shannon Kopp

The brave, inspiring story of one woman's recovery from a debilitating eating disorder, and the remarkable shelter dogs who unexpectedly loved her back to life.

“The dogs don’t judge me or give me a motivational speech. They don’t rush me to heal or grow. They sit in my lap and lick my face and make me feel chosen. And sometimes, it hits me hard that I'm doing the exact thing I say I cannot do. Changing.”

Pound for Pound is an inspirational tale about one woman’s journey back to herself, and a heartfelt homage to the four-legged heroes who unexpectedly saved her life.

For seven years, Shannon Kopp battled the silent, horrific, and all-too-common disease of bulimia. Then, at twenty-four, she got a job working at the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, where in caring for shelter dogs, she found the inspiration to heal and the courage to forgive herself. With the help of some extraordinary homeless animals, Shannon realized that her suffering was the birthplace of something beautiful. Compassion.

Shannon’s poignant memoir is a story of hope, resilience, and the spiritual healing animals bring to our lives. Pound for Pound vividly reminds us that animals are more than just friends and companions—they can teach us how to savor the present moment and reclaim our joy. Rich with emotion and inspiration it is essential reading for animal lovers and everyone who has struggled to change.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Memoir, Biography, Dogs, Autobiography

288 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 2010

About the author

Shannon Kopp is an Eating Disorder Recovery Center National Recovery Advocate and the author of Pound for Pound: A Story of One Woman’s Recovery and the Shelter Dogs Who Loved Her Back to Life, published by HarperCollins.

After battling depression and a debilitating eating disorder for seven years, Shannon found hope in the unlikeliest of places: at her local animal shelter. Shannon’s poignant memoir is a story of hope, resilience, and the spiritual healing animals bring to our lives. She vividly reminds us that animals are more than just friends and companions—they can teach us how to savor the present moment and reclaim our joy.

Shannon holds an MFA in Nonfiction Writing from Pacific University, and has written for CNN, Maria Shriver, The Huffington Post, Good Housekeeping, BarkPost and more. Her story has been featured in PEOPLE, NPR, CNN Turning Points with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Women’s Health, and Psychology Today. She is a member of the HarperCollins Speakers Bureau and regularly speaks on eating disorders and co-occurring mental health issues. Shannon shares an authentic and powerful message of recovery, while also demonstrating how animals can serve as guides to compassion, mindfulness, and courage. Shannon lives in Seattle, Washington with her husband, son, and wildly adorable rescue dog, Bella.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this ARC/review copy in one day. One day. It was that good. I don't deal with an eating disorder, but I have my demons like everybody else, so I could somewhat relate to her struggle. I love how she interwove the story of her battle and ongoing recovery with the story of how she found her "medicine" in the shelter/rescue dogs, particularly pit bulls. If you are a dog lover, or struggle with some sort of illness or battle, you will get a lot out of this book. I was extremely touched and glad Shannon shared her story. Just like dogs have changed her life and brought her out of the depths, they've done the same for me. I'm a proud dog mom to two rescue dogs myself. It's beautiful to read how someone else's life was changed by rescue dogs!

[Christopher Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Giving saves lives. Especially the giver.”

I found POUND FOR POUND an interesting, touching read. The author describes her book as a "love letter to shelter dogs." Animals were her best therapy, and the only therapy that actually delivered her. Shannon really bares her soul in this story. It’s a story filled with lots of pain and setback—but ultimately a life of joy.

The author does a good job setting the stage for her path to bulimia. She explains how she developed an obsession with her appearance in her early teen years, and continued the habit through college. Ironically, she was often praised for her lean figure, and others wanted to know "how she did it." She smiled demurely—of course not explaining the terrible truth.

Well, her “secret” landed Shannon in a treatment center for eating disorders. She seemed to be the most normal of the bunch. Part of her treatment was with horses. She was soon “kicked out” of the clinic because her weight was too good. Another blow to her self-esteem. She felt like she just didn’t “make the cut.” It was like not "getting the A," or not being good enough.

Fortunately for the author, a love for “shelter dogs” became her best therapy. “Shelter dogs continued to rouse me out of bed and fuel me with passions and purpose each day. I often felt the steadiness of the earth beneath me…I went to the recovery group with the desire to help not only myself but others.”

Ultimately, Shannon became a counselor for others suffering from the same disorder. In once such encounter, she explained that “Shelter dogs were my medicine, and she needed to find hers.”

I enjoyed reading POUND FOR POUND. I am delighted that Shannon found the “medicine” of rescuing shelter dogs. Thank you for sharing your personal journey!

The author includes a helpful appendix on the history of Pit Bulls, and how that breed came to be so aligned.

For another interesting read on how dogs can touch lives, I recommend Dean Koontz’ book, “A Big Little Life.”

[Kathleen Garber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book a few years ago but never got around to reading it. I’m sorry I waited so long. This was a very moving read that although difficult to read at times, was well worth it. Shannon did a great job of sharing her battle with bulimia, her work with shelter dogs and how the two parts of her life intertwine.

The story is told so well, sometimes it felt like she was telling the story as it was happening, instead of writing the book afterwards by putting together memories, correspondence and such. That’s the tell tale sign of a good memoir. It reads like it’s happening currently.

I mentioned that it was difficult to read at times. Both the descriptions of her bulimia at it’s worst and her descriptions of the animal cruelty the dogs experienced were upsetting. However it made the good times of the book that much better. Unfortunately not every dog has a happy ending but that’s real life when working with shelter dogs and Shannon doesn’t shield you from it. If she did, the book wouldn’t be as good.

The middle of the book has some colour photos of some of the animals she worked with which was a nice addition. Overall I highly recommend the book for anyone dealing with, recovering from or just interested in bulimia as well as anyone who wants to know what it’s like to work in a shelter.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pound for Pound is an inspirational and compelling memoir that follows author Shannon Kopp's journey to recovery from the debilitating disease of bulimia through the healing power of the loving shelter dogs that she cared for at the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA.

As a dog lover who has adopted shelter and rescue dogs, I couldn't help but become captivated by Shannon's story. Shannon takes the reader on her emotional journey of recovery as she recounts her seven year battle with bulimia, and the inspiration from working with the shelter dogs that led her on the road to overcome her addiction, heal, and move forward with her life.

Pound for Pound is a beautifully written and very moving memoir that documents the sobering struggle that Shannon endured in her life while battling the disease of bulimia, and how her work with the shelter dogs (specifically pit bulls) gave her the hope, inspiration, and resilience to heal as she traveled down the path to recovery. You can't help but feel compassion and empathy as Shannon's story unfolds, your heart will explode with joy as she describes how working with the shelter dogs provided the best medicine that led to her recovery. There is nothing like the unconditional love and devotion that a dog provides to a person, nothing else can compare!

Pound for Pound is a wonderful story of hope and redemption that will tug at the heartstrings and stir the soul.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

[Meg - A Bookish Affair · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Pound for Pound" is the story of Shannon Kopp, a woman who is suffering from many different things and is looking for a way to turn herself around. Like all true animal lovers know, Kopp realizes just how amazing animals are and how they can help us find and create the best of ourselves. This is a story of recovering and realizing that we all have the power to make things better for not only ourselves but others too.

It is no secret that I'm an animal lover. Not only are animals cute and fuzzy but they bring out the best in people and help us in so many ways. Through this book, I feel like I've found a kindred spirit in Kopp. I was inspired in all that she did to help the dogs in the book as well as all of what they did to help her. Animals are so amazing! I loved how Kopp's passion for the dogs she worked with shines throughout the book. This book is definitely a good pick for anyone who has adopted or worked with animals and has wondered if they were saving the animals or if the animals were actually saving them.

I really appreciated Kopp's honesty throughout the book. She is completely open about all she was facing and the path that got her there. I really felt for her throughout the book. You almost feel as if you are talking to a friend, which really helped me to get into the book. This is a great memoir for animal lovers!

[Cara Achterberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book. Such vivid honesty combined with fine writing makes for a wonderful read. And of course, people saving dogs and dogs saving people is always my favorite storyline.

[J Earl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tend to have mixed feelings about memoirs. While I usually gain significant insight, both into the writer as well as life in general, I am often a little disappointed in the manner of the telling. Either too much set-up for what the writer wants to express or too little and I am dropped in the middle of whatever period deemed most important. I am delighted to say this memoir provides an almost perfect mixture of making the reader familiar with her history and working into the events most important to the book's message. Shannon Kopp, in Pound for Pound, takes the reader through every painful as well as uplifting moment in her battles. I came away from this memoir with both a better understanding of bulimia (both psychological and environmental aspects) and a profound respect for Shannon Kopp.

My initial interest in the book was as a dog lover. Those expectations I brought to the book were met, if not exceeded. What I wasn't prepared for was the deeply personal expression of what must still be painful for her to recall.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone dealing with any type of disease in addition to eating disorders. The hope and strength will help with whatever one is going through. I also know that dog lovers will enjoy the book too. People who enjoy reading memoirs will certainly enjoy it and any aspiring writer who is considering memoirs can learn a great deal from how this book transports the reader into the life story.

Reviewed from a copy made available through Goodreads First Reads.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was first drawn to this book by the book cover. I own three pitbulls. I used to have the impression that they were vicious dogs but now I am an advocate for them. All they know is love. Plus my three can't stop smiling. Back to the book.

Second I wanted to read this book because I am a sucker for a good animal story. I felt like I did get to know the author, Shannon. I have never experienced the urge to be model thin like the girls in magazines, although there was a short period where I did wish I was taller and bigger in the chest area. However as I grew older I grew out of this stage and love myself for who I was born. I am so glad that Shannon learned this with the help of the shelter animals she cared for before it was too late.

This book is spilt into parts. The first part talking about Shannon's life in her teens and collage years, then as she got older and was introduced to the animals. The final part focused more on the animals and a happy ending. There are some cute pictures featured in this book of some of the animals that Shannon and others at the shelter helped care for.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pound for Pound is a deeply personal look at bulimia, the disease that dominated author Shannon Kopp’s life for several years. As hard as it was to read the details I found it difficult to put the book down as she explained how she went into the downward spiral of the disease and ultimately began to climb out of it.

If you’re an animal lover you’ll understand why it was her connection to volunteering at dog shelters that started her on the road to self-discovery and wellness. She also had people in her life who stood by her during the toughest days. Also important was learning when to ask for help. I’m impressed by the inner-strength she found to keep going.

I applaud Kopp’s willingness to share such private details in order to possibly help someone else on the same journey. If you have someone in your life who struggles with an eating disorder or you just want to learn more about it I highly recommend this memoir.
*I received a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Keith Shaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recovery from addiction can be lonely, cruel, depressing, and overwhelming. In the book Pound for Pound, which I received from a Goodreads first reads, paints a portrait of a woman struggling to cope with the chains if addiction to Bulimia. The book also reveals her love for shelter dogs, preferably Pit Bulls, that find a way into her healing heart.

I loved how the deeply emotional the book was. I felt heartache and pain when she was on the verge of giving up and an emotional rollercoaster for much of the book. This is not a book for the faint hearted. The journey she takes is long and hard.

The book is written from her personal journals and has a distinct feel of reading from a diary. I would have preferred to have more structure to the story, rather than excerpts grouped together. Never the less, this is a good book that I would recommend.

[JL Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to this book for the dogs, and stayed for the recovery story. I have had my own 20+ year struggle with a severe eating disorder in my life, and remarkably, this is the first book I've ever read about it. I don't think I would have ever picked it up, but I love dogs so much, I couldn't help it. Shannon's honest, raw descriptions of her disease and her long journey to overcoming it made me see my own story more clearly. The way in which she describes her empathy and love for the shelter dogs that she cares for reaches far beyond that specific context, and helped me to see that there are ways in which we are all inherently lovable, despite our failures and flaws, no matter who we are. She pulls no punches, and has gifted us with a story full of humanity and compassion.

[Hayley Shaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is from Goodreads first-reads. My husband got it for free. This is a really good book about a woman fighting bulimia and depression about her dad's drunkenness. After trying many things to get a new reality, she got a job working at the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA. There she found the inspiration to heal and strength to forgive herself. She realized at some point, with the help of many resilient dogs, that her suffering had birthed compassion that she could use as a tool not only for the benefit of herself but also of others, both people and animals. If you are an animal lover and/or are struggling with an eating disorder, you should read this book.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting because:

a) Shannon Kopp is an excellent writer and--although I am fortunate to have never experienced the horror and disease that is an eating disorder--her words spoke to me on the deepest level.

b) Dogs. Dogs dogs dogs dogs dogs. Dogs make the world go round. They are the world's best medicine. They give and they give and they give and it's unconditional and pure and wondrous. They are exactly as Kopp describes, "loving... no matter how far I ran."

Give some love to a dog today. For yourself.

[Amy Grossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I suffered from Anorexia for 23 years. I have now been in recovery for three years. The greatest love, the total acceptance for me, has also come from dogs, from shelter dogs. My pit bull Buffy, sleeps beside me as I write this. I rescued her from the euthanasia list from Brooklyn Animal Care and Control. Who saved who? We saved each other. This book resonates so deeply for me. Thank you, Shannon.

[Gerry Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the cover to the last page, this book rocks. It's a heartfelt, true story of a young woman's struggle with life. That life includes growing up with an alcoholic father and later battling bulimia, the deadly eating disorder. In the end, it's the shelter dogs the author cares for and tries to save that wind up rescuing her. POUND FOR POUND is a wonderful and very well written memoir. #shelterdogs #books #memoir #poundforpound

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up this afternoon and couldn't put it down. The author skillfully interweaves the story of her struggle with bulimia and the stories (both happy and sad) of the rescue dogs she has worked with in San Diego and LA. A compelling read, especially if you are a dog lover, as I am.

[Jana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read about a girl's struggle with bulimia and how she found the strength to conquer this disease with the help of the dogs she worked with at the animal shelter. Inspiring.

[Deanna Perkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book that really took us through the journey of Shannon’s life and her struggle with bulimia. She had other issues that she battled throughout life, but turned to the eating disorder to try to deal with those issues. The more she turned to it the more dependent she became on it. It was also sad to see that her father also dealt with his own sickness with alcoholism.

The first part of the book was a bit choppy/disjointed and didn’t flow as well as I’m use to with books. It finally hit a stride and I didn’t want to put it down. I enjoyed Shannon’s raw openness with her journey and the struggles she faced. I appreciated her honesty and that she let her personality show through the pages. I loved her connection with fogs and the stories of each of them throughout the book. It was wonderful to meet them, but also sad when the reality of being a shelter dog played out.

Overall, it was a good book that I am very glad that I read. It was a great realization that there are still so many shelter animals out there that are killed daily because they can’t find their forever home. I also liked her highlighting that pit bulls are such a misrepresented breed in this day and age. They are some of the most loyal, kind and loving dogs that you could have.

I appreciate Shannon’s book and will definitely be passing it along to someone else to read next.

[Lisa Diven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who has ever loved an animal will find this book a bit heartbreaking, with some stories of good dogs being euthanized simply to make space in a shelter. As someone who volunteers for an animal shelter, the reality is all too bitter. I also write for an animal shelter, knowing the written word-my written words-will save lives, as Kopp has done by publishing this book. The main storyline is the author's challenging battle with purging. A back-and-forth struggle that she will no doubt deal with for the rest of her life. She finds purpose, happiness and insight through her passion for caring for homeless animals, this aiding her in dealing with her disease. (Spoiler) While there is no happy ending with dealing with her alcoholic father (reality) she should find strength in the constant support of her mother, sister, husband and support group. This book shows us how misguided childhood perceptions haunt us through our entire life and by finding that one true passion for something bigger than ourselves, it can change everything.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, one-day read. Haven’t had one of those for awhile. It’s funny when I read on her Instagram that she hates the picture of herself on the cover because she’s too glammed up and she wishes she was in her volunteer shelter apron in the picture instead. This is quite the story of a major battle with bulimia, and I just don’t think I ever fully understood what a true bulimic will do to abuse their own body. It’s hard to read, but gives insight into other challenges that we all face. She has taken her challenge and tried to help others with it including many shelter dogs, and I’m better off for having read her story.

[Em's Adventures · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sad and moving story. I have never had bulimia, but I came very close to anorexia once, and I have have had numerous problems with overeating and overspending so I understand completely what addiction is like.
Readers be warned this book is not for the faint of hearted or if you struggle with stories of animal abuse and neglect.

[Jason Wood]

Thank you, Shannon for sharing not just your story but the stories of the incredible animals who helped you along the way. As an eating disorder survivor, this book resonated on many levels. It brought me hope and reminded me that I am never alone!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and emotional memoir about a woman who finds compassion for herself through working with shelter dogs. A reminder of the healing power of animals and the difficult journey of recovery from an eating disorder. The individual stories of the dogs she encounters are both heartbreaking and hopeful; as is her own struggle with recovery and acceptance.

[Kara Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simply beautiful book about recovery. It's so inspiring for the perfectly imperfect journey of recovery.

[Tammielyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never having had a close relationship with either of my parents and battled food issues since my early teens, it was still the animal stories in this book I could barely get through.

[Lisa Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suggested by one of our docs. Great read!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolute heartbreaker in terms of the dogs (but not always) and Shannon's story does have a happier ending.

[Margo Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A terrific read for anyone who has ever struggled with food addiction and anyone who has ever loved a dog! This is the type of book that book clubs should read. After finishing it, I’m left with the strong desire to discuss it with other people!

The writing: Overall, it was excellent. I was engaged and curious to find out what would happen next. Toward the end, the writing became a bit disjointed. I found myself needing to exert effort to follow the narrative. Up until that point, it was an easy read.

The language: If you have an aversion to the F-word, consider yourself warned. It’s used in the writing, but not to an extent that made me put the book down or lower the rating because of it. (BTW: seven times on page 227)

The sexual scenes: There are multiple scenes, which made me cringe a bit, not because it was sex, but because it was a girl yearning to be loved and accepted. It broke my heart that she felt sexual acts were the way to find that love and acceptance.

The bulimia: Now, understand, I’ve struggled with weight and healthy eating my entire life. I’ve often thought over the years (and I know this is unhealthy thinking – so don’t lecture me!) that bulimics had the best of both worlds. They could eat whatever they wanted and in any quantity they wanted and then throw it up and still have the size body they wanted. Then society would praise them for how terrific they looked. Meanwhile a compulsive eater, eats, gains weight, and is then ridiculed by society for being fat. It’s completely screwed up. I never became a bulimic because I was afraid it might cause death or serious physical harm. (Yes, I was too scared to give bulimia a try.) Kopp’s story never really makes the reality of bulimia look as bad as I always thought it was. Her story almost made it seem appealing. Kopp merely skimmed over the surface of the emotions attached to the disease and at one point even seemed flippant about the physical consequences. I worry that a teenager reading this book might see bulimia as attractive. Something you can do for a while and then find something more interesting to move on to later. Kopp writes, “I was a good bulimic but not great.” (page 93) ---> This is one of the reasons this book would make an excellent book club choice. This is a great topic for discussion!

The dogs: If you’ve ever experienced the love of a dog, you know the joy, comfort, and devotion they offer. “While we might have outlived her, Sugar had outloved us all.” (page 104) The stories of the shelter dogs and how the process of Kopp loving them and serving them SAVED her … moved me greatly. More than once I found my heart in my throat as the stories of the dogs unfolded.

The addictions in general: Kopp explores a lot of important truths in this book. As a food addict, myself, I often ask myself, “Why did I do that? I know better!” But as Kopp eloquently put it, “Addictive craving bypasses all knowledge of past experience and consequences. It puts you in a truth blackout, and your wisdom and sanity disappear.” (pages 124-125) “Bingeing was the opposite of prettiness and perfection. It was rude, gluttonous, sinful—a giant middle finger to the strict, calorie-conscious rules I abided by during the day.” (page 227)

The images of women: Girls are raised from a very young age to know that the way they look influences the people around them. Why? Why is this done to girls? I find it so frustrating! Kopp writes, “I wish I could tell her to find stable ground, to stay away from anything that told her the size of her body mattered … I wish I could tell her to stay close to the things she loved. Find joy.” (page 5) “I had to write about where obsession lived. Where rituals were born. Where a girl believed that sucking in her stomach made her more beautiful, more vital, more seen in the world. I had to write about where she got those beliefs.” (page 225)

The recovery: One of the most moving pages was when Kopp reacted to a doctor who told her “Fat is not a feeling.” (page 26) Anyone who has ever actually felt fat … knows that it is in fact a feeling. And then later Kopp acknowledges, “The world is not what made me so sick and miserable—it was my way of seeing myself in the world.” (page 148)

This was a very moving and enjoyable book. I highly recommend it to everyone (but warn you ahead of time about the F-word and multiple sexual scenes).

Kopp gave a lot of herself in the writing of this book. I hope it helps others find a joyful passion in their lives that enables them to overcome their addictions and love themselves fully.

Kopp said it perfectly at the end, “If I know anything at all, it’s that giving saves lives. Especially the giver’s.” (page 264)

[I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my review of the book.]

[Viviane Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon Kopp grows up in a very painful home with an alcoholic father who betrayed Shannon with broken promises over and over. The cumulative result was a terrible void within that she could only satisfy, temporarily, by binging and vomiting huge quantities of food. Shannon knew she was sick but had zilch control over what became a major eating disorder, bulimia, that only increased in severity over the years.
Shannon fell in love with a truly caring guy, who tried to help her but eventually knew it was a losing battle. Shannon knew she had to help herself but all of her efforts with support groups failed to end the cycles of destruction. That began to change when she got a job with the San Diego Humane Society and SPA. Her love for the dogs she encountered is so obvious. In their acceptance and suffering, she found compassion and love for not only them but also for herself.
The scenes where she was able to reach out to these hurting animals are moving indeed, even the ones in which she cannot help those who wound up being euthanized for various reasons. There are several dogs, however, who truly become a part of her life, enough to push her to the brink of a final decision to help herself. That part of this story is for you, the reader, to relish, as well as an accidental, unintended consequence that happens unexpectedly.
The reader may not have bulimia but surely can identify those moments when there is a spate of loneliness and looking for something more to satisfy the soul or emotions, depending on one’s point of view. This, then, is why one wants to hang in through some very harrowing scenes in order to reach the point of salvation and redemption of a kind.
Truthful, poignant, and full of passionate empathy between woman and animal, Pound for Pound is a unique, fulfilling memoir that might help others with similar conditions and will stretch others to a more compassionate and caring attitude toward those eternally searching for that “something more.”

[Miriam Downey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read my full review here: http://mimi-cyberlibrarian.blogspot.c...

Shannon Kopp is a recovering bulimic, who found purpose for her life befriending and nurturing dogs in animal shelters. Her story is told as a string of memories and incidents, and slowly we begin to understand the depth of her despair. Her father is an alcoholic, and Shannon spent many years being very angry at him. Additionally, body image problems made her teenage years miserable and she spent time in a live-in rehab center and many hours in support group meetings for eating disorders.

Pound for Pound focuses primarily on the pain in Shannon's life that led her to punish her body with binging and purging, the months in recovery, and the faithfulness of her boyfriend (now husband). The other, and probably more impressive focus, is on the power of pets to heal broken people. Shannon found a job at the San Diego Animal Shelter, and it was here that she began to find herself and her calling. This led her to a writing class, which led her to writing this memoir.

While Pound for Pound is an inspiring story, the writing is a bit choppy. If you are able to look past that aspect of the book, Shannon Kopp shares a lovely message of hope and redemption, for both broken people and the pets who save them.