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Dogfella: How an Abandoned Dog Named Bruno Turned This Mobster's Life Around -- A Memoir
How did a former mob enforcer become a compassionate advocate for animals in need of loving homes? How did his hardened heart open up to the plight of abused and abandoned pets?
James "Head" Guiliani was an unlikely candidate to become a passionate animal rescuer. Raised in a religious family in a blue-collar neighborhood, James became involved in street gangs at a young age. By his mid-twenties, he'd become a 6'2" 250-pound enforcer for the Gambino crime family during the reign of infamous mob boss John Gotti. But after years of worsening alcohol and drug use and a stretch in the Riverhead Correctional Facility, James finally hit bottom.
It was then that he met Lena Perrelli, who helped turn his life around, providing the love and support he'd rejected in the past. And when the couple rescued an abandoned and abused shih tzu, the second phase of James's salvation began. Lovingly named Bruno, the small dog opened the former enforcer's hardened heart, and James discovered a new purpose in life as a devoted animal rescuer.
Dogfella tells how this onetime altar boy from Queens became a gang member, a mob confidante, an an addict and convicted felon -- and how he found redemption by dedicating his life to animals. Alongside his personal journey, James shares stories from his rescue missions with Keno's Animal Rescue Shelter in saving pit bulls from a dogfighting ring, driving through six-foot snowdrifts to reach 200 cats stranded in a blizzard, taking in homeless ducks from Staten Island, and many more. Sometimes scary, sometimes funny, and often poignant, James's story shows how the love of an animal can bring even the most hopeless cases a new purpose and a path to redemption.
James "Head" Guiliani was an unlikely candidate to become a passionate animal rescuer. Raised in a religious family in a blue-collar neighborhood, James became involved in street gangs at a young age. By his mid-twenties, he'd become a 6'2" 250-pound enforcer for the Gambino crime family during the reign of infamous mob boss John Gotti. But after years of worsening alcohol and drug use and a stretch in the Riverhead Correctional Facility, James finally hit bottom.
It was then that he met Lena Perrelli, who helped turn his life around, providing the love and support he'd rejected in the past. And when the couple rescued an abandoned and abused shih tzu, the second phase of James's salvation began. Lovingly named Bruno, the small dog opened the former enforcer's hardened heart, and James discovered a new purpose in life as a devoted animal rescuer.
Dogfella tells how this onetime altar boy from Queens became a gang member, a mob confidante, an an addict and convicted felon -- and how he found redemption by dedicating his life to animals. Alongside his personal journey, James shares stories from his rescue missions with Keno's Animal Rescue Shelter in saving pit bulls from a dogfighting ring, driving through six-foot snowdrifts to reach 200 cats stranded in a blizzard, taking in homeless ducks from Staten Island, and many more. Sometimes scary, sometimes funny, and often poignant, James's story shows how the love of an animal can bring even the most hopeless cases a new purpose and a path to redemption.
- GenresNonfictionMemoirAnimals
264 pages, Hardcover
First published May 26, 2015
4 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 22, 2016
This is an autobiography and I enjoyed this book so much. The voice of James Guiliani felt so authentic and honest. He had me laughing out loud. I will say that this book is probably not for everyone. There was a fair amount of swearing but it wasn't offensive or mean spirited. It really felt authentic.
James had an interesting life. He battled addictions but what helped him focus his life was an abandoned dog, who turned out to be his angel. And then he became an angel to all abandoned and abused dogs and cats by starting an animal rescue shelter. I always love stories on how people can make such a huge difference in the world.
James had an interesting life. He battled addictions but what helped him focus his life was an abandoned dog, who turned out to be his angel. And then he became an angel to all abandoned and abused dogs and cats by starting an animal rescue shelter. I always love stories on how people can make such a huge difference in the world.
July 1, 2016
Overall I enjoyed Dogfella. The narrative voice was definitely authentic, except for a few brief moments when specific animal welfare details were described (I assume this was the additional author then). Guiliani did not hold back, he shared brutal details of his life and his animal rescues, I greatly appreciated his candor right down to the cursing (but then again, I'm a curser myself). My favorite sections involved the animals and the animal rescues, whereas the elaborate details on Guiliani's life did not interest me as much.
It is a rare book that brings me to tears but this one did when Guiliani describes the loss of Bruno. The impact this dog and subsequent animals have had on his life shines through and I loved his passion. Guiliani went from a "junkie-alcoholic" and mob enforcers to a major animal rescuer in the NYC region. I absolutely applaud his efforts and wish more people would allow animals to change their lives in such a significant way.
I will say that the average person drawn to animal rescue books may be turned off by Guiliani's demeanor and language, he does not mess around. I for one love this approach and it reminds me of growing up in Philadelphia. Anyone turned off by such language should persist and read it anyway, it is overall a good story.
Disclosure: ARC received from Netgalley & publisher in exchange for an honest review. (They may regret this.) Any and all quotes were taken from an advanced edition subject to change in the final edition.
It is a rare book that brings me to tears but this one did when Guiliani describes the loss of Bruno. The impact this dog and subsequent animals have had on his life shines through and I loved his passion. Guiliani went from a "junkie-alcoholic" and mob enforcers to a major animal rescuer in the NYC region. I absolutely applaud his efforts and wish more people would allow animals to change their lives in such a significant way.
I will say that the average person drawn to animal rescue books may be turned off by Guiliani's demeanor and language, he does not mess around. I for one love this approach and it reminds me of growing up in Philadelphia. Anyone turned off by such language should persist and read it anyway, it is overall a good story.
Disclosure: ARC received from Netgalley & publisher in exchange for an honest review. (They may regret this.) Any and all quotes were taken from an advanced edition subject to change in the final edition.
May 31, 2015
I enjoyed Dogfella.I appreciated the candor of James and how he speaks his mind. You can tell he is all for the animals and has a passion for what he does. The story was very interesting from his life as a mob enforcer to the details of animal rescues.
This is my candor review with no fancy writing! I enjoyed the book and became an instant fan of one of the best advocates for animal rescue!
This is my candor review with no fancy writing! I enjoyed the book and became an instant fan of one of the best advocates for animal rescue!
June 4, 2015
Dogfella is a story of redemption and love. How at any given time, the Holy Spirit can enter your heart and change your life. James made it known that he tried to change many times and failed many times - which left him bitter and angry. Maybe deep down James was ready to change or maybe he just found hope in Bruno. Either way, it is a truly inspiring story.
January 17, 2021
Listened to this one. Easy to follow while doing other things. Made me laugh out loud several times which books rarely do.
June 15, 2021
This is the MOST fun I have had listening to a book ever. What a story of love and redemption!
June 20, 2022
If you like animal adoption stories, or you if you like stories of people who turn their life around to do good, this book is for you.
This is the real life story of a former gangster who turned his life around because of an animal rescue in New York City.
Read stories of this author's ties with the mob but how he later used some of those contacts to fulfill his girlfriend's dream of opening a no-kill shelter in Brooklyn, NY (and is still open now in the age of COVID).
Great read for the animal lover or for someone looking for a feel-good story of a former bad guy who changed his ways.
This is the real life story of a former gangster who turned his life around because of an animal rescue in New York City.
Read stories of this author's ties with the mob but how he later used some of those contacts to fulfill his girlfriend's dream of opening a no-kill shelter in Brooklyn, NY (and is still open now in the age of COVID).
Great read for the animal lover or for someone looking for a feel-good story of a former bad guy who changed his ways.
Read
September 28, 2018I decided to take a chance on something different to my normal read! I was intrigued by the blurb. Once I got over the very American lifestyle and language I found a softspot for the main character. If only all tough guys changed and became such wonderful idealists. Could not put it down once I got into it. Recommend to all!
July 11, 2020
A quick read, bought on a whim at the dollar store because of the title and cover (don't judge me). This autobiography of a former mobster/felon from New York was interesting for the snapshot it provided of a very different upbringing and lifestyle compared to my own, and for its obvious love of animals, specifically dogs. A true redemption story with lots of heart.
February 5, 2023
This is the only book I have left a review for (so far). I've actually met James and was honored to have him sign my book. He is an amazing man and he lives for his dogs. His rescue is amazing! He is a Godsent.
July 15, 2015
Cute
A great read. He is remarkable. What he does for animals is amazing a true Angel. There should be more people like him.
A great read. He is remarkable. What he does for animals is amazing a true Angel. There should be more people like him.
September 26, 2015
What an amazing story about everything he had gone three with drug and alcohol abuse and how he turned his life around
September 22, 2015
A heartwarming story
July 19, 2019
"Sometimes we don't think about our future until it's staring us in the face."
June 27, 2023
An interesting story about a mafia man who found redemption in rescuing dogs. Another book to add to any animal lover’s to read pile.
March 24, 2020
Couldn't get into the story. Dnfed for now
November 11, 2024
One of my favorite stories ...these dogs were rescued by a guy who had a hidden big heart ..reminds me of my family rescuing the underdogs
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews