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My Life Among the Underdogs: A Memoir Kindle Edition

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 4,561 ratings

From one of the most respected figures in the dog rescue community come the harrowing, funny, and inspiring stories of nine incredible dogs that shaped her life.

Tia Torres, beloved underdog advocate and star of Animal Planet's hit show Pit Bulls & Parolees, chronicles her roller-coaster life in this heartwarming memoir featuring some of her best-loved dogs. With inimitable honesty and characteristic brashness, Tia captures the spirit and heart of these intelligent and loving canines, while carrying us behind the scenes of her TV show, into the heart of post-Katrina New Orleans, onto the soundstages of Hollywood films, and even to the jungles of Sri Lanka.

Tia has devoted her life to shattering the stereotype that pit bulls are dangerous, vicious predators. As the top dog at the Villalobos Rescue Center in New Orleans, the largest pit bull rescue in the United States, she and her team have rescued, rehabilitated, and rehomed hundreds of animals that might otherwise have been destroyed. As she puts it, "Most of the stories in this book are about animals (and a few humans) that needed someone to believe in them and a purpose in order to show their true nobility."

Each dog Tia writes about here has overcome abuse, trauma, neglect, or just bad luck to become a stalwart, loving companion to Tia and her family. You'll meetDuke, whose intelligence and matinee-idol looks made him a star in movies and music videos; Junkyard Joe, whose single-minded passion for tennis balls was channeled into expertise as a drug-sniffing dog;Bluie, the unswerving protector of Tia's daughter Tania; and a host of other unforgettable canines.

My Life Among the Underdogs is above all a love story--one that is sure to grip the heart of anyone who has ever loved a dog.


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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Readers get to know Torres through the stories of dogs who played special roles in her life.... Each pit bull profiled shows the potential in rescue dogs, regardless of their backgrounds. Animal-loving readers will be drawn to Torres’s commitment to the ‘underdogs’ she has spent her life caring for.” — Library Journal

“Torres does vital, admirable work, and fans of her show as well as animal lovers in general will enjoy these warm-hearted recollections.” — Booklist

From the Back Cover

From one of the most respected figures in the dog rescue community come the harrowing, funny, and inspiring stories of nine incredible dogs that shaped her life

Tia Torres, beloved “underdog” advocate and star of Animal Planet’s hit show Pit Bulls & Parolees, chronicles her roller-coaster life in this heartwarming memoir featuring some of her best-loved dogs. With inimitable honesty and characteristic brashness, Tia captures the spirit and heart of these intelligent and loving canines, while carrying us behind the scenes of her TV show, into the heart of post-Katrina New Orleans, onto the soundstages of Hollywood films, and even to the jungles of Sri Lanka.

Tia has devoted her life to shattering the stereotype that Pit Bulls are dangerous, vicious predators. As the “top dog” at the Villalobos Rescue Center in New Orleans, the largest Pit Bull rescue in the United States, she and her team have rescued, rehabilitated, and rehomed hundreds of animals that might otherwise have been destroyed. As she puts it, “Most of the stories in this book are about animals (and a few humans) who needed someone to believe in them and a purpose in order to show their true nobility.”

Each dog Tia writes about here has overcome abuse, trauma, neglect, or just bad luck to become a stalwart, loving companion to Tia and her family. You’ll meet Duke, whose intelligence and matinee-idol looks made him a star in movies and music videos; Junkyard Joe, whose singleminded passion for tennis balls was channeled into expertise as a drug-sniffing dog; Bluie, the unswerving protector of Tia’s daughter Tania; and a host of other unforgettable canines. 

My Life Among the Underdogs is above all a love story—one that is sure to grip the heart of anyone who has ever owned—or been owned by—a dog.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B019MMQRWG
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ William Morrow; Reprint edition (January 15, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 15, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.6 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 245 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 4,561 ratings

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Tia Torres
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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4,561 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the book's storytelling. They praise the well-written and easy-to-read writing style. The stories are heartwarming and poignant, describing the author's love for dogs. Readers find the book funny and engaging, evoking laughter and tears. The author's personality is described as amazing and unique.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

156 customers mention "Storytelling"153 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the stories in the book. They find the stories fascinating, incredible, and enjoyable to read. The book is filled with wonderful stories of misunderstood pups who were never given a chance. Readers appreciate the author's writing style and find each story has an arc. Overall, they describe the book as engaging and a gem of a personal history.

"...However, each story is an example of determination, strength and eventual success as each of the family members has eventually had victory over..." Read more

"...It is heartwarming and tear producing, and you will be inspired in the reading of Tia's stories...." Read more

"...a little more about her and her family, and the stories in the book are so heartwarming! I couldn’t put it down!" Read more

"...Her stories are AMAZING and she tells them in a way that no one else could...." Read more

155 customers mention "Writing quality"152 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the author's writing style. They find the book easy to read and heartwarming. The writing is colorful, funny, and relatable. Readers describe the author as a talented storyteller who tells stories in a unique way.

"It made me laugh,& it made me cry! Tia has a very gifted way with words! An EXCELLENT writer!!!! I hope she is writing her next book!..." Read more

"...I highly recommend this book because you will not be bored as her writing is spot-on, and your spirit will be uplifted hearing about her life and..." Read more

"...Her stories are AMAZING and she tells them in a way that no one else could...." Read more

"...The writing is colorful, sharply funny, heart-rending, and a bit rough around the edges, much like Torres herself...." Read more

118 customers mention "Heartwarming"118 positive0 negative

Customers find the book poignant and well-written. They appreciate the author's caring tone and sharing of emotions with Tia. The book provides an insight into her love for dogs and wolves.

"...you will not be bored as her writing is spot-on, and your spirit will be uplifted hearing about her life and her hardships along the way...." Read more

"...Their souls are so deeply joined with the dogs they love that I believe they will be eternally bonded in the after life...." Read more

"...simply wonderful, narrated by the author herself, with the tone of caring feistiness that carries through the episodes of the show, as well as the..." Read more

"...The writing is colorful, sharply funny, heart-rending, and a bit rough around the edges, much like Torres herself...." Read more

84 customers mention "Readability"84 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's engaging content. They appreciate the author's love for dogs and their dedication to them. The book takes readers deep into the dogs' lives, featuring vivid personalities and overcoming trauma.

"This book is a must read for anyone who loves animals and especially those working in various rescue groups...." Read more

"...and devotion Tia & her family have towards dogs and all animals really touched my heart!" Read more

"...Every chapter features a dog with a vivid personality -- each a survivor of trauma inflicted by humans -- that has figured prominently in Torres’s..." Read more

"...and any other truly amazing dogs who've touched your heart the way they've touched mine...." Read more

75 customers mention "Laughter"75 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining and humorous. They mention it has funny stories that make them laugh and cry. The writing is colorful, sharp, and heart-rending.

"It made me laugh,& it made me cry! Tia has a very gifted way with words! An EXCELLENT writer!!!! I hope she is writing her next book!..." Read more

"...It is heartwarming and tear producing, and you will be inspired in the reading of Tia's stories...." Read more

"...There are tears, there is laughter and heart melting chapters, and there is the brutally honest Tia...." Read more

"...so much more about Tia and her family, and I laughed and cried with each story...." Read more

58 customers mention "Personality"58 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's personality engaging. They describe the author as an interesting and talented woman with a unique story. The book provides a glimpse into her world and is described as moving and inspiring.

"...to the audible version, which is simply wonderful, narrated by the author herself, with the tone of caring feistiness that carries through the..." Read more

"...This book gives you a more personal look into Tia as a person (shes super interesting and has a very unique story!)..." Read more

"...5 hours later, and in awe of this amazing lady. I've been watching the show since it aired and have cried during many episodes...." Read more

"...Also learned about the lovely Tania and Mariah. Great read, my husband is reading it now." Read more

57 customers mention "Family life"57 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's family life. They appreciate learning about the author's family, including her kids and favorite dogs. The book gives readers insight into Tia's love and dedication.

"...It was nice to learn a bit about each family member. Some of what she shares was painful for the individual family member she is sharing about...." Read more

"...My heart and my thoughts are always with you, Tia and your beautiful family 👍👍👍 The best to all of the VRC family,..." Read more

"...Her children are wonderful human beings who have huge hearts to make their life one of rescue...." Read more

"...And what I like about this country is its diversity. I love to read about people, places and situations I would probably NEVER get involved in or..." Read more

28 customers mention "Honesty"28 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's honesty and frank account of her life. They find the story touching and real, with raw emotion from the family. The realism draws them in and holds their attention.

"...there is laughter and heart melting chapters, and there is the brutally honest Tia. This woman doesn't want to be called amazing, although she is...." Read more

"...I could not put it down!! It is the point blank realism that draws you in and holds your attention hostage...." Read more

"...not paint the portrait of all fluff...just the good stuff, but is brutally honest, sharing embarrassing moments, the fears, and pure raw emotions...." Read more

"...as a memoir ,it was as if she was relating her story only to you.personally. I laughed out loud, then sometimes I had tears in my eyes...." Read more

Couldn't put it down
5 out of 5 stars
Couldn't put it down
A very thoughtful insight to the dogs that can change your life. I've had 25 rescues over the last 10 years so I have an idea about things that can go wrong or things that go right. I'm down to 11 dogs now, most of them rescues and it's true...they really know the difference that you can make.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2019
    In the book, My Life Among The Underdogs, Tia Torres shares the stories of 8 of the dogs that have been a part of her life. She gives some background on how she got involved in animal rescue in addition to sharing a bit of her own history.

    Just as she does in her TV show, Torres has a gift for telling a story. Tia limits the personal information she shares about herself and her family, which is true to her nature. Never-the-less, she gives us a glimpse into the personal lives of each member of her family.

    It was nice to learn a bit about each family member. Some of what she shares was painful for the individual family member she is sharing about. However, each story is an example of determination, strength and eventual success as each of the family members has eventually had victory over their trials. As a fan, I’ve learned to care about the people as well as the animals on the unscripted reality show, warts and all. These stories have helped to cement my affection for the family members.

    I recommend this book to every fan of the TV show, Pit Bulls And Parolees. Tia shares information in the book that is not covered in the TV show. I came away from the book with a better understanding of how Tia evolved into the person she is. She shares enough about her own life’s up’s and down’s that I can see how she became the force she is in the rescue world as well as the Mama Bear she is to her children. To be a part of her “pack” means you have someone who always has your back. It is obvious that she is fiercely loyal to those she loves, both two legged and four legged.

    If I was ever to have the opportunity to become a member of Tia’s pack, it would be a blessing. We don’t have the chance to make many friends who are as loving and loyal as the woman I have come to know through the TV show and this book. I appreciate that Tia broke down some of her personal walls and shared the stories in this book.
    Thank you Tia.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2024
    It made me laugh,& it made me cry!
    Tia has a very gifted way with words! An EXCELLENT writer!!!! I hope she is writing her next book! I ended this one, & turned to the 1st page & am almost finished reading it a second time!!
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2019
    This book is a must read for anyone who loves animals and especially those working in various rescue groups. It is heartwarming and tear producing, and you will be inspired in the reading of Tia's stories. The only recommendation is that she write another one or 10 as we would love to read more stories of her life with her dog and human family. I highly recommend this book because you will not be bored as her writing is spot-on, and your spirit will be uplifted hearing about her life and her hardships along the way. Her main theme in her book and her life is never let life get you down where you feel helpless. Fall down, get up and do it all again and again until you get it right. Thank You Tia Torres for being such a shining example for us all.
    31 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2025
    One of the best books I've read in a long time! The love and devotion Tia & her family have towards dogs and all animals really touched my heart!
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2019
    There is so much packed between the covers of this book.

    This book takes you on a ride through the life of not only Tia and her fami!y but the dogs that have climbed each mountain beside them.
    . There are tears, there is laughter and heart melting chapters, and there is the brutally honest Tia. This woman doesn't want to be called amazing, although she is. She credits her family, supporters tv crew and for her the true stars the dogs. This book not only took me on a journey through her life but taught me the lessons that each mountain and climbed with dog she learned. This book is exceptional. Please take the time to read it you will not regret your purchase. This woman and her family will not just go to heaven some day they will be given the special honour of crossing the rainbow 🌈 bridge. Their souls are so deeply joined with the dogs they love that I believe they will be eternally bonded in the after life. Tia, I loved every tear, every smile and every lesson i took away from this book.

    At
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2024
    If you love Tia on Pitbulls and Parolees, you will love her book! I learned a little more about her and her family, and the stories in the book are so heartwarming! I couldn’t put it down!

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Karen tuttle
    5.0 out of 5 stars It's a true, amazing story
    Reviewed in Canada on July 7, 2024
    I loved the book. It was well written and intriguing. I follow the program on TV which is also entertaining. I read the book in 2 days. Highly recommended.
  • Trace
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 16, 2025
    The work that you do is amazing, it's easy for those of us reading about and watching the show to say we would love to do that, but we would be fooling ourselves as it takes a special kind of group and passionate people to not only save these beautiful animals but to be saved in return, truly amazing and inspiring to show others how pit bulls really are it's humans that give these dogs a bad reputation not the breed.
  • Jessica kolk
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gift
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on November 9, 2023
    The person loved it
  • P. Baldovski
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ein großartiges kleines Buch!!!
    Reviewed in Germany on February 22, 2023
    Wie schade, dass Tia Torres' Buch nicht doppelt so dick ist. Ich kenne „Pitbulls and Parolees“ und finde es immer wieder beeindruckend, was diese Frau, die dabei ganz bescheiden bleibt, geleistet hat, für die Tiere und für ihre Kinder. Aufgrund ihrer eigenen Vergangenheit kann sie sich besonders gut in traumatisierte Seelen einfühlen. Die Geschichten über einige ihrer Hunde sind sehr berührend und zeigen einmal mehr, dass die blödsinnige Degradierung von Pitbulls und Co. zu sog. Listenhunden und deren Diskriminierung (hier wie auch in Amerika) endlich der Vergangenheit angehören muss. Das Englisch ist nicht allzu schwer, und, einmal angefangen, kann man das Buch kaum noch aus der Hand legen. Thank you so much Tia, for taking your time to write this book and for giving us a little insight in your life with and for the underdogs.
  • Hilda
    5.0 out of 5 stars Me encantó.
    Reviewed in Mexico on October 8, 2020
    Soy fan de su programa, de todo lo que la señora Tia ha logrado tanto con los perros como con los convictos que apoya. Su libro está excelente, como va narrando su historia. Recomendado.

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