And, lo and behold, out of my too-deep sleep, I awoke and found him there.
I pushed the desire for death into a corner as his face pressed against my side, his voice rumbling into my center. I could feel the slow moistening of the tears he shed and I knew that his crying wasn’t for me alone. A profound sadness transmitted itself from him into my racked body. I’d awakened with the thought that now he was there, I could let go. Join my ancestors, give up the ghost. But when I felt those tremors, heard his raspy voice, I realized that I was still needed, maybe as much as ever. I had chosen this one and I owed it to him to see him through this new pain. It’s my job; I’m a pet. We’re a pack of two.
So I wagged my tail.
AcknowledgmentsIf it takes a village to raise a child, it certainly takes a team to write a book. This book could never have happened without the guidance, insight, crystal-ball gazing, and friendship of Andrea Cirillo. Thanks, too, to the gang at the Jane Rotrosen Agency, who patiently read every iteration of this book; and, to my copy editor, Carol Edwards, who smoothed things out.
To Jennifer Enderlin, who had the vision and imagination to see this as a “big” story—thank you isn’t saying enough.
To Jane Rotrosen Berkey and Bernice Clifford, CPDT, of Animal Farm Foundation, who opened my eyes to the charms of the much maligned pit bull. Thank you.
Thanks Kevin, for being my non-pro, yet eagle-eyed, reader.
Bonnie, Hunter, Sprout—you are all good dogs.
A Reading Group Guide
- What explains Adam March’s outrageous attack on Sophie?
- Why do you think the author used the first person in telling Chance’s story?
- There are two protagonists in this story. How would the reading experience change if we saw only one side?
- What is Adam’s initial attitude toward Chance?
- How does that attitude reflect his attitude in general and the situation he’s in?
- When Adam breaks down, what motivates Chance to approach him?
- What does Chance think of his “career” as a fighter?
- Should Adam forgive his father?
- What role does Gina play in Adam’s personal growth?
- Describe Adam’s relationship with his daughter Ariel. Does his childhood impact this relationship, and if so, how?
- Does Adam relate at all to the boys he encounters on the street? How so?
- What are Adam’s three sins and does he overcome them?
- In this story, men are living on the streets as well as dogs. Are you more likely to support animal shelters or homeless shelters?
- Conventional wisdom believes that fighting pit bulls cannot be rehabilitated. In many cities, a dog that has been known to fight is automatically put down. Do you think that a character like Chance is realistic? Does he change your mind about pit bulls?
- In the end, has Adam been redeemed?
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