Shelby’s Grace: From Abused Pup to Angel of Mercy

The Pit Bull With the Heart of Gold Joe Dwyer was a man facing challenges that seemed insurmountable. Battling depression and anxiety, he was broken and in need of serious help. Shelby was a young pit bull facing death. Damaged and abused, she trusted no one. She was confined to a shelter and in need of major surgery to repair her hind legs.    When man and dog first met it wasn’t love at first sight-at least not for the dog. But in time-and with a little magical help-the two grew to trust one another. When Joe finally brought Shelby home to join his family, he discovered something remarkable: She had an uncanny gift. Shelby was able to sympathize with and bring solace to individuals in need, including hospital patients, the elderly, the lonely and the bereaved. It was nothing short of amazing. But not everyone embraced this discovery. Facing stiff resistance, Joe fought to gain acceptance for Shelby as a therapy dog and they have enriched each other’s lives and the lives of countless others who were in need of rescuing. “Sparkling with joy. Shelby saves Joe as much as he saves her, and together they recover their senses of purpose. Children and adults will love this story.” Mary B. Lucas, author of Lunchmeat & Life Lessons “Most people think of pit bulls as monsters, but Joe shows how they are reflections of the people who raise them. A gorgeous story of friendship, trust and spiritual awakening.” Tom Acierno, author of A Whisper in God’s Ear “The way Joe accepted Shelby into his family and the way Shelby accepted them into her heart are reminders of what it means to love unconditionally.” Marie B. Leonarde, author of A Woman’s Worth: My Life, My Struggle About the Author  Joe Dwyer is a motivational speaker, a life coach and a member of the National Speakers Association. He is also a dog trainer and martial artist. Previously, he worked as a chemical engineer and as an executive for Verizon and the Archdiocese of Newark. Joe is a man of faith and spirituality, and he supports rescue groups and therapy dog training. He lives in Nutley, NJ, with his family and four dogs.