Four Feet Tall & Rising

A Memoir

By: Shorty Rossi, S. J. Hodges

Narrated by: Shorty Rossi

Length: 6 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

Luigi Francis "Shorty" Rossi, the tough-talking, fedora-wearing star of Animal Planet's hit show Pit Boss, may stand only four feet tall, but that hasn't stopped him from living large, becoming a successful businessman and an outspoken advocate for pit bulls, the most misunderstood dog breed in the world.

A third-generation dwarf, ex-gang member, and ex-con, Shorty knows what it's like to be misunderstood, and in this candid memoir, he shares his personal story for the first time. No one expected Shorty to live, let alone succeed, and yet he has, overcoming challenges from an abusive home to the violent streets and gangs of South Central LA, to the notorious cell blocks of Folsom Prison where he was imprisoned for attempted murder.

After 10 years, 10 months, and 10 days behind bars, Shorty gained his freedom and the chance to put his entrepreneurial and negotiation skills to the test. He cut the ribbon on his own business, Shortywood, with three goals: to turn his life around; act as a talent agent for little people; and establish and fund charities that advocate for, rescue, and place abandoned or abused pit bulls into safe homes. In the process, he became a reality-TV star. Now, with Hercules, his rescued pit bull and newly trained service dog by his side, Shorty continues to save pits from the basements and backyards of breeders and abusers while taking on new and even bigger challenges. And nothing is gonna stand in his way. Shorty Rossi is four feet tall-and rising.

©2012 Luigi Francis "Shorty" Rossi (P)2012 Tantor

Critic reviews

"[An] energetic autobiography." ( Publishers Weekly)

“Fans of Animal Planet’s Pit Boss will recognize Rossi as talent manager and owner of Shortywood Entertainment and founder of Shorty’s Pit Bull Rescue. Here, he tells his life story—and what a story it is!...Rossi’s riveting account includes prison encounters with Richard “Night Stalker” Ramirez and Rick James, his stint as Alvin at Universal Studios, and dealing with international fame as a reality-television star. Funny and foul-mouthed, Rossi and his book have tremendous appeal.” ( Library Journal)

“A candid, charged slice of personal history.” ( Kirkus Reviews)

Pit Boss in a whole new (better) light!

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book since Shorty's TV persona is so, well...volatile. I was pleasantly surprised that this book made me realize he really is a nice guy at heart. I have owned Pits for over 20 years and they are the greatest. Thank you Shorty for all you do to rescue the breed!

good but a little slow

What did you love best about Four Feet Tall & Rising?

when he got out and started saveing animals- as I am also a animal lover and all my pets are from shelters I don't believe in breeding when there are soo many locked up looking for a home my next will be older dogs and cats. also when he got away from the psycho chick.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

it was very sad and deppressing at some points and I could barely stand it so I had to fast forwrd some , mabe not make those parts so long.

Which scene was your favorite?

when he saved Geisha

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

when he saved Geisha

Any additional comments?

Go Shorty! I am a tall person and I watch your show every time it is on and so appreciate people like you and all your staff , god really has given you a purpose in life .

I love watching the tv show. I loved the book

Excellent book. It's a must have for people who love true auto biography. Very entertaining and never boring.

Great!

I read the book and watch Pit Boss religiously. I LOVE Shorty and his crew. The dogs are great! It is good to learn the background of Shorty and learn his life lessons along with the story. I wouldn't have anyone but Shorty read the book for the audible version. It couldn’t hurt to have Shorty practice reading with expression though! I can't imagine how long it took to produce this product, but this story is so emotional and thought provoking that it would be worth several (more) edits to read it with expression. Overall I think this was a great way to "read" the book.

Great book, truly good person

Any additional comments?

I was already a fan of Shorty from watching Pit Boss, but now I'm over the top. Buy this book - you will be touched, impressed, and highly entertained. Shorty is an actor, so his performance is just as good as your favorite narrators. He will have you either laughing out loud or crying. Without a whiff of sentimentality, he makes you want to change the world and, even better, shows you that you can. Thank you, Shorty!

PitBoss is Boss

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes he is so Awesome

Who was your favorite character and why?

Shorty it is his story about his life

What about Shorty Rossi’s performance did you like?

I liked that he narrated it

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes of course

Any additional comments?

get back to your Pitboss show Shorty I miss you on animal planet!

Loved this book!

Thank you Shorty for everything you have done for BSL! You are an inspiration to us all that we can make things better and should help to make things better no matter what our situation.

Loved it

What did you love best about Four Feet Tall & Rising?

Shorty had a very interesting life. Who would have known that he used to rescue cats in prison. That's pretty awesome!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Heh, um... let's see.. Shorty? ;-)

What does Shorty Rossi bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It was great that Shorty actually reads the book, I really enjoyed that.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES!

If You're A Fan of Pit Boss, You'll Enjoy It.

I've watched the show so I decided to listen to the audio book to get more background information. I felt like Mr Rossi touched on many things but nothing was in depth. I really felt like this was put out to make some money (for the charity maybe? I am not sure where the proceeds go) but not much soul searching was done to explain bad choices.