Second Chances: A Marine, His Dog, and Finding Redemption

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

The author of the heartwarmingCraig and Fredtells the deeply emotional and inspiring story of the next phase of their lives together: working closely with prison inmates in Maine who raise and train puppies to become service dogs.

Former US Marine Craig Grossi and his dog Fred appeared on the Today show and Rachael Ray, and in schools, bookstores, and military bases across America as they told the uplifting story of how Craig found Fred, a stray, while serving in Afghanistanand brought him home. During their travels, Craig was invited to speak at Maine State Prisonthe penitentiary that inspired Stephen Kings famous Shawshank. While there, he met a group of very special inmates, participants in a program run by the nonprofit Americas Vet Dogs.

Craig discovered that many of the prisoners are veteransformer soldiers serving their country in an entirely different way: by transforming purebred Labrador Retrievers from floppy puppies into indispensable companions for disabled vets. These service dogs literally and figuratively open doors for men and women, offering hope and a renewed sense of freedom.

Yet these disabled vets are not the only lives changed by these dogs. The inmates who train them are given a purpose, theyre given experience, and most importantly theyre given a sense of self-worth, Craig explains. The men at Maine State are given a second chancesomething that I believe everyone deserves. For Craig, the visit had a profound impact. There was something special going on inside its walls and it was calling out to me. I quickly realized that the program and its men had something to show the world.

In this emotionally powerful book, he introduces these men and challenges us to look deeper, to see them as human beings deserving of a new shot at life. Were quick to give second chances to celebrities, politicians and famous athletes when they screw up, Craig reminds us, but when it comes to those whove been convicted for their mistakes, we too often dismiss them as forever lost.Second Chancespoignantly shows that no life is irredeemable and that each of us can make a difference if given the opportunity.

Author Bio

Raised in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC, Craig Grossi is a Marine Corps veteran, recipient of the Purple Heart and Georgetown University graduate. When not travelling with Fred, he devotes his time to veteran organizations including the USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program and other nonprofits that benefit dogs and veterans. He now lives in Maine with his partner Nora, and their dogs Fred and Ruby.