"This debut novel is a page-turning drama about familial devotion. Set in contemporary Chicago, it is the harrowing story of Dirk, a young motherless man starved for his self-centered father's approval. A rescued pit bull alters their lives irrevocably, embroiling them in the terrible misuses to which the breed is prey. As Dirk's father becomes entangled in criminal activity, Dirk must quickly come to terms with a series of legal and moral crises and determine for himself what it truly means to be a man. "Calcagno's troubling, evocative, socially-conscious, powerful little?novel Love Like a Dog, shocks to remind that sometimes from the small dark?corners of humanity rise some of the most luminous of bestial graces."? ?-- H. G. Carrillo -- author of Loosing My Espanish "This is a perfect book about dogs, people and the incredible relationships they develop. Love Like A Dog depicts human and animal strength, weakness, loyalty, love, trust - all surrounding the beautiful and much misunderstood pit bull terrier. It is no wonder people who own pit bulls fall in love for a lifetime". -- Wendy DeCarlo Young Owner, DogObedience Group, LLC Voted Best Trainer, year after year, by the readers of ChicagolandTails