Pound for Pound

A Story of One Woman’s Recovery and the Shelter Dogs Who Loved Her Back to Life

“The dogs don’t judge me or give me a motivational speech. They don’t rush me to heal or grow. They sit in my lap and lick my face and make me feel chosen. And sometimes, it hits me hard that I’m doing the exact thing I say I cannot do. Changing.”

Pound for Pound (HarperCollins Publishers) is the inspirational tale of one woman’s journey back from the brink of self-destruction, and a heartfelt homage to the four-legged heroes who unexpectedly saved her life.

For eight years, Shannon battled the silent, horrific, and all-too-common disease of bulimia. Stuck in an endless cycle of bingeing and purging, she was overwhelmed by broken promises: to herself, to her family, to her future. Finally, at twenty-four, she got a job working at the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, where in caring for shelter dogs, she found the inspiration to heal and the courage to forgive herself. With the help of some extraordinary homeless animals–dogs like Sweet Pea, Big Girl, Abby, Stewie, and countless others–Shannon realized from her suffering something beautiful had been born. Compassion

Shannon’s poignant memoir is a story of hope, resilience, and the spiritual healing animals bring to our lives. Pound for Pound vividly reminds us that animals are more than just friends and companions—they can teach us how to savor the present moment and reclaim our joy. Rich with emotion and inspiration it is essential reading for animal lovers and anyone who has struggled to change.

Praise for Pound for Pound

“Don’t miss Pound for Pound — a uniquely touching memoir about a woman bravely struggling with bulimia and self-judgment, ultimately healed by the miraculous power of the rescue dogs she devotes herself to. It’s a story you’ll always remember, a testament to the healing energy of our canine companions, who ask only for love and then give it back in spades.”— Glen Plaskin, Author of Katie Up and Down the Hall, The True Story of How One Dog Turned Five Neighbors Into a Family
“Anyone who has ever loved an animal, battled with depression, or struggled with an addiction of any kind, will not be able to put down Pound for Pound. Shannon is a born storyteller, and her brave account of the healing power of shelter dogs is not only a page-turner, but a true inspiration. Characters (human and nonhuman) leap off the page and right into your heart!”— Laura Maloney, Leader who has served the world’s top animal protection groups such as The Humane Society of the United States, ASPCA, and Panthera
“Every now and again a book comes along that can help millions of people deal with all sorts of difficult and challenging times and guide them to change their ways for a better and healthier life. Pound for Pound is one of those inspirational gems. Shannon Kopp's personal story—the incredibly hard work she had to do and her opening her heart to the dogs with whom she worked—is a must read. She shows how compassion, trust, and love can open the door for people and dogs in need to heal and to grow together.”— Marc Bekoff, author of Rewilding our Hearts: Building Pathways of Compassion and Coexistence, Cofounder of Ethologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, with Jane Goodall
“Pound for Pound is an emotional reminder of the strength of the human spirit and how dogs are more than our best friend; they can also be guides, inspiring us to be compassionate, share joy, and live in the moment.”— Booklist

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