"Sometimes truth is a hard pill to swallow. This book was everything I thought it would be. Real, raw, uncensored.

"The book was more than a story it was a journey alongside the author. Her experiences became mine, thoughtful, well-expressed, and truthful. Her book hit home with me as a rescuer; I could relate to a lot of her tribulations.

"It Went to the Dogs verified to me that the plight of rescuing is nothing compared to the challenges faced when people get in the way of a meaningful mission and the story about dogs becomes a story about survival not just for dogs but for the human spirit.

"I am so glad Tamira decided to write this book. It is a necessary read for anyone embarking on a mission to help animals especially a breed like the pitbull which is so misunderstood. Animal welfare embodies so much more than you think, and Tamira brings it home.

"There's a quote that says the way a society treats animals can be a reflection of how it treats it's people. I appreciate how the author ties together animal welfare, human morale and politics to describe the bigger picture of animal welfare and the need for education, awareness and better laws to protect animals and humans alike."-Regina Quinn, founder, Blue Angels Pitbull Advocacy & Rescue Resource

"Starting a 501-3c non-profit animal rescue isn't easy under any circumstances...but Tamira Ci Thayne has never been accused of doing something because it's easy. She's a woman who walks the walk. In her new book, "It Went to the Dogs", she lets readers behind the scenes during her quest to do something really hard--turning Michael Vick's dog fighting property into a rescue for chained and penned dogs.

Tamira's objective was to transform the bad energy of Vick's property into good energy. To memorialize the Dogs who had died in fear; heal the place, and the ghosts of those dogs; and to create a safe space to rehabilitate dogs who had only ever known isolation and loneliness, preparing them to be adopted into loving families. Many of those dogs' stories are told throughout the book.

The endeavor was met with obstacles, treachery, and disdain at every turn--but through it all, Thayne persisted, and she is nothing if not tenacious. Tamira's story is for anyone in animal rescue, everyone who has ever come up against insurmountable odds, and everyone who loves dogs. It is a master class in pursuing your dream."--C.A. Wulff

"I have had the privilege of meeting the author and visiting the Good Newz Rehab Center in Smithfield VA, the history of which is extensively documented in this book. There's no doubt whatsoever that Tamira Thayne has transformed a place of unspeakable terror and torture against dogs into a healing, loving refuge for formerly chained, penned, and abused dogs. The facility I saw was exactly as described in this book: it was immaculate, the staff was attentive and compassionate, the grounds were well-maintained and set up to provide safety, exercise and comfort for the dogs, top-notch medical care was provided, along with good food, clean water, and well, love. That transformation alone should make this story compelling, but the fact that Tamira accomplished all of that while being subjected to constant intimidation, harassment and persecution by Surry County officials and residents is what gives this story its edge. The treatment she endured was shameful, but she persisted in her mission to create a refuge and safe haven for chained dogs so that they could be rehabilitated and placed into loving forever homes. Tamira's respect and affection for all animals - not just dogs - is boundless, and what she achieved in Smithfield is nothing short of a small miracle."-David Hoover