One Hour With Patrick

On March 16, 2011, at an apartment complex in Newark, New Jersey, a city maintenance worker happened upon a trash bag that appeared to be moving. Inside was the emaciated, crumpled body of a barely breathing red dog. Animal control was dispatched and the young pit bull was transported to a Veterinary Clinic. Incredibly, and against odds stacked heavily against him, he survived the night. When he opened his eyes on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, it was nothing short of a rebirth, hence the dog being named after the patron saint celebrated on that date. As a nation and world of animal lovers followed his inspiring recuperation over the next several weeks, Patrick’s story took on another twist. A highly publicized custody battle broke out, and dog trainer Jeff Coltenback was enlisted to evaluate the dog that captured the world. Jeff’s immediate and life changing bond with Patrick went beyond evaluator and subject. As a recovering drug addict turned successful trainer, business owner, and recognized pit bull advocate, Jeff too had before experienced a rebirth. Detailed in this book are the events that led up to Jeff’s meeting with Patrick, his evaluation itself, and an overview of the public court hearing he attended on Patrick’s behalf. Also included are some of Jeff’s personal experiences with other abused pit bulls. In addition to his desire to share Patrick’s story, the author hopes that this book will inspire others to become more actively involved in animal welfare, rescue and advocacy. If ever a story could motivate a reader to rescue a dog, this is it. The author reminds us that we are our brothers’ keepers, and sometimes…our brothers are pit bulls.