Pit Bulls in Paradise: Tony Soika on Key West Mysteries, Rescue Dogs, and Second Acts

Pit Bulls in Paradise: Tony Soika on Key West Mysteries, Rescue Dogs, and Second Acts Host Michele O'Connor introduces the Fun in Key West Podcast and its Book Club episode featuring author Tony Soika, a retired U.S. Army officer with 30 years of service and extensive animal-rescue volunteering. Soika discusses his deep pull toward the Florida Keys since first visiting in 1999, his transition challenges after leaving the military, and how becoming a late-in-life father shaped him and influenced his writing. He explains how his novel Pit Bulls in Paradise (first in the Conch House Chronicles) follows retired officer John Tuttle in the Keys as he uncovers a dogfighting ring after pit bulls with fighting injuries arrive at a shelter, reflecting Soca's real-life rescue of a pit bull and his advocacy that "there are no bad dogs, only bad owners."  00:00 Welcome to Fun in Key West 01:26 Meet Tony Soika 04:09 Tony's Life and Dogs 05:03 Why the Keys Call You 07:31 Fatherhood and Inspiration 10:04 From Coaching to Novels 12:14 Why Pit Bulls in Paradise 13:43 Rescuing Honey Bear 16:26 Building John Tuttle 19:28 Veteran to Civilian Shift 21:38 Finding Identity in Key West 23:21 Dogs Feel Our Pain 25:00 Why Animal Cruelty Matters 27:33 Setting the Story in Key West 29:08 Making Key West Feel Real 30:30 John the Reluctant Hero 31:50 Next Book Afghanistan Thread 33:55 Key West Signings and Support 35:58 Rescue Dogs and Local Favorites 40:25 Book Heart and Real Cameos 44:06 Where to Follow and Final Wrap