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