Posts tagged "pit boss"

Shorty Rossi, the star of the new reality series, "Pit Boss," may be one of Animal Planet's most colorful characters. He runs Shortywood Productions, a talent management company in Los Angeles, Calif. representing actors who are, like Rossi, little people. He readily admits to having served time in prison for gang-related felonies, but that's all in the past. For the past nine years, Rossi has been rescuing pit bulls, a breed with which he fell in love while growing up in the housing projects of South Central Los Angeles.

Recently, Rossi spoke with Paw Nation about his new show, why he loves pit bulls, and what you should know about little people.

How did the show "Pit Boss" come about?
The producers always saw that I had a compassion for dogs. This is something that hasn't been done before and Animal Planet took the chance. It's been one of the most amazing things because it's about my two passions: rescuing dogs, and my entertainment company.

What is your real name?
My real name is Luigi Francis Shorty Rossi. That's what's on my passport. I changed it years ago while in the entertainment business. When I check into hotels or go on the airplane, my ticket is under Shorty Rossi.