From rescued pugs to the railroad yards of Fort Worth, Fred Campos Sr. shares unforgettable stories of faith, resilience, service, and the people and places that have shaped his life.

Built by Heart tells the remarkable behind-the-scenes story of how an idea became DFW Pug Rescue-and how determination, mistakes, crazy circumstances, unexpected heroes, and a whole lot of pugs kept it alive for more than three decades.

This isn't a polished story where everything went according to plan. Because almost nothing did.

It's the story of figuring things out, solving one problem after another, and refusing to quit. From desperate phone calls and unexpected rescues to transportation adventures, international adoptions, fundraising schemes, television appearances, newsletters, parades, close calls, and plenty of unforgettable pugs-Built by Heart takes readers behind the scenes of more than three decades of rescue.

Step back into the dusty streets of 1950s Fort Worth and see the world through the eyes of a young boy growing up in the barrio, where trouble was never far away, and adventure waited around every corner. In The Round House of Rock Island, the author shares memories that feel less like history and more like sitting on a front porch listening to a grandfather tell stories you never want to end.

From jumping moving trains and roaming the railroad yards near Rock Island’s roundhouse to surviving the harsh realities of poverty, violence, and prejudice, these stories capture both the
danger and excitement of a childhood lived on the edge. Life in the barrio was tough, but it was also filled with laughter, loyalty, and unforgettable characters.

After enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, the author’s world changed in ways he never expected. After his discharge, he carried the lessons of hardship, resilience, and determination
into a life built through grit and perseverance.

More than a memoir, The Round House of Rock Island is a deeply personal journey about overcoming obstacles, finding purpose, and refusing to let circumstances define a future. Honest, heartfelt, and filled with vivid storytelling, this book is a reminder that even the roughest beginnings can lead to something extraordinary.

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