One of Hollywood's top animal handlers recounts the story of her harrowing coming-of-age in the magnetic grip of her father, a menagerie of wild and dangerous animals, and the connection that would transform her life.
Kirstin McMillan's childhood was a literal circus. By the time she was eight, she was working with her family under the glittering lights of the Ringling Brothers tent. But not all that glitters is gold. When her parents split and her father decided to settle the family down on his own animal training ranch, Kirstin, her brothers and the animals were treated in the same cold and domineering manner: Do your job and you'll be fine, but never forget who's in charge.
Captive beneath her father's iron fist, Kirstin saw all animals, human or otherwise, as predatorydangerous animals to be feared. By the time she was seventeen, she was a runaway, desperate for connection and trying to save her drug addicted brother. Even through fear and poverty, it was the animal/human bond that restored her happiness and independence. Today, Kirstin is a top Hollywood animal and celebrity dog trainer. Unlike her upbringing, Kirstin approaches animals with kindness and humor.
Dangerous Animals is a tale of cruelty and heartache, of fear and redemption, and of the special connection between animals and humans, and love's power to mend a broken life.