By: Joshua Finley
Gordon Shell’s story is one of grit, passion, and a deep desire to make a difference. A prime example of the modern Renaissance man, he’s dabbled in everything. From a successful career as a competitive bodybuilder, a seasoned businessman, and an advocate for animal rescue, Shell is now stepping into the literary world with his upcoming book, The Dog’s Fighter, the next chapter. As he gets set to release his book, Christmas 2024, here’s a look at the man whose life reads like a movie script.
My Dog Was My Best Friend
“I grew up in a middle-lower-class family,” Shell shared in a recent interview. “I was the youngest of four, probably wasn’t meant to be here, and I ended up playing the loner role because my parents were ready to be empty nesters. My dog became my best friend, especially because I was the chubby kid getting bullied.” Shell’s connection to animals started at an early age, but it wasn’t just a love for pets that shaped his future. His experiences with bullying set him on a path that led to bodybuilding, martial arts, and eventually, a career in private law enforcement and private investigation. As a young man, Shell found solace in his growing strength and the discipline of fitness. He found a sense of identity in his fight against the world — a mindset that would later bleed into his passion for fighting for those who couldn’t fight for themselves.
Fighting In Cages
The transition from bodybuilding and mixed martial arts (MMA) to animal rescue came with an unlikely catalyst: the parallels between underground human fighting, MMA and the world of dog fighting. “People started to judge me, saying, ‘You’re the same as a dogfighter.’ And I said, ‘No, I have a choice,’” Shell recalled. “But then, as I got older, I started thinking, are these dogs being fought against their will? And that’s when I began looking into it and realizing how cruel it really is.”
This turning point led Shell to become a fierce advocate for animal welfare. He volunteered at shelters, became involved in investigations into dog fighting rings, and even acted as Co-founder of the Anti-Dog Fighting Campaign and The Anti-Cruelty Taskforce of Michigan. But his role in animal rescue wasn’t always easy. “When you’re fighting for these animals, it’s not always pretty,” Shell said. “I’ve been shot six times and stabbed three times and even jailed. It’s a high-risk world, and it’s against the law to take matters into your own hands, “sometimes, you have to push the envelope to make a difference, sometimes doing what is right outweighs doing what is legal.”
Life Out Of The Cage
Through it all, Shell found a balance between his passion for fighting and bodybuilding and his work with animal rescue. His entrepreneurial spirit also led him to a successful career in the quartz surfacing industry, where he became the Vice President for North and South America at the largest hand-crafted quartz manufacturer in the world. While many would see such a corporate role as a far cry from his other pursuits, Shell sees no conflict.
“I’m very good at vetting the customers I work with,” Shell explained. “It’s all about building relationships based on trust. Most of my clients are dog lovers too, so when I tell them about my side gigs, they get it. They open up to me about their own passions, and that’s what makes it all work.”
Using His Platform To Fight For Others
While he has built a lot of notoriety of his own through fighting for his own life and the lives of animals, Shell is quick to recognize the unsung heroes in his journey. “The real heroes are the women who do the heavy lifting in animal rescue,” he said. “They’re the ones cleaning kennels, raising money, feeding the dogs. They’re doing the hard work. I’m just the flashy guy they put in front of the camera.”
The movie, also titled The Dog’s Fighter, was directed by Doug Schultz (known for his work on HBO/Showtime features) and produced by Kathern McDermott, former VP of Columbia Pictures, who worked on hit films like Men in Black and Bad Boys. Shell describes the film as a raw portrayal of the world he’s been entrenched in — the cage fights, the undercover investigations, and the extreme risks he’s taken. Shell’s life is proof that success isn’t just about business or personal accolades. It’s about being relentless in the pursuit of what you believe in.
Not one to stop, Shell is now combining all of his diverse interests into another major project: a book and eventually a sequel to his 2013 film, The Dog’s Fighter. “The book is done, and it tells the story of my journey,” he shared excitedly. “It’s a lot more than just fighting or rescuing dogs; it’s about overcoming obstacles, creating change, and living life with purpose.”
For those who are interested in his upcoming book or the movie, he has one thing to say. “I’ve been through a lot, but it’s all been worth it,” Shell said. “If I can help just one person, one animal, or change one law, then I’ve done my job.”
The Dog’s Fighter, the next chapter is set to release Christmas 2024, and fans can expect a gripping read that dives into Shell’s life and his extraordinary feats in and outside of the cage and the drama that ensues during a rescue in 2015. To connect with Gordon Shell, visit his LinkedIn page or his website for more details.
Published by Charlie N.
