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Will You Love Me?: The Rescue Dog that Rescued Me
Rain is lashing down when Barby Keel is called out to an emergency unfolding at the gates of her animal sanctuary, deep in the Sussex countryside. A greyhound had been dumped under the cover of darkness, and is at death's door.
In the 37 years she has dedicated her life to the welfare of animals, Barby has witnessed the horrors that humans are capable of, but never has she seen anything as barbaric as this poor dog's condition. Cigarette burns scar his flank, and he is so malnourished that he struggles to stand, every rib showing through his patchy fur. It's touch-and-go whether he will survive the night.
The dog, who Barby names Bailey, proves he has a fighting spirit and, slowly but surely, begins the long road to recovery. But Barby is facing her own battle with ill health - one that threatens the future of the entire sanctuary...
Will You Love Me? is an emotional, joyful true story of the deepest bond that exists between humans and animals, and shows how in rescuing others, we can rescue ourselves.
In the 37 years she has dedicated her life to the welfare of animals, Barby has witnessed the horrors that humans are capable of, but never has she seen anything as barbaric as this poor dog's condition. Cigarette burns scar his flank, and he is so malnourished that he struggles to stand, every rib showing through his patchy fur. It's touch-and-go whether he will survive the night.
The dog, who Barby names Bailey, proves he has a fighting spirit and, slowly but surely, begins the long road to recovery. But Barby is facing her own battle with ill health - one that threatens the future of the entire sanctuary...
Will You Love Me? is an emotional, joyful true story of the deepest bond that exists between humans and animals, and shows how in rescuing others, we can rescue ourselves.
- GenresNonfictionAnimals
240 pages, Paperback
Published April 23, 2019
34 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 22, 2019
Okay, I am a big softy for animals, and just the eyes looking out from that cover just melt your heart!
This is a story of courage, strength, will power, love, battling on, determination and much more sadly, cruelty, shock, tears....
Bailey is a greyhound that has been through hell, a life no animal should go through, the shock that there are humans in this world that can treat animals so badly, breaks my heart.
But this book is so much more, this is a about a dog battling from the brink of death determined and with enormous courage and fight.
The fight helped the author Barby Keel fight for her own life, Barby had her own battles, fighting and beating cancer once it had returned and was now fighting breast cancer for a second time.
This book follows the battle of Bailey and of Barby, a powerful, touching, heartbreaking, heartwarming, tear jerking story, yes I cried.
Why, I know exactly how Barby felt near the end of the story.
I personally have had dogs and mostly cats all my life, they are my children.
I admire, respect the job that Barby Keel is doing with all my heart.
I read this book and then started and finished another of her books, The Street Dog Who Found A Home.
I recommend both
This is a story of courage, strength, will power, love, battling on, determination and much more sadly, cruelty, shock, tears....
Bailey is a greyhound that has been through hell, a life no animal should go through, the shock that there are humans in this world that can treat animals so badly, breaks my heart.
But this book is so much more, this is a about a dog battling from the brink of death determined and with enormous courage and fight.
The fight helped the author Barby Keel fight for her own life, Barby had her own battles, fighting and beating cancer once it had returned and was now fighting breast cancer for a second time.
This book follows the battle of Bailey and of Barby, a powerful, touching, heartbreaking, heartwarming, tear jerking story, yes I cried.
Why, I know exactly how Barby felt near the end of the story.
I personally have had dogs and mostly cats all my life, they are my children.
I admire, respect the job that Barby Keel is doing with all my heart.
I read this book and then started and finished another of her books, The Street Dog Who Found A Home.
I recommend both
December 31, 2020
Barby Keel has seen her fair share of cruelty to animals over the last thirty seven years in working with the welfare of animals, but nothing could prepare her for what she would be faced with one night on an emergency call. The dog she was called out for was in such a bad way it could hardly stand. This dog had been so deadly treated with cigarette burn scars and malnourished that you could see all of his ribs sticking out. This poor dog was in such a bad way no one knew if he would survive the night.
A heartbreaking story which will touch the hearts of all those who read this story.
A heartbreaking story which will touch the hearts of all those who read this story.
August 25, 2019
Will You Love Me? by Barby Keel is the true story of Bailey, a greyhound in need of a forever home.
Barby Keel dedicates her life to animals in need. She has a sanctuary in Sussex. She works tirelessly on their behalf. Bailey was the worst case of animal cruelty and neglect that Barby Keen had ever seen. The descriptions of Bailey will make you cry. Man’s inhumanity to animals beggars belief.
Bailey is a fighter. Barby Keen is a fighter. It was Bailey’s fighting spirit that kept him going. It was Barby Keen’s fighting spirit that both fought for Bailey and battled her own cancer. Seeing all that Bailey went through strengthened Barby Keen to keep going. “I saw his bravery, his ability to trust me even though he had received little kindness in his life.” As they nursed each other back to health, Barby Keen knew she must one day say goodbye. Grief is a part of loving. Barby Keen’s goal was to find Bailey his forever home with people who would love him as he deserved.
Will You Love Me? was a charming book. I really enjoyed it even though my heart broke for Bailey at the start as we ‘hear’ his words. “I hoped and prayed that this time he would be kind.” Kindness – it really isn’t too much to ask for.
Thank you Barby Keen for sharing Bailey’s story and thank you for loving him back to health.
I will leave you with the freedom motto of the Barby Keen Animal Sanctuary
“The FREEDOM we wish for all animals:
FREEDOM from hunger
FREEDOM from thirst
FREEDOM from neglect
FREEDOM from fear.”
It really isn’t too much to ask for is it?
Barby Keel dedicates her life to animals in need. She has a sanctuary in Sussex. She works tirelessly on their behalf. Bailey was the worst case of animal cruelty and neglect that Barby Keen had ever seen. The descriptions of Bailey will make you cry. Man’s inhumanity to animals beggars belief.
Bailey is a fighter. Barby Keen is a fighter. It was Bailey’s fighting spirit that kept him going. It was Barby Keen’s fighting spirit that both fought for Bailey and battled her own cancer. Seeing all that Bailey went through strengthened Barby Keen to keep going. “I saw his bravery, his ability to trust me even though he had received little kindness in his life.” As they nursed each other back to health, Barby Keen knew she must one day say goodbye. Grief is a part of loving. Barby Keen’s goal was to find Bailey his forever home with people who would love him as he deserved.
Will You Love Me? was a charming book. I really enjoyed it even though my heart broke for Bailey at the start as we ‘hear’ his words. “I hoped and prayed that this time he would be kind.” Kindness – it really isn’t too much to ask for.
Thank you Barby Keen for sharing Bailey’s story and thank you for loving him back to health.
I will leave you with the freedom motto of the Barby Keen Animal Sanctuary
“The FREEDOM we wish for all animals:
FREEDOM from hunger
FREEDOM from thirst
FREEDOM from neglect
FREEDOM from fear.”
It really isn’t too much to ask for is it?
August 17, 2019
HEARTBREAKING & HEARTWARMING: Owning a rescue I could very much relate to Barby Keel's story of rescuing Bailey, a beautiful black greyhound that had suffered the most barbaric cruelty at the hands of a monster! Bailey was a broken dog when he's found dumped at the gates of Barby's animal sanctuary. Through sheer determination, love, patience and much experience in rescuing animals, Barby starts to turn this poor dog's life around, at the same time as being diagnosed with cancer. Barby Keel narrates her true-life tale with much passion, so much so, that the reader is there with Barby feeling every stage of Bailey's recovery and the emotional life-changing effect this special dog has on Barby, while she battles cancer.
Barby's love of animals is her raison d'être and I have nothing but admiration for this truly remarkable lady! Long may Barby Keel continue to run her much-needed and fantastic animal sanctuary – thank you for all that you do! A must-read for all dog lovers!
Barby's love of animals is her raison d'être and I have nothing but admiration for this truly remarkable lady! Long may Barby Keel continue to run her much-needed and fantastic animal sanctuary – thank you for all that you do! A must-read for all dog lovers!
November 6, 2018
A lovely heartwarming story with heartache in between.
I highly recommend this book, not just because it tells the story of recovery and the bravery of, one of the most gorgeous creatures on the planet, a greyhound. You will experience a roller coaster of emotion from shame and anger at the cruelty humans are capable of, to tears of joy, awe and wonder at the love humans are capable of and everything in between. You should buy this book because of the wonderful work the this book helps to fund, tell all your family and friends to purchase also. And long may the good work at the sanctuary continue.
I highly recommend this book, not just because it tells the story of recovery and the bravery of, one of the most gorgeous creatures on the planet, a greyhound. You will experience a roller coaster of emotion from shame and anger at the cruelty humans are capable of, to tears of joy, awe and wonder at the love humans are capable of and everything in between. You should buy this book because of the wonderful work the this book helps to fund, tell all your family and friends to purchase also. And long may the good work at the sanctuary continue.
December 25, 2020
A wonderful true story about a rescued greyhound that had been starved and abused.
But I will explain the a bit first....Barby Keel owns an animal sanctuary in UK.
At the sanctuary, all animals are taken in and cared for ..so there is a real mixed group of not just dogs and cats but hampsters, donkeys, horses, pigs, goats and some others as well.
One day, a greyhound is thrown over the fence and abandoned by a group of fellows who drive away and leave the dog there.
The poor thing is on the brink of death, all skin and bones, with unhealed cigarette burns, old scars from constant beatings and a very sad and hopeless manner.
Barby and her helpers are not sure the dog will live throughout the night, but someone stays with the dog for many days to nurse him back to health.
A wonderful story, especially for Christmas and brings hope to see the power of love for the dog that helps the rescued dog and the rescuer heal.
This is a true story about a real sanctuary and helps raise money for the animals and the sanctuary itself.
What a great group of people and a wonderful purpose to help animals that can't help themselves.
Thanks for this inspiring story. This makes my Christmas to know that there are people out there that
care and do something about it.
But I will explain the a bit first....Barby Keel owns an animal sanctuary in UK.
At the sanctuary, all animals are taken in and cared for ..so there is a real mixed group of not just dogs and cats but hampsters, donkeys, horses, pigs, goats and some others as well.
One day, a greyhound is thrown over the fence and abandoned by a group of fellows who drive away and leave the dog there.
The poor thing is on the brink of death, all skin and bones, with unhealed cigarette burns, old scars from constant beatings and a very sad and hopeless manner.
Barby and her helpers are not sure the dog will live throughout the night, but someone stays with the dog for many days to nurse him back to health.
A wonderful story, especially for Christmas and brings hope to see the power of love for the dog that helps the rescued dog and the rescuer heal.
This is a true story about a real sanctuary and helps raise money for the animals and the sanctuary itself.
What a great group of people and a wonderful purpose to help animals that can't help themselves.
Thanks for this inspiring story. This makes my Christmas to know that there are people out there that
care and do something about it.
September 10, 2020
What a lovely heartwarming read! Some parts really were sad of course and the way this is written by Barby Keel herself it was like shes in the room talking to you in a very personal way telling you her ups and down .I was honoured to hear her story and the daily struggles she had dealing with her cancer whilst juggling the hard work with her sanctuary.I could relate to her story with the beautiful Greyhound "Bailey" as i too rescued a Greyhound called Bailey but thank goodness under much better circumstances than Barby did, So i know the joy these wonderful Dogs can get into your heart like they do!. A wonderful story told by a very brave lady . I definatly felt the better for reading this book and reccomend it to other animal lovers!....thank you Barby Keel for being so frank in your telling of this tail....tale ,sorry :-)
October 12, 2020
I liked the book. I love dogs and dog stories. Barby Keel is a very kind woman and has devoted her life to saving animals. I found the book very easy to read but I found that the author kept going over her childhood constantly. This became irritating as if she felt sorry for herself. The dog had had a far worse experience than she had but she kept comparing her childhood with the dog's past. If she had put her past aside and just focused on the dog it would have been better. A little too much of the endearments, dear, dearest etc. A light book for animal lovers.
September 11, 2020
It was a nice easy read and close to my heart as I have a rescue lurcher
But I found it a bit repetitive x
But I found it a bit repetitive x
September 10, 2020
I had mixed feelings about this book. I am passionate about rescue, own 3 rescue kitties myself and wouldn't consider owning any other type of pet, so I admire Barby Keel a great deal for what she has done over decades to help animals. She is quite a lady.
As a book though, this was a bit of an odd read. I was shocked (but not surprised, unfortunately) to the core when I read about the story of Bailey. What a gorgeous dog he was and the staff of Barby's animal sanctuary (and Barby herself, of course) did an incredible job of slowly nursing him back to good health and trying to heal him psychologically. I also enjoyed reading about the everyday challenges that occur in running a sanctuary such as this - the numbers are staggering!
However, this book seems to be a bit memoir heavy, if that makes sense. Barby mentions, many times, the dysfunctional relationship she had with her mother, and even though I am sure that this has shaped the person that she is, I am not sure that it was the right direction for this book per se. I really felt for Barby and her journey through cancer treatment, and she is very honest about how this affected her and I think this book would have been a better read if she had focussed on Bailey and how her animals have helped her through it all, which is kind of what I expected.
I felt like this book was written mostly as a way to exorcise her demons from the past and to perhaps also help with fundraising? Not that I blame her, but it wasn't the read I had expected, that's all.
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 because Barby's heart is so clearly in the right place.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books.
As a book though, this was a bit of an odd read. I was shocked (but not surprised, unfortunately) to the core when I read about the story of Bailey. What a gorgeous dog he was and the staff of Barby's animal sanctuary (and Barby herself, of course) did an incredible job of slowly nursing him back to good health and trying to heal him psychologically. I also enjoyed reading about the everyday challenges that occur in running a sanctuary such as this - the numbers are staggering!
However, this book seems to be a bit memoir heavy, if that makes sense. Barby mentions, many times, the dysfunctional relationship she had with her mother, and even though I am sure that this has shaped the person that she is, I am not sure that it was the right direction for this book per se. I really felt for Barby and her journey through cancer treatment, and she is very honest about how this affected her and I think this book would have been a better read if she had focussed on Bailey and how her animals have helped her through it all, which is kind of what I expected.
I felt like this book was written mostly as a way to exorcise her demons from the past and to perhaps also help with fundraising? Not that I blame her, but it wasn't the read I had expected, that's all.
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 because Barby's heart is so clearly in the right place.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books.
January 12, 2021
As a volunteer at a greyhound and Lurcher rescue charity, I just had to read this!
The first chapter broke my heart. It was written from the abused greyhound’s point of view. It happens all the time and the cruelty to the poor dog and how he suffered, was not exaggerated.
The rest of the book deals with his rehab and his eventual homing to a couple who would give him the love and care he deserved.
The procedures followed during his rehab and eventual rehoming really is how it happens.
A real tear-jerker, but if you love dogs, please give this a try.
The first chapter broke my heart. It was written from the abused greyhound’s point of view. It happens all the time and the cruelty to the poor dog and how he suffered, was not exaggerated.
The rest of the book deals with his rehab and his eventual homing to a couple who would give him the love and care he deserved.
The procedures followed during his rehab and eventual rehoming really is how it happens.
A real tear-jerker, but if you love dogs, please give this a try.
January 9, 2019
A heart rending read of a terribly abused greyhound that is bad he is near death when he is dumped at the gates of an animal sanctuary where luckily for Bailey he has a wealth of volunteers and in fact the owner, Barby Keel to oversee his slow road to recovery.
But Barby is also fighting her own battle with cancer and the never ending worries of running her sanctuary so more like Bailey can live a rich life surrounded with love.
An emotional read for any animal lover.
But Barby is also fighting her own battle with cancer and the never ending worries of running her sanctuary so more like Bailey can live a rich life surrounded with love.
An emotional read for any animal lover.
September 19, 2020
I’ve read a lot of books about rescue animals but I’ve never read one that touched me as deeply as Will You Love Me? It’s both heartbreaking and heartwarming. And I didn’t want to put it down.
March 27, 2021
I think that, sadly, this book describes all to often the fate of unwanted animals, ( in this case a greyhound, ) when they can no longer serve the purposes of their selfish owners.
However, all is not lost for this gentle animal when the owners determine to get rid of him for good by `dumping` him under cover of darkness at the gates of an animal sanctuary, with the rain lashing down, deep in the Sussex countryside.
The owner of the sanctuary, Barby Keel, was absolutely shocked and heartbroken when she realises how much suffering the poor dog has been through, but she and her `helpers` were determined to do whatever it took to help him recover, reassuring him by stroking him and saying " Shhh, there boy. It`s all going to be okay, now. We`ve got you."
And so begins an emotional, but true story of the dedication and commitment of Barby Keel and her staff at the sanctuary, illustrating the deep bond that exists between humans and animals. The dog, who is renamed Bailey, proves that he also has a fighting spirit and slowly but surely,
begins the long road to recovery. However, that is not the only remarkable fact in this story. Barby
is facing her own battle with ill health, since the cancer that she thought she was free from has returned and she now has to undergo more treatment to save her own life and to continue the work of the sanctuary.
This is truly an unforgettable and inspirational story!
However, all is not lost for this gentle animal when the owners determine to get rid of him for good by `dumping` him under cover of darkness at the gates of an animal sanctuary, with the rain lashing down, deep in the Sussex countryside.
The owner of the sanctuary, Barby Keel, was absolutely shocked and heartbroken when she realises how much suffering the poor dog has been through, but she and her `helpers` were determined to do whatever it took to help him recover, reassuring him by stroking him and saying " Shhh, there boy. It`s all going to be okay, now. We`ve got you."
And so begins an emotional, but true story of the dedication and commitment of Barby Keel and her staff at the sanctuary, illustrating the deep bond that exists between humans and animals. The dog, who is renamed Bailey, proves that he also has a fighting spirit and slowly but surely,
begins the long road to recovery. However, that is not the only remarkable fact in this story. Barby
is facing her own battle with ill health, since the cancer that she thought she was free from has returned and she now has to undergo more treatment to save her own life and to continue the work of the sanctuary.
This is truly an unforgettable and inspirational story!
November 29, 2020
This was a great story written by Barby Keel who is the owner and founder of an animal rescue/sanctuary in England. The dog she wrote about was an abused greyhound named Bailey. He was found nearly dead from starvation and injury when his owner through him over the fence of the sanctuary. At the same time, Barby was going through her second battle w/cancer. The book is a wonderful story of how the dog brought Barby strength and understanding during her battle w/illness and pain while she healed his wounds both emotional and physical. The story is a wonderful reminder of the majestic animal the dog and through the quiet determination and love of a dog a person can be bolstered and given strength. A great story. I loved it.
December 8, 2020
I had been wanting to read a good dog story, especially one where the dog doesn’t die in the end. This was a satisfying read that kept me up late and I still had to finish it the next morning.
Set in an animal sanctuary in the UK, the story unfolds around Bailey, a greyhound who was the most terribly abused animal ever brought to them. But Bailey was a fighter and he never gave up even when there was almost no hope. He was a gentle and delightful dog as he healed, and the story was delightful to read.
Set in an animal sanctuary in the UK, the story unfolds around Bailey, a greyhound who was the most terribly abused animal ever brought to them. But Bailey was a fighter and he never gave up even when there was almost no hope. He was a gentle and delightful dog as he healed, and the story was delightful to read.
April 10, 2021
3.5 stars, but rounding up as kindness and compassion are at its heart. I was sent this book by a friend who knows how much I care about animals. I was actually hesitant to start it as I cannot bear to read about cruelty and, as suspected, some of the descriptions in the early chapters made me flinch. However, this is ultimately a positive tale - good *does* triumph over (what can only be described as) evil. Barby is a devoted, compassionate woman who has had her own fair share of hardships. She has channeled this into her rescue work and provided a safe haven for so many neglected and abused souls and given them a second chance.
There is some repetition in the book and, whilst this is not great literary prose, it was a worthwhile read. For me, it was a (much needed) reminder of all the wonderful people out there quietly going about their daily work to make the world a better, and kinder, place for us all.
There is some repetition in the book and, whilst this is not great literary prose, it was a worthwhile read. For me, it was a (much needed) reminder of all the wonderful people out there quietly going about their daily work to make the world a better, and kinder, place for us all.
February 13, 2019
Keel's Will Love Me chronicles her work with rescue dogs. The plight of abused animals that only want to be loved provides a tear-jerking account while at the same demonstrates the resilience of these amazing animals and people.
January 19, 2020
This book had me in tears multiple times. I’m a dog lover but to read Bailey’s story was heartbreaking. It is a testament to all of those hardworking people who care for animals who have been neglected or mistreated and the effort and love that goes into each of those cases.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2019
Very sad and emotional, but I loved the story.
August 6, 2019
Very good book. Very very touching . I really reccomend this book .
October 20, 2019
OMG this book was amazing. Lump in my throat and lots of tears. You are an amazing lady
January 31, 2020
I loved this story, especially as I own an ex racer myself. Didn’t finish the book without many tears.
September 4, 2020
This book, for me, was an emotional rollercoaster from beginning to end. Had to be read with a box of tissues to hand - I’m so pleased that I read it.
September 30, 2021
A loving true story about the author's love of animals and her devotion to make life a better place.
November 3, 2019
This book was one of the most heartwarming reads of the year for me. I support and have worked at my local rescue shelter this year so this shone a light on the importance of the work we do for animals. Bailey's story is one I've witnessed and heard far too regularly for my liking and it's down to Barkby that we can help them. It's a fantastic book that kept me gripped and brought a few tears to my eyes too!
April 25, 2019
A nice read
September 2, 2019
A really beautiful book. Animals and their warm hearts always tell the best stories.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews