Gabby: The Little Dog That Had to Learn to Bark

by Barby Keel

A moving, heartfelt true story that celebrates the way animals and humans rescue one another . . .

Baby seagulls, mischievous ferrets, strutting peacocks...in the decades that Barby Keel has run her animal sanctuary in the English countryside, she has seen all manner of creatures. Thousands of cats and dogs have come through her doors and, with the aid of Barby and her dedicated staff, found loving forever homes. But Gabby, a small terrier with solemn, terrified eyes, is like no case Barby has ever encountered before.

Gabby has spent all eight years of her life indoors. She has no idea how to play with a toy or chew a treat. She has never dug in the dirt or rolled happily in the grass. Strangest of all, Gabby does not know how to bark. Barby can tell that the little golden-haired dog is bright and curious beneath her paralyzing fear, but coaxing out Gabby's true spirit will be a daunting task.

Yet sometimes, a dog and a human fit together like two puzzle pieces, and so it is with Gabby and Barby. And Barby, who believes passionately in animals' ability to help and heal those they love, will find her faith in Gabby repaid just when she, and her sanctuary, need it most . . .

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction, Dogs, Ebooks

224 pages, Paperback

First published August 9, 2018

Reviews

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

First in a series of stories written by Barby Keel, who is living out her life’s dream by running an animal sanctuary.
This one focuses on Gabby, a little terrier who had spent eight years of her life indoors. When Barby adopted her, the small dog had no idea how to behave like, well…a dog. With love and patience, Barby and her two other dogs bring out the canine in Gabby and help her learn to live her best life.
I could so relate to Gabby’s inhibitions. In 2019 my family got a two-year-old tea cup poodle. Her owner, who purchased her as a puppy, decided to give her up because her new husband “despised dogs”. This poor baby had no idea how to behave like a dog, never having been given the chance to play with toys, chew Nylabones, or be around other dogs. Basically, she had spent her life stuck in a cage while her owner worked. We brought her home to four fur siblings, who accepted her immediately. With love and attention, “Audrey”,( my husband is a big Hepburn fan), slowly emerged from her shell. Even after three years, though, there are some dog traits that she still hasn’t acquired. She doesn’t play with toys, and has a real aversion to licking people’s faces, although she will lick our hands, and she is a champion cuddler, with us and the other dogs.
I’m looking forward to reading more books in this wonderful series!

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

thanks to netgalley and the publishers for a free copy in return for an open and honest review.

this book was heart warming story about a dog who had to learn how to be a dog again after being rehomed and also the authors journey through a serious illness. found the book to be an easy going read and delighful too and dog lovers would enjoy this book of bonding with animals.

[Anne Rodgers · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I supported the idea of this book and was more than happy to pay the price since it benefits the shelter in England that is described, I was not impressed with the author's writing ability.
She was sadly repetitive, saying over and over again that she bonded with this tiny dog, that they mirrored one another etc. She didn't find new words to express an idea all dog lovers already feel.
She also told readers 100 times that she was fiesty, spoke her mind, stubborn and had a hard time accepting help from others. This is interesting to hear the first and maybe second time it's stated; not the 30th or 40th.
Again, I'm happy I supported her work and encourage folks to donate. But don't bring high expectations to this book.

[Devyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from Goodreads.

Gabby: The Little Dog That Had to Learn to Bark is just the sort of book that restores my belief in humanity.
This is the story of Gabby, a little dog that had to learn how to be a dog. But mostly it is about Barby Keel and her wonderful Animal Sanctuary that never turns away any animal in need.
It was a nice change to read about an animal shelter that doesn't discriminant against certain species or breeds and goes above and beyond to find a safe place for them even if in the end they end up living the rest of their life at the sanctuary. I would have preferred to have read more about the shelter and its various residents.
The only downside to this book was the choppy editing and the simple fact that this book was about Barby- Gabby was only a secondary character.

[Terri Wangard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is titled Gabby, but is more about author Barby Keel and her animal sanctuary in Bexhill, England. Gabby was a Lhasa Apso/Yorkshire mix that came to the shelter at age eight. She’d never been outside, didn’t know how to bark or play, wasn’t housebroken; just didn’t know how to be a dog.

Gabby’s previous owners were elderly, but they had other normal, healthy dogs. How Gabby could have been kept untrained all those years is unknown. Barby kept Gabby herself and, slowly, Gabby came out of her shell.

Much of the book focuses on the sanctuary and Barby’s bout with cancer, her fears of what would happen to the sanctuary without her, and her post-surgery depression. She credits Gabby with helping her recovery.

[Valleri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Far too much Barby and far too little Gabby.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story about Barby Keel and her dog Gabby. When Barby got Gabby, Gabby was a frightened eight-year old dog who had never been outside, was not house trained, did not know how to play with other dogs and could not bark (and these are the major shortfalls, though there are other, smaller ones). Barby runs a shelter for animals in Britain. The shelter takes in all animals people do not want or cannot keep and rehomes them, whenever and wherever possible. With Gabby, Barby was smitten from first sight and thus made her home Gabby’s, trying to make her a” regular dog” through lots of painstakingly difficult work and encouragement. Along the way, Barby was diagnosed with and underwent treatments for breast cancer. During this ordeal, Gabby stayed with her as always, providing Barby much needed comfort and support. As Barby worked through this difficult diagnosis and treatment, so also did Gabby work through her “growing into a dog” period. In addition to Barby’s and Gabby’s story, this is a memoir of Barby’s life, her refuge for animals and the outstanding work they do there.

This is definitely a book for animal lovers of all kinds, but especially dog lovers. It was heartening to watch Gabby transform from the frightened little dog she was on arrival to the proud, confident, loyal dog she became with Barby’s help and encouragement. I truly admire Barby all she has done, is doing and will do for animals people reject for whatever reason. It gives one a good feeling, today, when good feelings may not be found easily, to read about something so interesting, helpful and wonderful. I encourage all dog lovers as well as other animal lovers to read this truly magnificent story. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

[Lynn G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming book about the author's experience of running an animal sanctuary in England. Barby Keel is absolutely besotted by and devoted to all animals (with a certain amount of trepidation when it comes to horses). She adopted Gabby, the little Lhasa Apso/ Yorkie mix, when Gabby needed to be rehomed as her elderly owners had to move to a nursing home. The rest of the book revolves around the day to day operations of the sanctuary the efforts to have Gabby come to know what being a dog involved. She had never been outside, never been on a car ride, never been house trained, and had never barked. This book, while it has its serious moments, is delightful and makes the reader as enthused as all the volunteers (the motley crew) and Barby to be involved in the life of loving, rehoming, and caring for a large variety of animals.

[Moony (Captain Mischief) MeowPoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a cute heartfelt story. But sometimes i was a bit confused if it was a memoir or a fictional story. I think it was because of how it was written.
But i enjoyed to read about Gabby nontheless.

I got this eARC from Netgalley

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a heart-warming book. It made me cry so many times. I would recommend you read it, especially if you love animals. The trials humans and their pets go through is such a noble topic to write upon.

[Kayleigh | Welsh Book Fairy · Rating 3 out of 5]

— 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 —

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Gabby: The Little Dog that had to Learn to Bark
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: N/A
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫(𝐬): Barby Keel
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Non-Fiction
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 21st May 2019
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 3/5

Unfortunately, I couldn't really get the feel for Gabby. I felt that I was only depicted Gabby through Barby's eyes, rather than writing about Gabby in her own merit and allowing me to become emotionally invested in her journey. There were continuous descriptions of how Barby felt about her, instead of portraying Gabby's personality, triumphs and losses, and allowing the reader to fall for Gabby. By doing this, I found the novel more of a monotone memoir than a rewarding story.

I found that by the end I was mutinously bored and hauling myself through the book just to finish it. I feel like it should have ended earlier than it did. I wasn't emotionally invested in Barby. I wanted to be emotionally invested in Gabby, but I honestly didn't feel as though she was the centre of the story.

However; I found that this book was great for animal abuse awareness; full of knowledge, and love for all kinds of animals. Barby's affection towards animals definitely relays through her words, and her indignation at animal mistreatment or malnourishment is echoed by myself, making the story personable and relatable.

Unfortunately, this one wasn't for me.

Thank you to Net Galley for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

🧚🏻‍♀️

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[Ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another "Foster tails" story to warm the heart.
Barby Keel is her usual feisty and cranky but yet caring and compassionate self.
In this story we hear the tale of Gabby a foster dog that arrives needing help to find her voice and overcome her lack of confidence.
Barby works incredibly hard with her but her biggest battle is about to begin with a diagnosis of breast Cancer.
Barby and Gabby both have to fight to overcome adversity but who is really helping who?
They both find immense comfort and a will to survive and heal in each other just when they need it most.
A sweet story of one woman's commitment to the plight of animals.

[Stanley McShane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, while introducing Gabby, is a great deal more about the sanctuary located in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, England that Barby Keel created out of her love of animals.

After some spotlighting of the origins, growth, size, and population of the Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary, including the fleshing of a number of volunteers, we meet little Gabby, a Lhasa Apso/Yorkshire mix. Too adorable not to keep and love, too traumatized and lost to rehome, Barby keeps the eight-year-old and begins the long arduous task of teaching the dog to be a dog; not the least of which was to merely romp and play with other dogs, much less be house trained, which was a MAJOR accomplishment.

Along with the slow progress of Gabby was a description of the people who for whatever reason, surrender their animals, abandon, or mistreat them. In addition, there are those wild creatures who have met accidents and most need some veterinary care and meds as well as safe areas, proper food, water, and shelter. An enormous undertaking!

The discovery of Barby's breast cancer focuses sharply on her chosen path of treatment, the post-surgery depression, and the extended timeline of recovery. The novel obviously credits the love of the dog and the hope that Barby receives from Gabby's progress as the turning point in Barby's healing, but it seemed to side-track the story of Gabby as it became more autobiographical in nature.

The book appeals globally for the donations that keep the sanctuary afloat and points out the massive strides in the importance and success of the facility. There were times when I found the dialogue a bit unnatural and the repetitive theme became a little heavy. We covered that. Then we covered it again.

I received this digital download from the publisher and NetGalley and appreciated the opportunity to read and review. Recommended for those interested in animal outreach and rescue. 3.5/5 rounded up

See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2020/...

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questo libro racconta l’emozionante storia di Barby e di Gabby. La prima, una donna forte e determinata che ha dedicato la sua intera vita ad aiutare gli animali in difficoltà. La seconda, un incrocio di Lhasa Apso e Yorkshire terrier di 8 anni.

Barby ha aiutato animali di qualsiasi tipo, e in qualsiasi condizione nel corso degli anni, ma un caso come quello di Gabby non le era mai capitato.
La piccola ha vissuto la sua intera vita chiusa in casa, senza mai uscire, e il cuore di Barby si riempì di effetto e tenerezza alla vista del batuffolo biondo rannicchiato sotto il sedile della macchina, con grandi occhi dolci e terrorizzati.

Fu, come si suol dire, amore a prima vista. Ma la scoperta che fece nei giorni seguenti le spezzò il cuore.

«“Ho capito, finalmente. Gabby non sa abbaiare. Non sa giocare, né fare i bisogni fuori. In poche parole, non sa fare il cane».”

Ma Barby è una donna che non molla mai, e con molta dedizione e costanza riesce pian piano ad abbattere le barriere creatosi attorno alla piccola terrier, riuscendo a far riemergere, poco alla volta, il suo spirito vivace.

E mentre si prende cura di lei, Barby si accorge che a volte le vite di un cane e di un essere umano possono incastrarsi come due pezzi di un puzzle. L’amore di Gabby sarà in grado di ripagarla proprio quando Barby e il suo rifugio ne avranno più bisogno.

Un libro emozionante, che ci illustra quello che si nasconde dietro una dei tanti ricoveri per animali sparsi per il mondo.
La prova del legame che si può creare tra un cane e il suo padrone.
Consigliato a tutti gli amanti degli animali.

Tratto da una storia vera.

Elena Feraru

[Tamsynsbookreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a true story about a woman who loves animals ever since she was little and when she was old enough she started her own sanctuary for animals who have been abandoned or neglected and not wanted anymore and each day at the sanctuary was a challenge that was always completed no matter how hard it was.

What I liked the most about this book is how caring this woman is and what she went through to make her dreams come true of having this amazing sanctuary. This book made me feel different emotions made me happy and also sad as a couple of times had to stop myself from crying but what an amazing book it was.

In my opinion, this book didn't disappoint me I thought the ending would of been different but it wasn't and I love the ending. It really gets you thinking of all them poor animals out there all alone and cold and makes you love your pets even more than you already do.

To summarise my review this book is an amazing read and I recommend it to any pet lovers and I wouldn't recommend to children or teens maybe young adults and adults I think it will be too sad for younger children. I have given this book a 10 out of 10 it was a really good read.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love animals, you will love this great read...

Barby Keel lives her love every day and has spent almost her entire life building and running her Sanctuary and caring for thousands of animals. This book shares a part of Barby's life both personal and professional, opening the door of her Sanctuary and giving us a glimpse of her day-to-day life at a time when she was fighting one of the most difficult battles of her life. At the same time, she is teaching a sweet little dog who has a mysterious past how to be a dog. Her writing is crisp and clear and somehow she manages to make you feel like you are there with her through all the joys and sorrows that go along with running a very large and very loving Sanctuary for all animals in need. I can't wait to read her next book in the Foster Tails series!! I could not put this book down!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brings light to an amazing animal shelter in the U.K. A place where no animal is turned away. A true story written by the owner of the animal shelter, you learn how life is running a shelter. Feel the soft furry friends, see the peacock roaming the grounds.

This book opens our eyes to how we can help animals, both big and small. Imagine a bird with a broken wing. She takes them in and has them treated, releasing when healed.

The community comes together to support this animal shelter. You can too. With the purchase of your book, you are supporting it. All proceeds go to the animal shelter. I hope you find it in your heart to pick up a copy for yourself and give as gifts.

A wonderful book. Moving.

[Koren · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute short story about a dog that came to an animal sanctuary after living it's entire 8 years with an elderly couple who went to a nursing home and so they had to surrender their pets. The dog had never been socialized or been outside, didn't know how to play and was not even housebroken. Even though this lady had 500 animals at the sanctuary, for some reason she instantly developed a soft spot for this little dog and took the time to train him to act like a dog should. He even gave her the strength to go through her own bout with breast cancer. I appreciated the patience it took to train the dog as I am currently trying to tame a feral cat and small steps are so exciting. Just two days ago the cat I'm befriending let me hold him for the first time and it was amazing.

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Identified with Barby

First off I read for fun not to critique so I have nothing to say about style or character building or whatever people find issue with. I enjoyed this book. I laughed and cried as I identified with the same struggles and happiness Barby faced in her life, from a hard childhood due to a mean mother to turning to animals as friends and family because they love unconditionally unlike humans. How many catch Gabby’s struggle to be a normal dog is like many of us humans that were also neglected in our childhood struggle to be a normal human? I would recommend this book to anyone that is feeling broken from their hard childhood. You’ll laugh and cry but your heart will find another piece of the puzzle toward mending it.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world needs more people like Barby Keel and her animal sanctuary volunteers. In Keel's Gabby: The Little Dog That Had to Learn to Bark, the novel chronicles Barby's 'tail' to save Gabby, a rescue dog unable to bark, play or even go outside. While Barby attempts to bring the frightened animal out of her shell, Gabby's love and devotion rescues Barby during a life-threatening situation.

As an animal rescue volunteer throughout the years at Brooklyn's BARC (Brooklyn Animal Rescue Coalition-no-kill shelter) and centers overseas, this story hits home. It demonstrates that one person can make a difference and the world a better place.

[Chad Alexander Guarino da Verona · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very quick read about life on an animal sanctuary and a strange little dog who doesn’t know how to be a dog. Gabby is a charming tale, if a bit repetitive at times. The author’s work is admirable, and the reader gets a good idea of the time and effort that goes into running a sanctuary where unwanted animals are brought on a daily basis. Keel’s passion and zeal are front and center, which adds authenticity to the narrative. A very good pickup for animals lovers.

*Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review*

[Lisa Konet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best book I’ve completed reading with animals for a long time! Gabby the sweet rescue dog needs her owner Barby as much as Barby needs each other. The story was relatable and gives an insight and depth to anyone who fosters, rescues and supports animals. Most of the time, animals know us and love us better than most people and vice versa.

Such a great story!!! Thank you to Barby for sharing such a powerful story, the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I’ll be recommending this to all my animal love friends.

[Katherine I. Perino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story of an amazing animal sanctuary and the woman who started it and keeps it going

This woman and those who give their time to help her rehabilitate abandoned or unwanted or dumped animals, inc!using cows, seagulls, pigs, cats birds and dogs. It is an amazing story of a woman devoted to saving any animal which no one else wants and giving it a forever home. I would love to see this sanctuary and meet these devoted people who give their time, energy and love for the unwanted animals.

[Camille Sandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabby

This is the second book by Bar by Keep that I read. The first book that I read was Will You Love Me. I read them backwards. Loved them both . The only thing I can say is that I am glad I read her second book first. The poor animal in that book had a tortured life. He was just dumped at the Sanctuary literally. Bar by named him Baily and nursed him back to health. Then she had to revoke him. Sad to see him go she started to focus on Gabby. The little dog that didn't know how to bark . The rest is history. If you love animals, read these two books.

[linda murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming

If you love animals, all animals, you will love this book. Baby has a large animal sanctuary, where she takes all kinds of animals in, some by circumstances beyond the previous owners ability, some found, and some discarded because they aren't wanted anymore. One day a couple drop off a beautiful, frightened little dog, and Barby knows she can't rehome Gabby. She's fallen in love with beautiful, little dog, that knew nothing about being a dog she didn't even know how to bark.

[Cindy Dyson Eitelman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely little book that should have been much smaller. Or larger--I would have really enjoyed reading more about the animals in the sanctuary and the people who worked there. That part--and there was a good bit of it--was great and could have been much larger. And the dog Gabby was very interesting, and the author herself also.

But I have to recommend it with caution--the parts about the author and Gabby were very repetitive. At times I wondered if she were repeating a previous passage verbatim. Probably not, but it got really old re-reading the same thoughts again and again.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was really inspiring and I couldn't stop smiling. When i first selected this book to read i thought it was going to be a tearjerker like Marley and me but it wasn't. it was uplifting instead. It shows how people should love animals more. Too many become neglected these days. I always thought about volunteering at the local humane society, after reading this book I am going to start. i give this five stars. Thank you netgalley for giving me this advanced copy.

[Nancy Luebke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this interesting book about Barby Keel and a little dog she bonded with, for free and I voluntarily chose to review it. I've given it a 4* rating. Her love and respect for animals are a large part of her little kingdom where she and her many volunteers care and heal many animals. She seems to have an instinctive knowledge of what many of these poor animals need. This is just a later chapter in her life with these animals. I think animals lovers will enjoy this.

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It was a cute, inspiring story about Gabby, a dog who essentially had never gotten to be socialized like a normal dog. Gabby was raised with elderly folks who kept her inside mostly so I can let readers now thats her background. The book interspersed Gabby's life with her new owner's sanctuary and life. Still a good story & a relatively quick read. I got this from a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.