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The Puppy No One Wanted: The little dog desperate for a home to call his own

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Barby Keel is used to all manner of creatures arriving at the door of the Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary where she lives and works, deep within the Sussex countryside. Nothing can prepare her for the arrival of Teddy, however, a neglected, traumatised puppy who is dumped at the gates of the sanctuary in a filthy box, terrified and desperate for someone to love. Despite his scruffy appearance, Barby can't help but feel a spark of affection for the overgrown puppy. But with Barby living in a caravan along with her four other dogs, she knows in her heart of hearts that Teddy deserves a more stable forever home. Wiping away tears, she waves Teddy away to his new life with a young couple, knowing that she's done what's best for the animal. But barely a few days later, Teddy is returned to the sanctuary, his new family unable to cope with his boisterous behaviour and his ever-growing size. Barby tries desperately to re-home him, but Teddy is rejected over and over again by his new foster families. Anxious and terrified of being separated from her, Barby is now faced with the impossible task of working through the traumas of Teddy's past to help the young dog. But when she receives the devastating news that her beloved younger brother has received a shocking diagnosis, Barby's life as she knows it is thrown into disarray. Can the love of a gentle giant help Barby through the unimaginable? And will Barby's unwavering devotion set Teddy free from the suffering he has endured?

256 pages, Paperback

Published October 3, 2019

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Barby Keel

14 books27 followers

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5 stars
396 (68%)
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118 (20%)
3 stars
57 (9%)
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6 (1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,452 reviews264 followers
December 31, 2021
The Puppy No One Wanted by Barby Keel is about Teddy the wolfhound mix puppy. Teddy had been neglected and traumatized and his future was looking very bleak. It is thanks to Barby’s animal shelter where many unwanted dogs like Teddy get their second chance in the hope of finding their forever home.

I loved this story, but I knew I would as soon as I saw the cover that I was going to enjoy it and I was right. It takes a special kind of person to do what Barby does because running an animal shelter is a full-time job and it’s also an emotional one. I’m sure if animals could talk they would say thank you, Barby. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Deanne Patterson.
2,408 reviews120 followers
November 26, 2022
I put off reading this book because I knew it would make me cry and it did, more than once.
I am such a softy when it comes to animals, I even cried when I read Charlotte's Web when I was a child. I had no idea the spider would die.
As such an animal lover it was hard to read this book in places especially when it detailed the abuse the puppy received before it was unceremoniously dumped in a cardboard box outside of the gates of Barb Keely's pet rescue center.
The Barby Keely Animal Sanctuary in the beautiful Sussex countryside was never meant to be. Barby's father brought home animals needing rescued and this is she got her passionate love for animals. Built from the ground up, it is still one of the remaining private sanctuaries in Britan.
I loved seeing how Barby has such a true passion for animals and devotes her whole life to them.
Though the book does get into the some of the other animals that were there at the time of the writing, many cats, several dogs, a rescue horse, chickens, ducks, goats, and more animals.
Most of the book focuses on Teddy though, a gorgeous Wolfhound/ Briard mix who just wanted love and affection but just got abuse in his former home. The puppy was huge, gangly and prone to chewing and knocking things over because of his size. Well, we all know puppies chew, they need to supervised, shown love and understanding and given toys which was done when he arrived at the sanctuary. Teddy is what we call a foster fail. Now if you don't know what that is, it is when a dog goes to a new home to be adopted but is returned because they are not compatible with their new home. This happened with Teddy multiple times. I think the author was more than happy about this as her heart had already fallen in love with this dog. Like many dogs, Teddy has behavioral issues that Barby works with a dog behavioralist to help get them straightened out. She shows a lot of compassion for her animals, and it just makes my heart sing to read about someone so devoted to animals such as this woman. I would really love to meet her and visit her animal sanctuary one day. I am a better person for having read this book.
Please if you have a little extra consider donating to your local animal shelter, their vet bills and feeding cost are so expensive. Also, won't you please consider donating some of your time to volunteering at these animal shelters. They always appreciate all you can do for them.
Here is the link to her animal sanctuary if you'd like more information on it https://barbykeelanimalsanctuary.org/

June 29,2021 publish date.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Barbara Powell.
1,135 reviews67 followers
June 14, 2021
A sweet story about a gentle giant wolfhound mix who finally found his forever home at Barby’s animal sanctuary and brought more joy and love to Barby and her volunteers than they gave-and they gave loads! Teddy is a large, clumsy dog with giant paws and is afraid of the dark. Several families tried to care for him but they weren’t a good fit until he came to stay at Barby’s sanctuary filled with kittens, goats, dogs, pigs & birds. Barby did her best to see that any animal in her area that was no longer wanted to able to be cared for was given a new chance at life and finding a forever home, but in Teddy’s case, he became her best friend and his forever home was right beside her.
As an animal lover, I enjoyed this story of hope and determination to give them the best life they could have.
Thanks to Seven Dials and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
Profile Image for Shirley McAllister.
1,084 reviews162 followers
May 20, 2021
A dog named Teddy

An adorable story about a wolfhound mix named Teddy and how he found his forever home. This was a good read, I loved reading about the dog with the large paws and puppy energy that was afraid of the dark.

The story is about Teddy, but it is about the animal sanctuary that Barb ran and how her vision to care for animals became a reality. How she managed to run this sanctuary for all types of different animals , both well and sick with private funds. The small sanctuary that grew to thousands of animals. From dogs and cats to pigs, goats, birds and a horse. She made sure that no animal was turned away and that all were treated humanely. When they could be they were re homed. Funds were raised by fundraisers and private donations.

The sanctuary was run by herself and volunteers, both young and old and rich and poor. Everyone that wanted to help found a way to help these animals. I only wish there were more places like this for abandoned and unwanted animals.

This is the story of one woman , her dream and the dog that became her constant companion.
I loved the Characters, the story, and the idea behind it all.

Thanks so much to Barby Keel, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of the book for an honest review.
38 reviews
February 12, 2020
I’ve just finished this book... I had no intentions of spending the entire day reading, but that’s exactly what I did. I read this book in one sitting and I completely fell in love with it. Barby is an amazing soul, this book made me smile and cry my eyes out. It proved to me that when life is hard there is always something worth living for and you can find that in the form of a scruffy four legged pal! I admire Barby’s sanctuary and everything they do and I’m so excited to learn more about it. I’m so glad I picked this book up on a whim and I don’t think I’ll ever forget it!
Profile Image for Kelly.
780 reviews38 followers
April 10, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book by Barby Keel that I've read. I love how passionate she is about the animals in her care. I admire her for dedicating her life to her animal sanctuary.
The focus of this book is on Teddy, a huge teddy bear of a dog. He is such a comfort to her during the illness and death of Barby's beloved brother. All animal lovers will enjoy her books.
1,631 reviews8 followers
August 13, 2021
I love animals of all types, so when I see a book written about one, I am usually a sucker for reading it. And that is why I requested this book. However, like so many of these types of books, the story is actually more about the author than the actual animals, and that is not why I chose to read it. I want to hear the story about the animal. At first it started with a pup that was dropped off at a sanctuary. They only tried twice to find new owners before Barb decided to keep the dog for herself. Then it turned into a story about her brother dying and about the only thing you really heard about the dog after that was that he helped her deal with her grief. Not really what the title implied the story would be about.
Profile Image for Mary Brown.
1,298 reviews74 followers
July 27, 2021
This book was very heartwarming and touching. It is the story of a puppy, Teddy, that gets left at an animal sanctuary. They try to rehome him a couple of times but he keeps getting returned for one reason or another. Finally the lady at the sanctuary, Barby, decides to keep him for herself and boy is she glad did. The bond that they formed was unbreakable and everlasting. They both learned from each other and they both needed each other.

This book reminds us of how special animals are and how their love can make all the difference in our lives. They can help us through emotional problems and keep our spirits up, no matter what is going on.

This book had me smiling at some parts and near tears at others. I think that every dog lover should read this book. I am very glad that I did.


Profile Image for Kay Townsend.
358 reviews
March 30, 2020
Another great book by this author. Very sad but also a good read. Would recommend it.
Profile Image for HappyBookWorm2020.
474 reviews15 followers
March 28, 2021
I liked this book a lot and already have gotten another book by this author to read. Any animal lover will enjoy this book, particularly those who have taken in homeless animals, done fostering, or animal rescue.

I wish the world had more Barby Keels and more Barby Keel Animal Sanctuaries. It started by the author beginning to take in stray animals and building shelters for them on her land. Word spread and there were more animals. Then came volunteers as the numbers grew. She officially founded the Sanctuary in 1971.

The Sanctuary takes in all kinds of animals and fowl, including farm animals. The Sanctuary is now owned and run by a non-profit so it will continue indefinitely, I admire Ms. Keel so much for that, as she made sure that the work of saving animals would go on after she was no longer able. They are a no-kill sanctuary - animals are only euthanized when they are suffering.

The narration in this book is shared between the animals and Barby. I loved the animal narration which I thought was spot on. Most dogs, in particular, are so loving and want to please, and they don't understand when they are isolated away from their humans and frequently, don't understand why they are being punished. This puppy just broke my heart. I would have taken him in a heartbeat.

Barby's narration was at times abrasive (she and her mother did not get along) but I was able to ignore those parts and enjoy the parts where she talked about her passion - caring for animals. (I had some sympathy for her mother as all six of her kids fed strays - who stayed. At one time, we had over 20 dogs.) Barby Keel started her sanctuary in 1971.

Thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC. These are my opinions of this book.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,095 reviews34 followers
June 21, 2021
Author Barby Keel runs an animal shelter for abandoned animals - dogs, cats, chickens, pigs, goats and at least one horse. Aided by dedicated volunteers, funded by donations, the shelter provides care and, most importantly, love for all animals in need. And then Teddy arrives.

Abused by a cruel owner during his early months and then dropped (literally) at the shelter’s gates in a cardboard box, Teddy is a large, gangly 10 month old Irish Wolfhound/Briard cross. He instantly bonds with Barby and, although she tries to have him adopted, he becomes her dog. Somehow, he misbehaves just enough for each prospective owner to be returned to the shelter and his treasured Barby. And it’s a good thing too, because when her beloved brother Peter is diagnosed with leukemia, Teddy is at her side (literally) during the illness.

The Puppy No One Wanted is about Barby and Teddy. It’s also about the love that people have for their pets, and vice versa, and how that love relaxes and calms them both. Barby Keel shows us how abuse can emotionally damage a dog and may make it difficult for him to find a new home with caring owners. But most of all she shows how the power of love can change both - the owner and the dog. This is a book every dog lover will want to read. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books and Barby Keel for this ARC.
268 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2021
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this sweet book. What a sweet book. Barby Keel’s sanctuary sounds like heaven for both people and animals. This book centers in the story of Teddy, an Irish Wolfhound mix, who was dumped at Ms. Keel’s gate after the heinous crime of chewing and knocking things over. Ms. Keel attempts to place him in a home three different times and, each time, he is returned due to his boisterousness as well as his refusal to housetrain.
Teddy is immediately irresistible. I was easily able to picture every aspect of him. The portion of the book told from his point of view was sweet, heart-breaking, and endearing. I love when authors do that. It makes the emotions involved much more intense. I smiled and cried throughout this whole book. We all have that animal that touched our lives and hearts in a different way than the others. Clearly, Teddy was one of these special angels. Barby never gave up on him and he repaid her by standing by her side through all of lives hurdles and joys.
This story was a joy to read and I hope there are more from Barby Keel. #NetGalley #ThePuppyNoOneWanted
Profile Image for Penny Leidecker.
2,678 reviews26 followers
June 30, 2021
This is a new author to me and I’m so glad I had the chance to read this emotional story about friends, family, and their fur babies. Barby got her love of animals from her father and he’s joined her at her animal sanctuary. In this book, we meet Teddy, an Irish Wolfhound puppy. Although, he’s adopted, the people keep returning him. Teddy and Barby have a special bond and we can tell they really love each other during the reading of this book. Although this isn’t a romance, you will still feel the love. I won’t leave any spoilers, but I will say, I’m so happy Barby finally learned why Teddy wouldn’t go outside to do his business at night. Fair warning, you will need tissues at times.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.
1,455 reviews23 followers
November 17, 2022
The Puppy No One Wanted

I loved this heartwarming story of Teddy, a mix Wolfhound puppy who was abused and left in a box at the gate of the Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary. After trying to get a couple of families to adopt him and having him returned, Barby decided to keep him as her pet. When he died at the age of 13, Barby realized that Teddy was her guardian angel who arrived in time to help her through her brother's bout with leukemia and his death. Of all the hundreds of animals of all varieties at the sanctuary, Teddy was her most remembered and loved rescue. I highly recommend this book if you are an animal lover. This was my first book to read by this author, Barby Keel, and it won't be my last. All proceeds from buying her books go to the operating costs of the sanctuary. I was happy to find out about that at the end of the book.
Profile Image for Lorena.
852 reviews23 followers
July 3, 2021
A woman in grief and an abused puppy rescue each other

This memoir is a bit slow and repetitive, but a heartwarming story of the healing relationship between people and dogs. The first half of the book focuses on the mystery of why Teddy can’t find a new home and includes some interesting information about fostering dogs. The second half of the book deals more with how Teddy helps Barby recover from trauma and grief to lead a more fulfilling life.

Animal lovers will likely appreciate this inspiring story. If you’re curious about animal sanctuaries, this book offers some insight into how they function. Also, sales of the author's books help support her animal sanctuary.

I was provided an unproofed ARC through NetGalley that I volunteered to review.
158 reviews
May 27, 2021
Barby Keel runs the Barby Keel Animal Shelter. In this story, her and her group of volunteers take in Teddy, a scruffy looking puppy who is left outside the gate and has definitely been traumatized. If you are an animal lover be sure and have your kleenex close by as you hear the story of Teddy and feel the frustration of trying to find him a forever home when each time he is brought back because of behavior problems. This story touched my heart as an animal lover and I could not put it down. Thank you very much Net Galley, Seven Dials and Barby Keel for an ARC e-book in exchange for an honest review. #ThePuppyNoOneWanted#NetGalley
158 reviews
May 27, 2021
Barby Keel runs the Barby Keel Animal Shelter. In this story, her and her group of volunteers take in Teddy, a scruffy looking puppy who is left outside the gate and has definitely been traumatized. If you are an animal lover be sure and have your kleenex close by as you hear the story of Teddy and feel the frustration of trying to find him a forever home when each time he is brought back because of behavior problems. This story touched my heart as an animal lover and I could not put it down. Thank you very much Net Galley, Seven Dials and Barby Keel for an ARC e-book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lisa Konet.
2,337 reviews10 followers
May 27, 2021
This is the 3rd book I have read my Barby Keel about rescuing animals of all kinds and another favorite. This time the story centers around a Wolfhound mix dog named puppy who is afraid of the dark and has a sad story of abandonment, I could never do this to any of my animals. Another dog that has a heartbreaking story but finds a home and love with Barby Keel at her animal sanctuary. This book tugs on all your heartstrings and makes you want to hold your own animals even closer. As a new veterinary assistant and animal lover, a highly recommended read!

Thanks to NetGalley, Barby Keel and Kensington Books Citadel for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available: 6/29/21
16 reviews
February 14, 2022
Genuine Emotion

Ms. Keel’s writing is not highly polished or grammatically perfect. It is however, sincere. Her relationship with the people and world around her is re-counted as matter-of-factly as if she were sitting and talking to the reader. There may be gaps in the story, but there are no gaps in her love for Teddy, the title puppy, or the work she does for all animals. I can overlook any literary flaws to give a four star rating to a book filled with such openness and which benefits her wonderful work - and honors Teddy, a fine and faithful companion.
Profile Image for Donald.
82 reviews
October 16, 2021
If you have ever had a rascally pup that seemed to defy all of your attempts to correct a behavior but you loved him anyway, you will enjoy this book. It is the story of loyalty on the part of not only the pup but the human that stuck with him.

You will also get a glimpse into the world of rescue. It is hard, grueling work that takes a special dedication to survive.

The most difficult times of life are made easier with the love of a loyal dog.
Profile Image for gail lassiter.
153 reviews
April 23, 2022
True book, true heartfelt feelings!

If you have never needed an animal to love and to receive love from an animal, then you are a very fortunate human! You were around someone who held you and comforted
you while you cried over something as simple as spilled milk! If you didn't receive unconditional love from your humans, you may seek solace in a four legged animal who loves freely and without conditions! Just my opinion: but written honestly!
38 reviews
August 18, 2022
A very sweet story about a beautiful puppy that found his forever home with the owner of a wondeful sanctuary. The teddy reminded me so much of my MAcibear. He is has paws that are way to big for the rest of his body, that is h til he becomes full grown, and it makes him so clumsy. My MAcibear was like a bill in a China store because her paws and legs were so big for her until her body caught up so Everytime teddy made a mess in the story it brought back so many memories for me!!! Must read
9 reviews
January 17, 2025
A lovely story of love.

I can relate to Barby and Teddy.
I also had a dog who loved me after my mom had died. She was my best friend. She lived to be 18 years old. I've loved all my dogs, but she came to me when I needed her most.
This story touched my heart.
Barby's sanctuary is the last hope for many animals. God bless you for all the love you give. A second chance to be loved.
Profile Image for linda murray.
251 reviews
July 11, 2021
Teddy I Love You!

This beautiful puppy that no one seemed to want except the author and her sanctuary nearly brought me to tears frequently as I read the book! The Barby Keel Sanctuary is a Godsend for abandoned, unwanted animals, but Teddy was extra special! May the purchase of this book help the sanctuary!
Profile Image for Annarella.
14.2k reviews165 followers
July 24, 2021
A sweet and poignant story that made smile and moved me.
i loved the relationship between Barby and Teddy, there's love and there's acceptance.
I love big dogs and can understand how hard can be to live with a wolfhound.
It's a bit repetitive at times but i thoroughly enjoyed it.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Profile Image for Tim Deaton.
76 reviews
October 9, 2021
A Puppy And A Human Who Saved Each Other.

A big, awkward puppy rejected by one home after another, finds himself dumped at a rescue facility run by a woman who, herself, grew up in a home where she was rejected by her mother. This is the story of the year when she saved him and then he saved her.
Profile Image for Carol Farrington.
459 reviews6 followers
March 17, 2022
A lovely story about rescue, both the ups and downs of it. The first chapter was rough as it described a situation the puppy MAY have come from when he was dumped. As he was dumped it is unknown what his history really held. After that the story covered the work put in to help the puppy adjust to a new home as well as how he helped the shelter owner through the ups and downs of her life.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
842 reviews60 followers
December 23, 2023
My life has never been complete unless I had an animal in it.

This was a truly wonderful story about humanity and empathy towards those four-legged children who need love and care and receive it unconditionally, just as animals give back that love unconditionally.

Humans could learn so many lessons about life from these amazing four legged creatures.
2 reviews2 followers
June 25, 2024
A Most Special Story

This story touched me so deeply and once again gave a beautiful example of how important the animal/human bond is. I think God lives in all of our fur babies and is there to touch our human hearts. The story of Teddy and Barby will be forever in my heart and mind.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

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