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Diary of a Dumpster Pup: How a cat lover saved the life of an abandoned newborn puppy. A true story.

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Ten puppies, just hours old, are found abandoned in a Dumpster. How could anyone be so cruel? This book takes you on a week by week journey to save the life of Bandit, one of those puppies. The author, a cat lover who has never owned nor cared for a dog, must become mother and lifeline to a newborn dying puppy. The author shares moments of joy and sorrow as Bandit survives and finds a loving new family. Color photos throughout enhance this touching true story. A family-friendly book enjoyed by children and adults.

61 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 23, 2014

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Beverly Keil

5 books4 followers

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5 stars
381 (64%)
4 stars
128 (21%)
3 stars
62 (10%)
2 stars
17 (2%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Stephen Wallace.
853 reviews103 followers
December 27, 2024
A true story of newborn puppies found in a dumpster and a cat lady who volunteers to save a couple. A small little paperback book that is a quick read with lots of photographs. The story is told from two points of view, from Beverly's and from the dog that will be named Bandit. Unfortunately I am not a fan of stories told from a dog's point of view and the story is not happy for all of the 10 newborn puppies found in the dumpster.
Profile Image for Valleri.
1,014 reviews45 followers
July 4, 2021
This was such a sweet story! It brought back so many memories of when I rescued a very skinny dog that had been abandoned by my neighbors ... and she thanked me by having puppies a week later. I chuckled when the author searched the internet on what to do for the two newborn puppies she was fostering. Yep. I did that, too. I knew nothing about pregnant dogs. Or a dog giving birth. I was so lucky mama-dog knew what to do! Ohhh ... and when the author sobbed as she gave the dog she had loved and nurtured to its forever home! Yep. I did that, too. (Although I confess to having kept mama-dog and one of the puppies!)

Diary of a Dumpster Dog is something like only 54 pages but it is PACKED with heart!! Beverly Keil, you're a STAR!!
Profile Image for Annie Z..
301 reviews5 followers
June 17, 2022
What this book lacks in literary quality it makes up for with emotional impact and photos. Great true story of a puppy rescue.
Profile Image for Claudia.
1,288 reviews39 followers
January 13, 2021
Bandit was literally left inside a dumpster with his nine brothers and sisters mere hours after their birth. Fortunately someone discovered the tiny pups and rushed them to Pet Network Animal Shelter in Tahoe where vets would check them over and volunteers would foster them.

Beverly Keil was a volunteer and an admitted cat person but she stepped up to the daunting task of taking responsibility for two of these orphans. Feeding them every two hours which at the beginning they didn't even know how to suckle. Rub their bellies to get them to piddle and poop - a task their unknown mother would have done. Keep them warm, sheltered and safe. And even with all that knowledge and care, realizing that some of the puppies would likely not survive. They were too young and no one knew what variety of pests and bacteria they had been exposed to in that dumpster.

Bandit's sister did die as did three others but in the end, six of the puppies - which DNA results state they were crosses between Border Collie and Doberman - were neutered and found their forever homes.

Every once in a while, you need a happy-ever-after ending to a story about our overpopulation of cats and dogs. So many are euthanized because their owners refuse to be responsible for their pets and any litters that may be sired or born. But in this instance, the cruelty of the owner is trumped by the generous hearts and Lady Luck smiling beneficently on these small pups.

Oh, and there are lots of pictures taken from the day Kiel received Bandit and sister to the pictures supplied by Bandit's new owners who take him kayaking and hiking and cross-country skiing!

2021-009
Profile Image for Sue Coletta.
Author 32 books146 followers
August 29, 2018
When I read the opening pages of Diary of a Dumpster Pup, I had to set the book aside for a few days to regain my composure. Years ago, I hand-reared a litter of 13 puppies when their mother (our dog) was incapable of producing milk and frankly, became overwhelmed. Once I mentally prepared, I dove back in, reading the author's weekly account, tears streaming down my cheeks as I flipped page after page, consumed by Bandit's story and this caring woman (the author) who had more than enough love to share. She had no experience with dogs, never mind newborn puppies. Yet, she set her life on hold to ensure this tiny pup had the best possible start in life. I don't want to ruin the story by revealing the ending. Let's just say, the author demonstrated the true meaning of love when she put Bandit's happiness above her own.

As for the litter I hand-reared years ago, three of the puppies enriched our lives for ten great years. The others found forever homes and often came to visit their litter-mates. One day, on the other side of the rainbow bridge, I'll see my babies again. Till then, they will always have a special place in my heart.

If you're an animal lover, don't miss Diary of a Dumpster Pup!
Profile Image for Teresa.
77 reviews9 followers
November 15, 2022
Somehow it was shorter than I expected. I didn't research before buying, but still a cute well short tale written by a true animal lover. Great photos!
2 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2021
A foster moms first journey

This book was beautifully written it tells the story of hoe disposable some think pups are and the warriors and fosters that save them. How they remarkable save most of the litter. If you have been touched by this story try fostering its so worthwhile and its usually only a two week commitment. A short time in your life but means so much to the pups and saves lives. I have been lucky to have had 37 fosters pups live with us and we got to pick which home they went to. Our last group was momma and seven pups during hurricane season down south they were brought north by the rescue we fostered for they reached out to us though we had retired and moved north over 2 1/2hours we made the trip two days later we had them about 3 weeks they were all weaned when we got them and momma we adopted she is a hound and was such a sweet momma. I laughed. thru this book died and signed. Bandit you had a fantastic foster and looks like you got a forever family who will continue the love and being spoiled you got use to
Profile Image for linda murray.
252 reviews
December 11, 2021
Absolutely Delightful!

This book is from a tiny pilot's point of view and his foster mom! From dumpster to a loving, secure home in just a few harrowing months! Bandit, the little star of this book, and nine brothers and sisters were dumped near a dumpster, while only a few hours old, on a cold night! They were rescued by a kind person, and taken to a pet shelter for help. Tiny, cold and hungry, with no mom in sight, a plea was put out for foster homes, and the author decided she had to answer the call, despite only having raised cats! She takes two home, a brother and sister, and starts the long process of keeping them alive and thriving! Some don't make it, but little Bandit does, and it's a wonderful story for animal lovers!



133 reviews2 followers
December 9, 2020
I love this true story

I chose the 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating because I loved this true story. These pups had a rough start, but I loved reading about their life from the beginning until their happy new beginning. The person who threw these beautiful pups away should be ashamed. They didn't deserve to lose their Mom and each other as newborns. I hope the person who did this learns what it feels like to be thrown away. I also feel sad for Mommy dog who lost all of her pups after giving birth. I loved everything about this true story except the rough start of their beginning. I recommend this story for people of all ages.
894 reviews12 followers
January 17, 2024
Loved and enjoyed this short book about both the best and worst of mankind. The “only” thing that I did not agree with was at the end when the author said 3 to 4 million animals are “euthanized” each year. Euthanasia is the gift to end suffering. It is not interchangeable with killing. Overcrowded shelters are forced to “kill” animals when irresponsible people dump their pets there. Animals are only “euthanized” when they are sick. Big difference. I know it sounds nicer to use that word but it’s not fair to the animals that are killed.
457 reviews5 followers
March 5, 2021
Sucker for puppies

This is just a short little journal about an abandoned litter of newborn mutts with a happy and bittersweet ending. If Beverly's words can help anyone become inspired to rescue or foster a needy animal then her joyful work is well paid. I finished this in less than half an hour but I won't ever forget it. Thanks to the animal rescue of South Lake Tahoe, their volunteer, staff vets, techs, and supporters. This is a great little story.
Profile Image for Annette C.
217 reviews27 followers
June 13, 2021
As the Mom of a rescue dog I very much enjoyed this quick doggie diary. Bandit is precious. All I can think about is how our rescue Chocolate Labrador Cocoa Bean must have been through some things before adoption. We had her from April 2001 through November 2010 when she died from cancer. She brought so much joy to our family and my son adored her.

Rescue dogs appreciate the attention and affection and give back so much love.
18 reviews
December 28, 2020
A wonderfully rewarding quick read!

Bandit (the pup) stars in a wonderful diary tale by Beverly Kell. She does a great job describing the trials and tribulations of someone raising a newborn pup. It is not an easy assignment but the two of them work it out together. Heartwarming and much needed in these fading days of 2020.
Profile Image for Ginger Schmucker.
9 reviews
August 15, 2021
Not a book I really liked.

I enjoyed reading about the story of the puppies and the patience of the foster family. But was not impressed with the book. It's really not a real book. It's more like a article for a magazine. I was all set to read a good book and I was disappointed. Personally, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. It just didn't meet my expectations.
1 review
January 7, 2022
Lucky little dumpster pup

I loved this book! The little “Bandit” grows into a beautiful, well behaved dog.
I salute Beverly Keil for having the patience to take a little puppy and “grow” him into a handsome dog!! I plan to help my 8 year old granddaughter read the story of Bandit and his litter mates!
This book is very heartwarming and suitable for all readers.
1,088 reviews4 followers
May 30, 2022
A very good rescued pup book

How sad that someone had dumped 10 newborn puppies in a dumpster. Thank goodness they got foster parents for all of them. Four lost their lives but 6 survived. I loved the photos and the growth of the 6. They found forever homes and that was so awesome.
21 reviews
November 17, 2022
This book should be read by anyone looking Gor a dog.

This book gives you a better look at what happens when your dog or cat has not been neutered or spayed. Over population in our pet world causing so many animals to be put to their death. Lets all do something about this world wide problem. Rescue before you buy.😇
133 reviews
November 20, 2022
Good book

I once fostered 4 orphaned lab pups, whose mom had died. I know about 4 babies crying at one time, but I will never forget taking them back to the shelter for adoption. The techs were amazed at how big they were! I thoroughly enjoyed this small book, and she described our experiences perfectly! You will like it, too.
Profile Image for Karen.
436 reviews2 followers
August 29, 2020
I ordered this "book" off Amazon. It was really more of a short story. Money goes to pet charity.
Cute and easy to read with good information about pet rescue. But it only took me about 15 minutes to get thru it.
8 reviews
February 13, 2021
Puppies..

I loved this book! I have a rescue puppy myself and she is the sweetest baby! I loved the telling of the story with the dogs experience included and all the pictures along the way! Very uplifting story!!
Profile Image for Dale Hamilton.
2 reviews
February 25, 2021
My heart went out to these lil pups and I praise the foster families for their hard work. Beverly has a great heart and great strength to do what she did. I would’ve found it too difficult. Just tending to my one dog is a lot for me. Congratulations for a task well done.
Profile Image for Ruth Siedlicki.
2 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2021
Good read

Tugs at the heart strings! How can anyone be so cruel to dump TEN newborn pups in a dumpster? No heart for sure.
This read makes your heart happy as you hear the final result
2 reviews
December 27, 2021
Heartwarming Story

I am a huge dog lover and this story made my heart smile! Bandit is one special puppy and Beverly a true hero! This is a great light reading story when you need a smile on your face! 😍
Profile Image for Alice Chasey.
47 reviews
August 12, 2022
I can never resist a good puppy book!

This is no exception, just 54 pages so an extremely easy read. A mostly happy but a bit sad tale about 10 newborn pups found in a dumpster and the foster parents who fought for their survival!
1 review
November 16, 2022
Great Read!!!

This a great read. I ordered it on Kindle and read the entire book I in a couple of hours. This book shows how love and persirverince can lead to a well rounded dog! I also have a rescue dog. He is smart and so loyal.
7 reviews
December 30, 2022
My dog (Shih Tzu) is named Bandit also.

Would love to run on the beach with him, play ball, cuddle him and just adore our time together. Being the dog lover that I am, I would have taken your Bandit home to meet my Bandit.

Profile Image for Bob.
102 reviews2 followers
June 27, 2023
A short, quick read that's heartbreaking, then heartwarming, then charming in dozens of ways! Bandit's story will bring warm, fuzzy memories to anyone who has ever loved a puppy. And if you haven't yet, it'll make you want to meet and cherish one soon! Loved this story! Wish it had continued with what happens after Bandit's happiest moment.
33 reviews
June 27, 2024
An easy elementary read but still was interesting how a pup grows. Sad that some dogs suffer because the owners abuse them. In this case the pup was lucky that a caring " Human " took the time to take care of him.
43 reviews
November 23, 2024
Dumpster Dog

This is a very rewarding story! I also have rescued and adopted dogs and cats. Nothing like it! I am so happy that these pups received great attention and were so rewarding to the ones that helped them. Also, it is wonderful that all have great homes!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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