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A Forever Home #4

Keeping Bailey

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Through no fault of her own and after spending her entire life with an owner she loves, Bailey’s life is turned upside down. She’s dropped off at the Humane Society where Kim Harper works as the Animal Behavior Manager. Alone and confused, Bailey shuts down completely. She won’t eat or even acknowledge anyone who reaches out to her. Kim knows older dogs are hard to re-home. If Bailey can’t come out of this, it will be impossible. A retired widow named Rhonda Hawthorne volunteers at the shelter. Rhonda’s dog recently passed away after a long and full life. Rhonda can’t even think about getting another one but hopes doing this will give her a chance to be around dogs, make a small difference in their lives, but without making a permanent commitment. Soon she decides to do whatever she can to help Bailey, before it’s too late. What life-changing difference will this decision create in her own life? Kim Harper is also wondering about something else…will Ned, the boyfriend she loves, ever get serious and pop the question?

Bestselling Author Dan Walsh adds a fourth installment to his fan-favorite Forever Home Series (which begins with Rescuing Finley). Fans of this series and dog lovers everywhere will thoroughly enjoy this touching, emotional tale.

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2021

618 people are currently reading
242 people want to read

About the author

Dan Walsh

36 books747 followers
Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of 27 novels including The Unfinished Gift, When Night Comes and The Reunion. Over 1.3 million copies of his books are in print or downloaded. He's won 3 Carol Awards (finalist 6 times), 4 Selah Awards and 4 of his books have been finalists for RT Review’s Inspirational Book of the Year. His novels have received over 47,000 Amazon reviews (4.7 Avg).

A member of Word Weavers International and ACFW, Dan writes fulltime in the Daytona Beach area. He and his wife Cindi have been married 46 years. You can find out more about his books or follow him on other social media sites from his website at http://www.danwalshbooks.com.

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5 stars
1,616 (79%)
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313 (15%)
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85 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
Profile Image for Cathy.
797 reviews23 followers
December 28, 2021
Heart-touching read

I have loved this whole series but this book really touched my heart because my sweet older dog looks so much like Bailey on the cover. Thank goodness Bailey doesn’t die in this book…in fact no dogs die in any of the books in this series. But there are still some tearful moments as well as a joyful HEA. Highly recommend this book and the entire series!
Profile Image for Mae Clair.
Author 24 books566 followers
July 5, 2021
I read a lot of psychological fiction and domestic suspense, but sometimes I just want a simple feel-good story that I know is going to leave me with a warm fuzzy feeling. Keeping Bailey is the fourth book in Dan Walsh’s Forever Home Series. It’s the second book I’ve read in the series, caught up in the lives of a small set of people who populate a tiny town, particularly those centered around the local humane society. This book reads fine as a standalone (each novel is designed that way) but I appreciated it more, having an understanding of a few supporting characters from book three.

Rhonda, the MC in this novel is a widow who has made a decision to volunteer at the humane society. She starts out as a dog walker, then transitions to a foster parent when her path crosses with Bailey, an eleven-year-old dog who suddenly finds herself displaced after her elderly owner has to transition to a nursing home. Because of her age, and some behavioral issues (she doesn’t do well with other dogs or small children), Bailey’s chances of adoption are limited. When placed at the humane society, she shuts down, refusing to interact with others until Rhonda gradually wins her over.

Rhonda’s initial thought is to foster her and help her find a good home, but the more time she spends with Bailey, the more her thought process is altered. It takes a dangerous situation to open Rhonda’s eyes to how Bailey’s future should play out.

I like these books because not only does the author provide POV from the characters, but the reader also gets to experience what the dogs are feeling. I fell in love with Bailey immediately. Her situation tugged on my heart strings. I felt for all of the characters involved. From her previous owner, to Rhonda, to all those who are trying to do right by Bailey, I was invested from start to finish. The ending is beautiful, and brings closure not only for Bailey but for several human characters, too.

If you love animals, and well-deserved HEA’s, this story is for you. I like how characters continue book to book but each novel is complete as a stand-alone. Best of all, every single animal—including Bailey—finds their forever home.
Profile Image for Linden.
2,108 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2023
Harold, an elderly man with a terminal illness has no option but to bring his 11-year-old dog Bailey to the shelter. Bailey is shut down there until she meets Rhonda, a new volunteer, who decides to foster the older dog. Bailey proves herself by saving a neighbor's life, and is able to visit her former owner one last time. I enjoyed reading about the shelter and its trainer, but found the excessive religious overtones irritating. Not listed in the Christian fiction genre, it was TMI in my opinion when the trainer confided that she was not sleeping with her boyfriend because of their religious principles, and tiresome when Harold expounded to Rhonda about his (and perhaps the author's) favorite preacher's online videos.
Profile Image for Deb Brammer.
Author 15 books30 followers
September 4, 2023
This is a sweet story about an Australian shepherd dog whose owner is forced to give him up when the owner moves into a retirement home. Bailey is so tied to his owner that he doesn't do well at the dog shelter. Rhonda, a volunteer at the shelter, goes the extra mile trying to get Bailey to accept living in the shelter. If Bailey doesn't come out of her doggie depression, no one is likely to want to adopt her. The story is fairly predictable, but, if you love dogs, this will warm your heart. And the author promises at the beginning that the dog doesn't die, so you don't have to worry about that. Part of the plot is even told from Bailey's point of view and there's a bit of romance included, but the main plot is about accepting and giving love to an older dog that still has plenty of love to give.
152 reviews2 followers
February 23, 2022
sweet

Sweet story, predictable, but the characters seem real, nice ending. Loved and thankful for the author’s forward. It was short enough to be classified as a short story.
Profile Image for Julia.
3,074 reviews93 followers
January 25, 2024
Keeping Bailey by Dan Walsh is the most heart-warming contemporary Christian novel that I adored. It is the fourth and final book in A Forever Home series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the previous books first for continuity of characters. I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces. All the books are most charming and the characters are wonderful.
As with the previous books, we ‘hear’ Bailey’s voice. Dan Walsh has perfectly captured her hurt and confusion following the death of one of her owners and her other owner having to go into residential care. We see a dog who is depressed and in need of a rescue. We also see a human character who needs rescuing from her loneliness. What happens next is beautiful.
Bailey is a loyal dog, brave and true. She can sniff out danger and alert her humans.
Bailey does not forget her previous owners. Her heart is big enough to encompass love for her past and present owners.
I have adored all the books in A Forever Home series. They are all charming and will make you smile.
Author 1 book69 followers
May 24, 2021
Bailey is dropped off at the Humane Society where Kim Harper works as the Animal Behavior Manager. Bailey shuts down, not eating, nor acknowledging. Kim knows older dogs are hard to re-home. Retired widow Rhonda Hawthorne volunteers at the shelter. Her dog recently passed away. Rhonda is there to be around dogs, not to get another one. What life-changing difference will this decision create in her own life? Kim Harper is also wondering about something else…will Ned, the boyfriend she loves, ever get serious and pop the question?

I really loved this book. The best reason: It brought tears. I'm not overtaken by emotions too often when I read books. The characters were relatable and interesting. Loved it!
1,272 reviews21 followers
July 16, 2021
Keeping Bailey features an older dog whose owner cannot keep her due to his rapidly declining health. Bailey, being a dog, cannot understand where her human has gone or why she has been left where she is. The rest of the story feature people helping her recover and find a new home for her final years. This is the fourth in the series and includes storylines from the other books in the series, though enough explanation is given that this book can be understood and enjoyed without reading the others.

This is a sweet story that I enjoyed. The author begins the book with a note that Bailey lives so don't be hesitant to read it in fear for Bailey's life.

At times the dialog is a little clunky, but overall it is a solid read that the entire family can enjoy.
2,522 reviews
July 22, 2023
free ebook
glad to know the dog doesnt die, but it starts off so sad already
the wife died, the husband has brain tumor and has to go into a home. cant find someone to adopt the dog so she goes to a shelter and is so sad in there

she takes the dog home
the dog runs next door one night barking, there was a bad gas leak and she saved everyone
they put her on the news and 15 people wanted to adopt her
but the lady was sad and decided she wanted to keep her so thats what she did

she became friends with the uncle of the lady at the dog shelter and he invited her to his nieces wedding. they danced for the first time since both their spouses died

she took the dog where his original owner was in bed near death for a last reunion.

it was such a good book, i cried through the whole thing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Parkland Mom.
784 reviews19 followers
August 27, 2023
4.25 stars - Read via Kindle.

This was my first book by this author and I truly enjoyed it. As a former rescue volunteer, cat facility caretaker (in my yard), foster (fail) parent, and adopter of rescues, this was a delight.

I was a bit confused who was who in the beginning but I quickly adjusted. I could relate to so much in this book as a volunteer, foster parent, and adopter. I also appreciated the glimpses into some of the characters’ lives.

My two favourite moments in the book are likely the same as everyone else who has read the book. I don’t want to create a spoiler so I’ll leave it that. I may or may not have teared up…..

I’d recommend this series to anyone wanting a lighter read with wonderful human and animal interactions.
Profile Image for Janet.
4 reviews
October 17, 2024
Loved this book! ❤

This book closes several stories begun in the first three books and it does so beautifully. The story of the Shelter and the wonderful work they do is central to the larger story about Bailey, providing great info on the fostering and volunteer programs now made available by many shelters across the US. All written in the context of a brewing love story, a hesitant rescue and foster, and the love of a beautiful little Aussie named Bailey. It is a delight to read, has enough twists in the plot and o keep you interested, all with a genuinely
heartwarming ending! Great read! I look forward to read ing more stories about the Somerville shelter, its wonderful staff, and allows the folks there I have come to care about. ❤🐾


Profile Image for Merry Mayo.
19 reviews
March 31, 2022
I think Dan Walsh is an amazing author who keeps you interested in the plot even when it is about animals! The characters are intelligent and caring individuals that you become attached to the further along you get in the story. I love how he has the words for the dog's thinking and even has me laughing out loud at some of the dog Bailey comments! This whole series in "Forever Home" has been delightful to read and I must say I am saddened that this is the last book in this series. I definitely will be looking for more to read from this author. Thank you Dan Walsh for your sensitive and caring writing!
Profile Image for Bob Cooling.
110 reviews4 followers
April 12, 2023
Walsh Scores Another Homerun

If you prefer clean, suspenseful fiction, Dan Walsh's novels will not disappoint you. Dan writes several books focused around the same or related characters with a central theme, which I personally like, since once you start reading Walsh's books, you will hunger for more. J.R.R. Tolkien us my favourite "contemporary" author, however Walsh is a very close second. I find it difficult not to read everything these two superb author's have written. Sadly,Tolkien has long since passed from this world, but Walsh is still alive and will be producing great literature for the foreseeable future.
Profile Image for Cindy.
778 reviews1 follower
November 24, 2023
Very moving, wonderful story

First, I loved the author's note at the beginning of the book that the dog doesn't die. Due to his health and moving into a nursing home, Harold has to give up his beloved dog, Bailey. Bailey does not understand why he is now in a kennel in a shelter, becomes very depressed and shuts down, curled up in a back corner. At 11 years old and various issues, Bailey has little chance of being adopted. A new volunteer takes an interest in Bailey and works to help him. It is a wonderful story with other things going on, too, but I won't ruin the story by telling everything - just read it for yourself!
215 reviews
August 1, 2024
Harold, an elderly widower is forced to take his beloved dog, Bailey to the shelter. Due to his health, Harold has to move to a nursing home. He is heartbroken, but there is no one who is willing to take in the little dog. This story is sometimes told from Bailey’s perspective. He is very confused when he is dropped off at the shelter. He becomes despondant, and doesn’t eat or drink. He just curls up in a ball in the corner. Rhonda, a volunteer takes an interest in the sad little dog.
This is a very sweet and heart-warming story. It was nice to read something light, interesting and entertaining.
318 reviews
July 5, 2021
Great story

It is so wonderful to read about Bailey and Rhonda. It is heartbreaking what happens to these wonderful dogs. How unwanted they must feel when they are taken to a shelter. Even tho sometimes it is unavoidable as in Harolds case. The dogs don’t understand, they just know they have been left. I always
Get shelter dogs, they are the best. There are no bad dogs just bad owners. Ever time my dog passes away I get another, not to replace or forget my dog, but to save another dog. Please adopt,
You won’t be sorry
Profile Image for Rosalie Gammon.
25 reviews
July 17, 2023
Foster failures always saving ...

not only dogs but also their hearts. Enjoyed every care, every word spoken, every pet and last but not least the love for a dog unconditionally. Bailey's story was sweet to my soul. Only loving dog owners know how deep they touch our hearts. Exceptional writing. I would recommend keeping Bailey to all caring and loving dog enthusiasts and their families. Only an unconditional loving home will do for any challenged or traumatized dog. Thank you. My dog Bo thanks you too. He enjoyed the reading and pets. 🐶
88 reviews
July 21, 2023
An awesome book

I have read Mr. Walsh’s book “ Saving Christmas and I really enjoyed it. Reading this book tugged at my heart strings, I have a good friend who has an Aussie, this one is her second one as the first one passed away about a year ago. Bailey reminded me of the first dog and how gentle Aussies can be, I honestly fell in love with Bailey and I felt so sad that she had to go thru so much before Rhonda found her and took her home!
I will be checking out the other books written by Mr.Walsh, he is an excellent writer!
Profile Image for linda murray.
249 reviews
July 24, 2023
This is a very sweet story about a poor dog who has to be taken to a shelter by her owner after his “mom” dies and “his” dad has to go into a nursing home. Bailey has never known anything but love and protection from mom and dad, and mourns the loss of them. Several workers at the shelter, including volunteers, feel for the poor pup who doesn’t understand what has happened, trying to bring Bailey out of her depression. I felt for the poor pup thru the whole book! This is the fourth book in a series by the author and I’ve enjoyed each one!
Profile Image for Margaret Nelson.
1,612 reviews
June 3, 2021
If you haven't read the first 3 books in this series, I recommend you read them first, as a lot of the characters in this book show up in the earlier books. I re-read the first three since it had been awhile since I'd read them, and thoroughly enjoyed them all again. This one is a great addition to the series, focusing on elderly dogs and how to show them love. The people romances add to the story too. If you like dogs, you'll want to read all these books!
509 reviews5 followers
June 13, 2021
Be sure to keep a box of tissues by you for this one.
Not that it is sad, far from it .
A great story involving Kim and the Summerville Human Society. Kims story continues.
Rhonda volunteers as a dog walker and falls in love with Bailey but the relationship brings more than she realises as she gets involved in bringing Bailey out of her sad state.
A great story.
Dan never fails to deliver a heartwarming story
Profile Image for Christine Goodnough.
Author 4 books18 followers
August 17, 2022
An interesting story that follows several others in this series about abandoned or surrendered dogs that find a new loving master.
I didn't really care for how a certain preacher's thinking and books were so promoted, but this was only on a few pages. The author has done well at imagining-- and helping readers to feel -- the confusion a dog must feel being abandoned at a shelter, even such a kind, caring place as this one.
Profile Image for Catherine Richmond.
Author 7 books132 followers
August 4, 2023
If you're tired of books with car chases, crime, and war, you've come to the right place. Welcome to the Humane Society. Australian Shepherd Bailey ends up at here when her human is dying. The volunteers look for a way to bring this dog out of her depression.

The scenes from Bailey's point of view were so well done. I felt how confused and heartbroken she was. God bless all the volunteers and behavior specialists who help animals find a happy ending.
1 review1 follower
September 16, 2024
Great series for any dog lover

My late wife and I had dogs for most of our married life. We had to put our last one down a few years before she passed but I still very much consider myself a “dog person”. I read all 4 books of this series in order and loved every one of them. I’ve recommended them to everyone I know that reads for pleasure. I especially love how these books provide incite into what the dogs are thinking.
42 reviews2 followers
December 24, 2025
Amazing story

I loved every page of this book. At the beginning I was afraid it would be a sad story about another pet having to be given up by their owner but it was exactly the opposite.
I don't want to give anything away but it was uplifting and left me feeling glad I had found it.
If you love dogs and believe in their value to humans, by all means read this book. You'll love it!
Profile Image for Victoria Bylin.
Author 48 books495 followers
May 25, 2021
The "Forever Home" books are "forever-favorites" on my bookshelf. I've loved every one of them, but Bailey's story hit extra close to home. She's a senior dog who needs to be rehomed because of heartbreaking circumstances. She gets her happy ending, and so does the reader.

Simply put, I loved everything about this sweet story.
704 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2021
Helping Bailey

This is a story about the interactions between Bailey, a senior dog left at the animal shelter. Not understand what is going on, Bailey goes into shutdown (doggie depression). In walks Rhonda who has volunteered as a dog walker after passing of her beloved pet. There is a connection between Ronda and dog. Can Rhonda and Bailey help each other heal?
Profile Image for Carol.
835 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2021
Keeping Bailey

This series is a very entertaining look at dogs and their people, both their once upon a time people and their forever people. Bailey has to be surrendered when he 'Dad' can no longer care for her. The story is from the dog's viewpoint ad well as the human viewpoint. There are a few story lines that weave together the entire book.
2 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2021
An excellent novel for those who love dogs and are facing losses in their lives.

A well written novel. A good read for anyone who loves dogs and sees them as the complicated creatures that they are. I think that the novel would be appreciated by those who are facing loses or helping others experiencing losses.
Brad A. Manning
Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews

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