Please Don't Leave Me: The heartbreaking journey of one man and his dog

by Michelle Clark

Kaiser is a dog who grew up on the streets with his owner - although they were homeless, they had each other and with that came an unbreakable bond.

However, when Kaiser's owner is diagnosed with terminal cancer, their future together is cut short and Kaiser is at risk of being left alone and in danger. However, this is when Michelle - founder of the charity Dogs On The Streets - met Kaiser and his owner. She immediately knows that she must help Kaiser and tirelessly campaigns on his and his owner's behalf. In time, she finds herself solely responsible for Kaiser's future, and only one question will she be able to find a new, loving home for Kaiser?

A moving and life-affirming true story of one dog's extraordinary journey, this is an inspiring tale about the remarkable bond between humans and animals.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals

304 pages, Paperback

Published July 18, 2023

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

heart breaking story and the bond of homeless people and their dogs, found it a sad story of Arthur and his dog but written nicely to highlight problems homeless people do have.

[Ren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of one homeless man and his beloved canine companion and the organization that provides support for both. The story is a touching one and sure to be enjoyed by any dog lover who understands just how much these companions mean. Along with Arthur's and Kaizer's story, we also lean the stories of a few other homeless people Michelle and DOTS encounters and helps.

I wasn't familiar with Dogs on the Street prior to receiving this book, but the work they do is amazing. I need to look into local organizations that might provide similar services. My community, like many others, has seen a dramatic rise in the homeless population thanks to skyrocketing housing costs over the past few years and, frankly, the rising cost of everything these days.

I rated the book 4/5 not based on the story, but based on the writing. I did find it a bit repetitive in places. Still an enjoyable read!

Thanks to Hachette Book Group, Seven Dials and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Who can resist this adorable cover?! I e read a lot of books about dogs but I think this is the first I've read about homeless people and their dogs. As a dog lover and dog mom, I can't imagine life without my dogs. To be homeless and having nothing is scary and awful and I can really see how they get attached to their dogs. Homelessness is a huge problem and those who have the love of a dog are very lucky in some ways but it definitely makes life more difficult when trying to get services like housing.
This book is very touching and I recommend it to any dog lovers.

[Rubi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming story

This novel wasn't just about Arthur and his dog but about all the people Michelle touched in her work with DOTS.
It was so beautiful to read someone so genuinely understanding and caring and non judgemental of the homeless. Even in the face of people screaming and judging her for helping!
It's so sad how some people belittle other humans based on ignorant bias. So loved how caring this book proves people CAN be. Restored my faith in humanity a little 🥰

[Mary Mellgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaiser is a dog who lives on the street with his owner. They have an h breakable bone. When his owner is diagnosed with terminal cancer Kaiser’s future is looking grim. Michelle is the founder of the charity Dogs on the Streets who befriends Kaiser and his owner. She is determined that the needs of both of them are taken care of and when the time comes that Kaiser has a wonderful home to go to. A very moving story!

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐞
𝐴𝑢𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑟 𝑴𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆 𝑪𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒌
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

For me, this was an emotional roller coaster!. I LOVE dogs and I love heartwarming (and at times heartbreaking) messages) that pets can be our best friends and definitely have the ability to enrich, encourage and change us for the better. This is a book for pet owners, pet lovers, for anyone who wants to believe there is still good in the world, and for anyone who’s never had their eyes opened to the reality of being homeless, alone, and life in the streets.
• I would like to thank NetGalley for the advanced ARC - publishers date July 18, 2023.•
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#netgalley #netgalleyreads #netgalleyreview #PleaseDontLeaveMe #bookstagram #newreview #homelessness #homelessshelter #homelesspets #tearjerkerbooks #tearjerker #heartwarming #touching #happyandsadatthesametime

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#netgalley #netgalleyreads #netgalleyreview #PleaseDontLeaveMe #bookstagram #newreview #homelessness #homelessshelter #homelesspets #tearjerkerbooks #tearjerker #heartwarming #touching #happyandsadatthesametime

[kim skingsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book

Very interesting finding out about the charity DOGS and all the hard work they do especially Michele. The work you do is outstanding. I've loved reading about the life story of Arthur. I am glad he died bowing he was worth something and not a shadow.

[Rebecca Fowkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it is heartbreaking but amazing what Michelle does.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I looked forward to reading this book and knew that it would tug at my heartstrings. It was an emotional read and while there were some moments that literally broke my heart, the ending provided a message that pets can make a difference in our lives. For those who are huge pet fans and who are truly a part of your family, you will appreciate this story. It was encouraging to see how there are people who care about the homeless without judging them and how they ended up in that situation. A book that will have you shedding a few tears.

Thank you to NetGalley and Seven Dials for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

[linda murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about a homeless man, his beloved dog, a couple who took the time to make him know he wasn’t just one more unseen homeless person, and a woman who started a program in London called Dogs on the Streets who becomes more than just a helper, she becomes Arthur’s Angel! Arthur ends up on the street when he walked away from his home and wife and started life over sleeping in doorways or out on a sidewalk. He befriends a dog named Kaiser, who loves Arthur regardless of his homeless state. When Arthur becomes I’ll he is more worried about Kaiser than himself, and so enters Michelle and her rescue Dogs on the Streets (DOTS). I found myself on the verge of tears often, and taking a second look at what I’m thinking when I see someone and their dog asleep under a freeway overpass! If your heart is open, this book will wake up many emotions!