For Bea: The Story of the Beagle Who Changed My Life

Rating:
Summary: Provocative subject matter...
Review: ...but poorly written. Honest, the last thing I want to do is criticize the author, she is most likely an awesome person, but this book is way too "flufffy" for me. Written in much the same way as the book "Best Friends...", about the animal sanctary in Utah. I am an animal lover to the core, but I can't take all the fluff! If you like poetry that is elaborately written, or romance novels, and love animals, you'll love this book. I couldn't get through it. I give it three stars because of the subject matter. Every ex-lab animal should have such an end.

Rating:
Summary: Provocative subject matter...
Review: ...but poorly written. Honest, the last thing I want to do is criticize the author, she is most likely an awesome person, but this book is way too "flufffy" for me. Written in much the same way as the book "Best Friends...", about the animal sanctary in Utah. I am an animal lover to the core, but I can't take all the fluff! If you like poetry that is elaborately written, or romance novels, and love animals, you'll love this book. I couldn't get through it. I give it three stars because of the subject matter. Every ex-lab animal should have such an end.

Rating:
Summary: for bea
Review: A great story of how a "used & abused" beagle becomes a happy and loving family pet. Kristin captures the essence of the true beagle personality with her stories of Bea. If you are a beagle person this book is a MUST READ !!! I laughed and cried as the story goes through the ups and downs of beagle ownership. An absolutely wonderful book with very descriptive writing. I can't wait to read all her other books !!!

Rating:
Summary: Full of love and encouragement!
Review: A must-read for those who believe that our companion animals can bring out the best in you,lift you up in the lowest time of your life, and love you unconditionally until their very last breath. This is one book I wish I have written for my lovable daughter dog, Wanda, who is patiently waiting for me at the gates of The Rainbow Bridge!

Rating:
Summary: A Gift Book
Review: After reading this book, I decided to give it as a gift to my dear friends who lost their dog (beagle-dachshund mix) about six months ago. I know they are still struggling with this loss and I believe "For Bea" encourages us to honor the memories of our pets and to realize how profoundly they change our lives. The author tells her story with such wonderful humor and authenticity, I think it makes a great gift book for any dog-owner or former dog-owner.

Rating:
Summary: Thank You!
Review: As a former beagle-owner, the story of Bea touched my soul. This is a beautifully written book, full of stories to which all dog-owners can relate. How wonderful to follow Von Kreisler's adventures with Bea over a period of many years, to be reminded of the joys, sorrows, and rewards of raising and loving an animal. Bea's story reminded my wife and I so much of our dear departed beagle - it motivated us to go out and rescue or adopt one who needs a good home. Thank you for giving us the idea and the courage to make another dog a part of our lives!

Rating:
Summary: What an Angel!
Review: Becoming a dog owner for the first time in the last year, I adopted two beautiful beagles. As in this book, I have discovered that a beagle is just an angel in a furry body - you can't find a sweeter, more gentle, loving pet. This book tells Bea's story, but also is sprinkled with beagle facts and information on animal testing. This book maybe too "fluffy" for some guys, but I think that overall anyone whose life has been touched by a beagle will enjoy reading it.

Rating:
Summary: What an Angel!
Review: Becoming a dog owner for the first time in the last year, I adopted two beautiful beagles. As in this book, I have discovered that a beagle is just an angel in a furry body - you can't find a sweeter, more gentle, loving pet. This book tells Bea's story, but also is sprinkled with beagle facts and information on animal testing. This book maybe too "fluffy" for some guys, but I think that overall anyone whose life has been touched by a beagle will enjoy reading it.

Rating:
Summary: A Very Touching Story
Review: I finished this book in a few hours and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our family adopted a rescue beagle less than two months ago, so the subject was dear to my heart. Like Bea, our beagle was "damaged goods" (missing an eye and about to be euthanized) but he has brought so much joy into our lives in just a few weeks. I think this book would appeal particularly to beagle owners and lovers (the digression about beagle history in the middle of the book might be less interesting for some, although being new to beagles, I found it fascinating). However, anyone who loves animals and likes "ugly duckling" stories would enjoy this book. It is heartwarming to read about Bea's transformation from an abused research animal into a loving and much-loved member of the family.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointment from a Beagle Lover
Review: I have been owned by three beagles in my life, and I speak about them in a much more animated fashion than the author of this book does. I was thrilled to get it; I love any dog story, and if it's about a beagle, so much better. But I was disappointed with the way the book flowed. Much time was spent on the time right after aquiring Bea, and dealing with her adjustments, and a fair amount of time was spent on her declining years. But I felt the middle part was really missing. It was more about trials and tribulations than about the satisfaction of seeing a dog become an adjusted member of the family. I found the book depressing and sad, and the last chapter was too preachy for me to handle. She also borrowed liberally from her prior book. Very disappointing all the way around.