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

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.

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.

Kristin Von Kreisler's tribute to Bea, a beagle that she obviously loved with all her heart, is a must read for everyone. I was saddened over the possibilities that might have been the first years of Bea's life, I was encouraged at every step Bea took towards healing, I cried at set backs, laughed at her antics and fell totally in love with Bea.

I loved Kristin Von Kreisler's two previous books, The Compassion of Animals and Beauty in the Beast, but For Bea is even better. What makes it so good is the feeling that the author is speaking directly and intimately from the heart, sharing a story that is one of the central stories of her life. Kristin and Beatrice (whose picture on the cover, by the way, is worth the price of the book) truly met not as person and Beagle, but as soul and soul. How I wish I could have met Beatrice! She sounds like a soul truly worth knowing. And with this beautiful book, I feel that I have known her, just a little bit, myself. I do recommend this book very highly to anyone who wants to know more about the mysterious ways of love.

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!