Sanctuary

The True Story of an Irish Village, a Man Who Lost His Way, and the Rescue Donkeys That Led Him Home

By: Patrick Barrett, Susy Flory

Narrated by: Gary Furlong

For decades, his family rescued lost and forgotten donkeys in the Irish countryside.
He had no idea that one day, the donkeys would rescue him.

Patrick Barrett grew up on the back of a donkey. In the small village of Liscarroll, the young boy helped his family run a sanctuary for abandoned and abused donkeys. Struggling in school, Patrick only felt truly accepted in the presence of these funny, fuzzy, touching animals. It was like magic, how he and the donkeys understood each other. He became a true “donkey whisperer” - reading their body language, communicating with them in ways they could understand, and teaching himself how to “speak” in their distinctive calls.

But when Patrick was of age, he shipped out with the Irish Army and encountered unimaginable wartime horrors in Lebanon and Kosovo. In the aftermath, he returned home a broken man, sinking into the depths of PTSD and addictions. He believed nothing could save him. But he hadn’t counted on the donkeys.

Sanctuary is the remarkable true story of how faith turned one lost man’s life around with the help of the rescue animals who loved him. It’s an antidote to despair and a call to hope, revealing the beauty and wonder of Ireland as you’ve never seen it before.

©2021 Patrick Barrett, Susy Flory. All rights reserved. (P)2022 One Audiobooks

A tale full of hope

Sometimes people wake up and change for the better. This story is about a man who loses his way but comes home again and finally sees the goodness of the world around him. I also loved the donkeys. This is a great story for anyone who has struggled with alcohol addiction. There is a solution.

The bond between people and animals

Superbly written, a must read for anyone who loves animals and or has suffered from self out, PTSD, and negative thoughts

Encouraging and inspiring

Such an encouragement for anyone who has struggled with strongholds that seem too difficult to overcome, but for the grace of God.

So good

I really enjoyed this book! The story was told in such a pleasant writing voice. I felt really connected to the story and could see the places in my mind. I loved all the donkey connections and analogies.

Excellent! I give it four stars all around.

It's about temptation, falling away, redemption, PTSD, relationships, love of God, people, and animals (especially donkeys), and empathy.

Animal therapy

Animals can be powerful therapy. I enjoyed how this book was an example. Would have liked to see more of how that process worked for Patrick.

Very compelling story

So unexpected! This book was very different from what I expected. I absolutely loved it. I recommend it

Too much focus on the authors asinine behavior

Would have liked more of the book to be about the donkeys and much less about Patrick’s asinine behavior