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

A profound story about a young man who found happiness in the face of much adversity. For those with mental challenges or addictions of any kind, Patricks story proves that there is always help available. What is needed is the courage to seek it out. Despite setbacks along the way, Patrick found a pathway that led him back to his native village, his beloved donkeys, and true contentment. A most uplifting read.

PHILIP EGAN, nationally recognized Irish poet; author of A Versemans Harvest

Donkeys have a reputation in popular culture as stubborn beasts. But as Sanctuary reveals, they can also be faithful friendsthe very best kind of friend that is willing to carry a broken, traumatized man to a place of healing. Patrick Barretts story begins in his familys Irish donkey sanctuary and invites us on his journey far from that place of safety and into a life marked by PTSD and addiction. However, that dark, distant place wasnt Barretts final destination. Sanctuarys warmhearted, hopeful narrative is a reminder that there is always a way homefor each one of us.

MICHELLE VAN LOON, author of Born to Wander: Recovering the Value of Our Pilgrim Identity

From a man who had the good fortune to grow up in a sanctuary of donkeys, heres a true story as surefooted and mystical as the equines in his life. Shaped by his home village in Ireland, a strong family, and the deep friendships of rescued donkeys, Patrick Barrett leaves home to discover the world in all its beauty, sadness, and complexities. Only when he comes full circleback to the sanctuary of steadfast donkeyswill he find whats missing inside. Patrick Barrett and Susy Flory offer a magical and yet very real story of one mans journey and the miracles that present themselves along the way. If youve known a donkey, youll want to read this book. And if youve never known a donkey, youll want to find one after you read this booka warm and victorious story full of second chances for both human and beast.

CALLIE SMITH GRANT, editor of Second-Chance Cats, The Horse of My Dreams, and Second-Chance Dogs; winner of Dog Writers of Americas Maxwell Award

What a beautiful thing to watch God use such downtrodden, disabused animals as donkeys to help restore and redeem a human soul. Patrick Barretts story is inspiring, yearning, uplifting, hopeful, and right on time for our broken, hurting world.

PATRICIA RAYBON, author of My First White Friend: Confessions on Race, Love, and Forgiveness and I Told the Mountain to Move: Learning to Pray So Things Change

Sanctuary is a book for anyone longing to be inspired, whose soul craves being seen, or who needs a reminder that redemption is possibleno matter your situation. Reading this book felt like taking a walk through the hills of southern Ireland with Patrick Barrett and the rescue donkeys who helped him find his way home. Full of personal storiessome heartwarming, some heartbreaking, each a testimony to the power of redemptionSanctuary is a must-read for any fan of memoir.

JENNIFER MARSHALL BLEAKLEY, author of Joey: How a Blind Rescue Horse Helped Others Learn to See, and Pawverbs: 100 Inspirations to Delight an Animal Lovers Heart

Sanctuary spoke to me on many levels. This is a story about healing, becoming part of a herd, and returning to a literal and spiritual rock that held a place for this sensitive soul, all along. I found the spiritual content compelling and gently told; this is an exquisite and deeply honest spiritual memoir. Highly recommended!

JENNIFER GRANT, author of Dimming the Day

Who rescued who? Those of us who have rescued animals know how true this bumper-sticker sentiment is! And indeed, Patrick Barretts story of how rescue donkeys led him home speaks beautifully to how rescue and redemption work in this world. Sanctuary is a marvelous, hope-giving work, perfect for those invested in animal rescue and those who need to be reminded that God is in the rescue and redemption business.

CARYN RIVADENEIRA, author of the Helper Hounds series and the forthcoming Saints of Feather & Fang: How the Animals We Love and Fear Connect Us to God

As a survivor of medical trauma, I know firsthand the terrifying grip of PTSD and the powerful and surprising comfort an intuitive animal can provide. From the first page, Sanctuary captivated me with the beauty of the Irish landscape, Patricks heartbreaking and hope-filled journey, and the steadfast wisdom of donkeys and their herds all along the way. Best of all, I was reminded of the truth that likewise healed me: We are never alone.

MICHELE CUSHATT, author of Relentless: The Unshakeable Presence of a God Who Never Leaves

Patrick Barrett had an uncanny connection with the donkeys that his family rescued. But who would ever predict how those donkeys would ultimately help rescue him? Set in the lush, mystical green hills of Ireland, Sanctuary is a poignant story of addiction, recovery, community, the hope we find in the sanctuary of Gods love, and the animals and people who walk beside us.

KERI WYATT KENT, founder of A Powerful Story; author of GodSpace: Embracing the Inconvenient Adventure of Intimacy with God

My first impulse when reading Sanctuary was to find and snuggle a donkey foal, much like the one who appears in the opening and at the close of this excellent book. My secondand more significantimpulse was to feel wonder at Gods great gifts: the gift of animals healing ability but also of redemption, grace, and love. Patrick Barretts lively (and lovely) story bears witness to the powerful presence of Gods abundant love in the most unlikely places, including the Donkey Sanctuary Ireland where Barrett calls home.

MELANIE SPRINGER MOCK, professor of English at George Fox University, Newberg, Oregon; author of Worthy: Finding Yourself in a World Expecting Someone Else

Sanctuary is a multifaceted love story. Its a tale of the restorative connection between a sensitive, stubborn man and the equally intuitive, willful donkeys in his life. Its a drama that spotlights the redemptive grace of God and the rejuvenated life possible when a lost soul finds refuge in him. And its a testimony to the tenacity of praying parents who never ever give up.

CHERI GREGORY, coauthor of Sensitive & Strong: A Guide for Highly Sensitive Persons and Those Who Love Them

Against a backdrop of misty emerald hills and sacred stone walls is a true story of a restless wanderer struggling to find peace in the midst of brokenness. For Patrick Barrett, taking in donkeys that were abandoned, abused, and neglected was part of his Irish heritage for as long as he could remember. His connection ran deeper than changing straw or binding up wounds; he understood how it felt to be a misfit and wrestle with knowing who you really are. Brilliantly written and engaging from the first page to the last, Sanctuary speaks to anyone who has ever lost their way and found that the road they hoped would lead to a place of belonging is sometimes the one that leads back home.

MARCI SEITHER, creative storyteller

You dont have to like donkeys in order to fall in love with this heart-wrenching, heartwarming, and hope-filled book. Only an Irishman could make a tale so painful and harrowing such an utter delight. I especially recommend Sanctuary to anyone who loves and is praying for a prodigal. Patrick Barretts miraculous and redemptive story will give you hope that no one is ever too far away from Gods rescue and home.