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Sophie and Candy - A Tale of Two Dachshunds
Before Brian L. Porter met his wife Juliet, and they embarked on their lives as dog rescuers, he adopted two beautiful dachshunds who shared his life as his constant companions.
This is their story. SOPHIE AND CANDY - A TALE OF TWO DACHSHUNDS tells how their lives had such an impact on the author that he discovered how the love of dogs can teach us, as human beings, to love and be loved, unconditionally.
There’s laughter and tears, love and loss in this story. Taking the reader back in time almost thirty years to a previous period in Brian’s life, it’s a fascinating and beautifully illustrated insight into the beginning of a life devoted to the love of dogs. Sophie and Candy were two very special dachshunds who left Brian with a lasting legacy of love.
This is their story. SOPHIE AND CANDY - A TALE OF TWO DACHSHUNDS tells how their lives had such an impact on the author that he discovered how the love of dogs can teach us, as human beings, to love and be loved, unconditionally.
There’s laughter and tears, love and loss in this story. Taking the reader back in time almost thirty years to a previous period in Brian’s life, it’s a fascinating and beautifully illustrated insight into the beginning of a life devoted to the love of dogs. Sophie and Candy were two very special dachshunds who left Brian with a lasting legacy of love.
181 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2023
9 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Brian L. Porter
62 books71 followersFormerly a member of the Royal Air Force, Brian L Porter is an award-winning author, and a dedicated dog rescuer, with the distinction of having more than twenty Amazon #1 bestsellers to his name. He has written under three pseudonyms, with bestsellers coming under each of his writing guises. The majority of those have come under his Brian L Porter name with four coming under his Harry Porter and Juan Pablo Jalisco names.
Nowadays, he divides his time between writing his popular Mersey Murder Mystery series of books, and his immensely successful true-life Family of Rescue Dogs series, all featuring the dogs that form part of his own family, and all having been Amazon #1 bestsellers.
Nowadays, he divides his time between writing his popular Mersey Murder Mystery series of books, and his immensely successful true-life Family of Rescue Dogs series, all featuring the dogs that form part of his own family, and all having been Amazon #1 bestsellers.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 7, 2023
Before Brian L. Porter met his wife Juliet, and they embarked on their lives as dog rescuers, he adopted two beautiful dachshunds who shared his life as his constant companions.
This is their story. SOPHIE AND CANDY - A TALE OF TWO DACHSHUNDS tells how their lives had such an impact on the author that he discovered how the love of dogs can teach us, as human beings, to love and be loved, unconditionally.
There’s laughter and tears, love and loss in this story. Taking the reader back in time almost thirty years to a previous period in Brian’s life, it’s a fascinating and beautifully illustrated insight into the beginning of a life devoted to the love of dogs. Sophie and Candy were two very special dachshunds who left Brian with a lasting legacy of love.
I give it 5*
This is their story. SOPHIE AND CANDY - A TALE OF TWO DACHSHUNDS tells how their lives had such an impact on the author that he discovered how the love of dogs can teach us, as human beings, to love and be loved, unconditionally.
There’s laughter and tears, love and loss in this story. Taking the reader back in time almost thirty years to a previous period in Brian’s life, it’s a fascinating and beautifully illustrated insight into the beginning of a life devoted to the love of dogs. Sophie and Candy were two very special dachshunds who left Brian with a lasting legacy of love.
I give it 5*
November 14, 2023
Sometimes, when you are living your darkest days, and you are at a crossroads, destiny finds you and your path becomes clear. In this intimate recounting of his earlier life, we learn how Brian’s path as a dog rescuer was charted.
Prior to Sophie and Candy, Brian wasn’t a true doggie person, although he did have them in his younger years and later in his first marriage, which ended in divorce. Brian’s young son wanted a “sausage dog,” a desire he also expressed to his mother She agreed to find the right dachshund and soon set up an introduction. The pups came as a pair, never to be separated: Sophie, with a long-haired gorgeous tan coat (red in the dachshund world); Candy, with a sleek black and tan coat looking “like a seal that had emerged from the sea.”
Brian fell in love with the two friendly pups immediately and they became a great comfort to him as he went through the distress of divorce. Their presence was therapeutic during difficult emotional times. They were also a comfort to his elderly Mum who frequently enjoyed their companionship.
As time went on Brian educated himself on the care and personalities of this special breed. The two were soft and loving pets, lively, energetic, curious and mischievous, but also brave and protective with the hearts of a lion. Yet, sadly, Candy was diagnosed with diabetes and Brian found himself a nurse, injecting her with daily insulin.
Brian had Sophie and Candy for 10 years (back in 1990’s) before he met Juliet and her daughters, Rebecca and Victoria. The recent loss of his Mum was a painful time for Brian, and loneliness led to his meeting of Juliet through a “life changing” personal ad. The two were simpatico through their love of dogs and Brian credits her as the impetus that drove them to become dog rescuers, taking in dogs that only knew suffering and fear. When Juliet suggested another dog for the household, this time a rescue from the shelter, Tilly the Terrier was immediately accepted by the two senior dogs. Next came Dylan, an abused Bedlington. A recurring theme in the book series is “acceptance” - the immediate bond and friendship all the dogs, old and new, enjoyed. No rivalries or jealousies. I believe this is no doubt a reflection of the loving and safe environment the Porters provided them.
In time, Candy’s condition became fatal and when she passed, Sophie pined for her to the end of her days, heartbroken without her lifelong pal. With Juliet as his “muse,” Brian took to his new kismet as a dog rescuer devotedly, as recorded in his previous nine books. In caring for the neediest of dogs, he learned how to deal with grief and loss while sharing deep compassion and unconditional love with them.
The photos are sweet and endearing, some poignant. Many of his dogs have passed, but the newest “sausage dog,” Heidi - still a pup - is bound to be immortalized in her own book one day. We look forward to Brian sharing that journey with us.
Prior to Sophie and Candy, Brian wasn’t a true doggie person, although he did have them in his younger years and later in his first marriage, which ended in divorce. Brian’s young son wanted a “sausage dog,” a desire he also expressed to his mother She agreed to find the right dachshund and soon set up an introduction. The pups came as a pair, never to be separated: Sophie, with a long-haired gorgeous tan coat (red in the dachshund world); Candy, with a sleek black and tan coat looking “like a seal that had emerged from the sea.”
Brian fell in love with the two friendly pups immediately and they became a great comfort to him as he went through the distress of divorce. Their presence was therapeutic during difficult emotional times. They were also a comfort to his elderly Mum who frequently enjoyed their companionship.
As time went on Brian educated himself on the care and personalities of this special breed. The two were soft and loving pets, lively, energetic, curious and mischievous, but also brave and protective with the hearts of a lion. Yet, sadly, Candy was diagnosed with diabetes and Brian found himself a nurse, injecting her with daily insulin.
Brian had Sophie and Candy for 10 years (back in 1990’s) before he met Juliet and her daughters, Rebecca and Victoria. The recent loss of his Mum was a painful time for Brian, and loneliness led to his meeting of Juliet through a “life changing” personal ad. The two were simpatico through their love of dogs and Brian credits her as the impetus that drove them to become dog rescuers, taking in dogs that only knew suffering and fear. When Juliet suggested another dog for the household, this time a rescue from the shelter, Tilly the Terrier was immediately accepted by the two senior dogs. Next came Dylan, an abused Bedlington. A recurring theme in the book series is “acceptance” - the immediate bond and friendship all the dogs, old and new, enjoyed. No rivalries or jealousies. I believe this is no doubt a reflection of the loving and safe environment the Porters provided them.
In time, Candy’s condition became fatal and when she passed, Sophie pined for her to the end of her days, heartbroken without her lifelong pal. With Juliet as his “muse,” Brian took to his new kismet as a dog rescuer devotedly, as recorded in his previous nine books. In caring for the neediest of dogs, he learned how to deal with grief and loss while sharing deep compassion and unconditional love with them.
The photos are sweet and endearing, some poignant. Many of his dogs have passed, but the newest “sausage dog,” Heidi - still a pup - is bound to be immortalized in her own book one day. We look forward to Brian sharing that journey with us.
November 18, 2023
Sophie and Candy taught me a lot about dogs, and how they can help us, as human beings, by the way they give us their undying, unconditional love. No matter what I said or did, or how upset I might feel about life in general from time to time, I could always count on my two furry friends to come and sit beside me on the sofa or on my chair, cuddled up close to me as I ‘d stroke and pet them, which always helped me to see things in a better perspective. Those two dogs had the innate ability to make me feel better when I was feeling down and depressed.
These words are so true. Our dogs are always there for us. They learn our language, our voice tones, and believe it or not, our happy and sad feelings. You may get upset and hurt their feelings by fussing at them, but they will still love and comfort you and not hold it against you.
I’ve read everything Author Brian Porter has written but I must say this is the best of his Family of Rescue Dog books. I’ve never known an author to put so much of his own personal feelings, ups and downs, and events in his own life in a book. Sophie and Candy became his reason for everything he did then and now in life. They helped him cope with a divorce, raising a son and taking care of his frail mother. And from their love and comfort he went on to rescue more and more furbabies creating a chance for him to give back everything Sophie and Candy taught him, plus.
If you aren’t a dog lover, read this book and I have a feeling you will become one.
These words are so true. Our dogs are always there for us. They learn our language, our voice tones, and believe it or not, our happy and sad feelings. You may get upset and hurt their feelings by fussing at them, but they will still love and comfort you and not hold it against you.
I’ve read everything Author Brian Porter has written but I must say this is the best of his Family of Rescue Dog books. I’ve never known an author to put so much of his own personal feelings, ups and downs, and events in his own life in a book. Sophie and Candy became his reason for everything he did then and now in life. They helped him cope with a divorce, raising a son and taking care of his frail mother. And from their love and comfort he went on to rescue more and more furbabies creating a chance for him to give back everything Sophie and Candy taught him, plus.
If you aren’t a dog lover, read this book and I have a feeling you will become one.
January 23, 2024
Another charming and poignant tale
I have read most all of these books narrating the adoption of rescue dogs into a loving family. This book however tops all that I have read. It talks of how Porter got his first rescue dog, and in a most honest way, we learn how the powerful personality of this first dog helped Porter through a difficult and emotional time in his life.
Porter also writes crime thrillers and a particularly dark series inspired by the Ripper. I have read them all and the writing is enthralling. These books are though written in a personal way, and no holds barred. It is like you are talking to a mate over a drink in a pub, as he talks of his first dog and how he emerges from such dark emotions. How he met his wife and they grew their family of rescue dogs.
In his casual manner, over the pub table, it is as though Porter says to his mate, “Oh, and I happen to have some pictures, see…”
It is not all whimsical charm, it has the depth of emotions of life with a beloved hound and the machinations as the family of pets grows. The relationships with the children are particularly well drawn.
These books, and especially this one, are well worth a read and I found myself after reading each book, flicking through the pictures and getting that wonderfully warm sensation of love. 5 stars
I have read most all of these books narrating the adoption of rescue dogs into a loving family. This book however tops all that I have read. It talks of how Porter got his first rescue dog, and in a most honest way, we learn how the powerful personality of this first dog helped Porter through a difficult and emotional time in his life.
Porter also writes crime thrillers and a particularly dark series inspired by the Ripper. I have read them all and the writing is enthralling. These books are though written in a personal way, and no holds barred. It is like you are talking to a mate over a drink in a pub, as he talks of his first dog and how he emerges from such dark emotions. How he met his wife and they grew their family of rescue dogs.
In his casual manner, over the pub table, it is as though Porter says to his mate, “Oh, and I happen to have some pictures, see…”
It is not all whimsical charm, it has the depth of emotions of life with a beloved hound and the machinations as the family of pets grows. The relationships with the children are particularly well drawn.
These books, and especially this one, are well worth a read and I found myself after reading each book, flicking through the pictures and getting that wonderfully warm sensation of love. 5 stars
November 15, 2023
In the Beginning
Sophie and Candy, A Tale of Two Dachshunds, by Brian L. Porter, is yet another in his Family of Rescue Dogs Series. I have read the entire series and always wondered how Porter began rescuing these animals. He and his wife, Juliet, have an affinity for rescuing abused or discarded dogs.
In this story we learn how Porter’s history of rescuing dogs began and how two beautiful dachshunds kept him company through the loneliest years of his life. The pictures of the two dogs and the new dog are splendid. After meeting and marrying Juliet, Porter’s luck graced him with a partner able to read how he was attached to two lovable animals and what it meant to lose one. It was Juliet who decided that for her husband to remain happy, another pet was needed. Plus, Sophie, the remaining dog, should have a friend, too, and not be lonely.
So started the rescuing of shelter dogs. So began the rewarding lifelong rescues about which Porter has already written in other books in this series. It began decades ago when the author found that the company of lovable dogs was healing. I was pleased to read how the rescues began so many years before. Through this story, we get a personal look at the Porters’ personal lives and hearts. This was such a satisfying read.
Sophie and Candy, A Tale of Two Dachshunds, by Brian L. Porter, is yet another in his Family of Rescue Dogs Series. I have read the entire series and always wondered how Porter began rescuing these animals. He and his wife, Juliet, have an affinity for rescuing abused or discarded dogs.
In this story we learn how Porter’s history of rescuing dogs began and how two beautiful dachshunds kept him company through the loneliest years of his life. The pictures of the two dogs and the new dog are splendid. After meeting and marrying Juliet, Porter’s luck graced him with a partner able to read how he was attached to two lovable animals and what it meant to lose one. It was Juliet who decided that for her husband to remain happy, another pet was needed. Plus, Sophie, the remaining dog, should have a friend, too, and not be lonely.
So started the rescuing of shelter dogs. So began the rewarding lifelong rescues about which Porter has already written in other books in this series. It began decades ago when the author found that the company of lovable dogs was healing. I was pleased to read how the rescues began so many years before. Through this story, we get a personal look at the Porters’ personal lives and hearts. This was such a satisfying read.
November 20, 2023
Sophie and Candy: A tale of two dachshunds by Brian L. Porter
This book in the Brian L. Porter Dog Rescue series differs from the other books in many ways.
In this tale, we are taken back into the past. The writer opens up about his life, and we learn a lot about him, his son and mother. He tells us about his reluctance to take in the two dachshunds, Sophie and Candy, his eventual love of dogs; how he met Juliet, his wife, and how they began taking in rescue dogs.
I found the book both touching and moving. Sophie and Candy were the victims of a divorce. The writer’s son, Alan, was asking for a dog and Porter took them in. Little did he know the dogs would be therapeutic in getting over his own divorce, and I’m sure they also helped him as his son grew up and moved away.
Unfortunately, as the story progresses, the dogs age, and Porter eventually loses both of them due to a mixture of medical problems, old age and bereavement issues. This book will pull at your heartstrings. Anyone who has loved and lost a pet will surely relate to the writer’s words as he pours out his distress at losing them. The upside was how Juliet was there to see him through it all and was pivotal in the process of getting their first rescue dog, Tilly.
A highly recommended read.
This book in the Brian L. Porter Dog Rescue series differs from the other books in many ways.
In this tale, we are taken back into the past. The writer opens up about his life, and we learn a lot about him, his son and mother. He tells us about his reluctance to take in the two dachshunds, Sophie and Candy, his eventual love of dogs; how he met Juliet, his wife, and how they began taking in rescue dogs.
I found the book both touching and moving. Sophie and Candy were the victims of a divorce. The writer’s son, Alan, was asking for a dog and Porter took them in. Little did he know the dogs would be therapeutic in getting over his own divorce, and I’m sure they also helped him as his son grew up and moved away.
Unfortunately, as the story progresses, the dogs age, and Porter eventually loses both of them due to a mixture of medical problems, old age and bereavement issues. This book will pull at your heartstrings. Anyone who has loved and lost a pet will surely relate to the writer’s words as he pours out his distress at losing them. The upside was how Juliet was there to see him through it all and was pivotal in the process of getting their first rescue dog, Tilly.
A highly recommended read.
January 6, 2024
Fate can be kind, and indeed it was kind and rather miraculous in bringing dachshunds Sophie and Candy into author Brian L. Porter's life. When Brian's son expressed a wish for a 'sausage' dog, two close companion such dogs were soon found needing a home. The dogs couldn't be separated, and so Brian graciously accepted them as a pair. This was to cheer him in the midst of a sad divorce and deliver much joy for many years as well as a future direction as a dog rescuer--and author.
Sophie and Candy are sweet, beautiful, and well behaved and couldn't have a better, more loving home than the one they find with Brian. They lavish their own love in turn on Brian and on his mother who visits daily in the midst of an illness, making her end of life a happier one. Brian tells the story of many delightful special events with the dogs and how he cares for Candy when she develops diabetes. Truly, the story is a warm one with even a romance when Brian meets the woman who becomes his true dog-loving soulmate after his divorce and the two marry. Life is good when people are good hearted, and this lovely book with many many pictures of the dogs proves that maxim. A book that both children and adults will thoroughly enjoy.
Sophie and Candy are sweet, beautiful, and well behaved and couldn't have a better, more loving home than the one they find with Brian. They lavish their own love in turn on Brian and on his mother who visits daily in the midst of an illness, making her end of life a happier one. Brian tells the story of many delightful special events with the dogs and how he cares for Candy when she develops diabetes. Truly, the story is a warm one with even a romance when Brian meets the woman who becomes his true dog-loving soulmate after his divorce and the two marry. Life is good when people are good hearted, and this lovely book with many many pictures of the dogs proves that maxim. A book that both children and adults will thoroughly enjoy.
November 9, 2023
Full of overwhelming love
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 November 2023
Verified Purchase
In this the tenth book of his family of Rescue Dog series, the author takes us back on a nostalgic journey to the day when two of his favourite rescue dogs, Sophie and Candy, came into his life before he met his wife Juliet who helped him in his quest to find a secure home for all kinds of dogs who needed loving care and attention. Each of his stories are recalled in heart rending detail and vividly bring to mind the devotion and gratitude displayed by all his dogs that were returned tenfold throughout their life, and the massive loss when the time came to hold a paw in sad farewell. In particular, I loved the way Candy enjoyed playing games with the balloons tied to the door handle and Sophie’s encounter with the seal. Don’t hesitate, join in the fun and games - you won’t be disappointed. This a real tear-jerker, but full of overwhelming love and compassion. Without doubt, well deserving a five star rating, as I’m sure you will agree.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 November 2023
Verified Purchase
In this the tenth book of his family of Rescue Dog series, the author takes us back on a nostalgic journey to the day when two of his favourite rescue dogs, Sophie and Candy, came into his life before he met his wife Juliet who helped him in his quest to find a secure home for all kinds of dogs who needed loving care and attention. Each of his stories are recalled in heart rending detail and vividly bring to mind the devotion and gratitude displayed by all his dogs that were returned tenfold throughout their life, and the massive loss when the time came to hold a paw in sad farewell. In particular, I loved the way Candy enjoyed playing games with the balloons tied to the door handle and Sophie’s encounter with the seal. Don’t hesitate, join in the fun and games - you won’t be disappointed. This a real tear-jerker, but full of overwhelming love and compassion. Without doubt, well deserving a five star rating, as I’m sure you will agree.
November 10, 2023
Of all the authors I have read, only Brian Porter has the ability to immediately transport you into his world. He writes as if he is talking to you as a personal friend, so you are part of his inner circle. When he adopts these two dogs, Sophie and Candy, you can feel their fur, see the gloss of their coats and enjoy their playful times on the beach or jumping after a balloon.
As always with Brian Porter’s books, the text plays on the reader’s emotions, with the ups and downs of the dogs’ lives. Sophie and Candy is slightly different from the previous books in the series as these are the first dogs the author adopted and he had to learn the joys and heartbreaks of having animals as part of the household. The author was also experiencing some personal tragedy in the form of divorce and health problems, with revelations help create a bond between author and reader.
If you are at all interested in dogs, or any domestic animal, then Sophie and Candy is a book you must not miss. An easy five stars.
November 25, 2023
In the tenth book of his dog rescue series Brian Porter is quite clear about canine soulfulness that rescued him from the darkest period of his life. The two dachshunds, Sophie and Candy, became his true friends. Paradoxically, the book is not bleak; indeed, if I could run it through a search to count the number of times the author uses the word happy and its derivatives, it would result in the hundreds. Yes, because this book is about the happiness that our four-legged friends bring into our lives and, in a special way, Sophie and Candy, triggered off a chain of dog rescues, which bring us to the present day and fortunately, the other nine books in the series. The author also allows the reader the privilege of an insight into his personal life, the good and the bad times and in this sense this book differs slightly from the others. Finally, have a pack of tissues handy as you’ll be moved to tears and laughter by this enchanting book. An easy 5-star award from this reader.
January 10, 2024
What a delightful book!
As a rescue dog owner myself, I was immediately drawn to this real life story.
When Brian and his family adopt two dachshunds, their lives change forever. These two bundles of joy are full of antics. The readers are drawn into their adventures by well written prose and striking photos.
Unfortunately, even though Brian had something “that was so hard to say goodbye to”, we tend to outlive our pets. When illness strikes and Candy becomes terminally ill, other rescue dogs join the family.
Even if you’re not a dog lover, you may become one after reading this book. Thank you, Brian, for giving a voice to the voiceless. Because of you, so many pets can breathe easier.
As a rescue dog owner myself, I was immediately drawn to this real life story.
When Brian and his family adopt two dachshunds, their lives change forever. These two bundles of joy are full of antics. The readers are drawn into their adventures by well written prose and striking photos.
Unfortunately, even though Brian had something “that was so hard to say goodbye to”, we tend to outlive our pets. When illness strikes and Candy becomes terminally ill, other rescue dogs join the family.
Even if you’re not a dog lover, you may become one after reading this book. Thank you, Brian, for giving a voice to the voiceless. Because of you, so many pets can breathe easier.
May 12, 2024
Sophie and Candy is the tenth book in the Family of Rescue Dogs series, and I have to admit it is one of my favourites. I have a soft spot for Dachshunds. And I also know what it's like to have a family breakdown. Porter describes the ins and outs of his own family life, how he came into possession of a pair of Daschies, and the place they hold in his heart. There's love and cuddles, and accidents and health issues along the way. And, a great sadness. This is a beautiful and moving memoir. Photos are peppered throughout. Written with Porter's usual honesty, flare, and attention to detail, this story will charm your socks off.
May 11, 2024
another winner
I have read every book written by Brian Porter and have loved them all!! This one touches your soul for some reason more than the others but maybe it’s because growing up we had 2 sweet Dachshunds and it brought back so many memories!! Another winner!!
I have read every book written by Brian Porter and have loved them all!! This one touches your soul for some reason more than the others but maybe it’s because growing up we had 2 sweet Dachshunds and it brought back so many memories!! Another winner!!
February 13, 2024
Beautifully written. I love dogs especially dachshunds so I really enjoyed reading about their lives
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews