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Heidi - A Puppy's Progress
In May 2023, Brian Porter and his wife added a new member to their family of rescue in this case, a tiny Dachshund puppy who they named Heidi.
She had been the runt of a litter and barely survived her first day of life. Only the love and devotion of the lady who bred her managed to literally breathe life into her lungs, and proceeded to hand-rear her for the first two crucial weeks of her life. Having recently lost their beloved Muttley, the Porters decided to give this beautiful puppy a home.
This book chronicles Heidi’s first year with the family and how she was accepted immediately by the rest of the dogs, despite some initial worries by Brian and Juliet. Anyone who’s ever raised a puppy will recognise many of the trials they went through in those early the laughs, the utter mayhem and the satisfaction that comes from seeing an undersized, weak and vulnerable puppy dog grow and learn to love life.
She had been the runt of a litter and barely survived her first day of life. Only the love and devotion of the lady who bred her managed to literally breathe life into her lungs, and proceeded to hand-rear her for the first two crucial weeks of her life. Having recently lost their beloved Muttley, the Porters decided to give this beautiful puppy a home.
This book chronicles Heidi’s first year with the family and how she was accepted immediately by the rest of the dogs, despite some initial worries by Brian and Juliet. Anyone who’s ever raised a puppy will recognise many of the trials they went through in those early the laughs, the utter mayhem and the satisfaction that comes from seeing an undersized, weak and vulnerable puppy dog grow and learn to love life.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2024
19 people are currently reading
1 person want to read
About the author
Brian L. Porter
57 books70 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 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 4, 2024
An active and eventful 1st year!
At first Brian resisted Juliet’s admonition that “what you need is a new pup” - a Dachshund pup. But one look at her picture, “Girl Still Available,” and he relented. At first meeting he fell in love. She was an irresistible vision with a marble black and grey coat and tiny brown feet, dark eyes both welcoming and beseeching. In Heidi he found pure delight, a precocious, precious handful of puppy belly and velvety ears. At eight weeks old, she filled that empty space in Brian’s heart after his beloved Muttley passed over the rainbow bridge, and instead offered a rainbow of hope and joy.
Even before bringing a new pet home, Brian imparts the exacting nature of a very detailed adoption: vet visits, shots, insurance, pet supplies; and once home, organizing training and feeding schedules, exercise regimens, chronicling individual habits and personality traits.
Heidi was accepted immediately by the five other dogs still at home, and soon became their own baby, indulging in mischievous antics, teasing, nurturing, cuddling, sharing beds and toys and allowing her into their space. Heidi is not only loveable but the most willful, stubborn, and bossy of all the pets, as well as highly intelligent and easily trained.
Porter’s narrative diary is detailed yet warm and personal. The photos are more numerous than the previous books and speak volumes about the captivating spirits of all the family fur babies. Just looking at their expressions and demeanor you can tell they feel safe and loved, and radiate the love they share with one another and their human parents. An extra feature of this book is the introduction of the Porters’ friends and their own precious pets, their personal stories and the bond that they form with one another.
Brian and Juliet are living their destiny as dog caretakers. They adhere to what could be akin to wedding vows: in sickness and health, till death do us part. Their devotion is boundless, their selflessness is noble. Every dog rescued is a gift, every pet’s passing a heartbreaker. Still they always have room for one more.
The book is dedicated to all the dogs they have loved and lost. No doubt, when you see the photos, you’ll smile, feel your heart swell and perhaps shed a tear. Whatever your emotional reaction you’ll know that they are all living their best lives in the best of all homes.
At first Brian resisted Juliet’s admonition that “what you need is a new pup” - a Dachshund pup. But one look at her picture, “Girl Still Available,” and he relented. At first meeting he fell in love. She was an irresistible vision with a marble black and grey coat and tiny brown feet, dark eyes both welcoming and beseeching. In Heidi he found pure delight, a precocious, precious handful of puppy belly and velvety ears. At eight weeks old, she filled that empty space in Brian’s heart after his beloved Muttley passed over the rainbow bridge, and instead offered a rainbow of hope and joy.
Even before bringing a new pet home, Brian imparts the exacting nature of a very detailed adoption: vet visits, shots, insurance, pet supplies; and once home, organizing training and feeding schedules, exercise regimens, chronicling individual habits and personality traits.
Heidi was accepted immediately by the five other dogs still at home, and soon became their own baby, indulging in mischievous antics, teasing, nurturing, cuddling, sharing beds and toys and allowing her into their space. Heidi is not only loveable but the most willful, stubborn, and bossy of all the pets, as well as highly intelligent and easily trained.
Porter’s narrative diary is detailed yet warm and personal. The photos are more numerous than the previous books and speak volumes about the captivating spirits of all the family fur babies. Just looking at their expressions and demeanor you can tell they feel safe and loved, and radiate the love they share with one another and their human parents. An extra feature of this book is the introduction of the Porters’ friends and their own precious pets, their personal stories and the bond that they form with one another.
Brian and Juliet are living their destiny as dog caretakers. They adhere to what could be akin to wedding vows: in sickness and health, till death do us part. Their devotion is boundless, their selflessness is noble. Every dog rescued is a gift, every pet’s passing a heartbreaker. Still they always have room for one more.
The book is dedicated to all the dogs they have loved and lost. No doubt, when you see the photos, you’ll smile, feel your heart swell and perhaps shed a tear. Whatever your emotional reaction you’ll know that they are all living their best lives in the best of all homes.
July 30, 2024
A New Puppy for the Pack
Heidi – A Puppy’s Progress, by Brian L. Porter, is the latest in Porter’s Rescue Dog Series. However, little Heidi was not a rescue. Porter’s wife thought he was mourning too deeply over the loss of Muttley. She found Heidi and it brought Porter out of his melancholy.
Porter tells about the rough start little Heidi had to endure just after being born. She was the runt of the litter and hadn’t fared well. That is, till the Porter’s accepted her. Porter tells how Heidi integrated into the already established pack of rescue animals they care for. We learn of Heidi’s progress of being well cared for, the shots and medications, the spaying, and all the rest. The Porter’s love their animals and give them utmost care. Each animal, even each breed, will react differently. This book, as with all the books in the series, contains numerous pictures of the dogs mentioned in the book. But Heidi is not the first Dachshund Porter has had. If I remember correctly, his first two dogs were dachshunds.
One thing I love about Porter’s stories is that he provides almost a step-by-step history of how each animal settled into life with them and the other dogs. I have learned a lot from following this series of dog stories. As we follow along with this series, they are not just about Porter and his animals. His wife, Juliet, loves the dogs just as much and is as involved, at times more so, in caring for the animals.
I so love these stories that shed light on what it takes to foster these animals and what type of people are best suited. Two are definitely the Porters.
Heidi – A Puppy’s Progress, by Brian L. Porter, is the latest in Porter’s Rescue Dog Series. However, little Heidi was not a rescue. Porter’s wife thought he was mourning too deeply over the loss of Muttley. She found Heidi and it brought Porter out of his melancholy.
Porter tells about the rough start little Heidi had to endure just after being born. She was the runt of the litter and hadn’t fared well. That is, till the Porter’s accepted her. Porter tells how Heidi integrated into the already established pack of rescue animals they care for. We learn of Heidi’s progress of being well cared for, the shots and medications, the spaying, and all the rest. The Porter’s love their animals and give them utmost care. Each animal, even each breed, will react differently. This book, as with all the books in the series, contains numerous pictures of the dogs mentioned in the book. But Heidi is not the first Dachshund Porter has had. If I remember correctly, his first two dogs were dachshunds.
One thing I love about Porter’s stories is that he provides almost a step-by-step history of how each animal settled into life with them and the other dogs. I have learned a lot from following this series of dog stories. As we follow along with this series, they are not just about Porter and his animals. His wife, Juliet, loves the dogs just as much and is as involved, at times more so, in caring for the animals.
I so love these stories that shed light on what it takes to foster these animals and what type of people are best suited. Two are definitely the Porters.
June 14, 2024
Heidi A Puppy’s Progress by Brian L. Porter
Little Heidi’s story differs slightly from the other books in this series. She was not a rescued dog in the sense that you imagine, but as the author says, she was the runt of the litter, was exceedingly small, and if it hadn’t been for the care and vigilance of her breeder, who saved her from certain death, she definitely wouldn’t have survived.
The book is peppered with lots of photographs, not only of the miniscule pup but also of her doggy family, so we get to check in with all the other dogs in the household and see what they have been up to. It was lovely to have the photos to coincide with the story and to see the difference a year makes and how the little pup with a large attitude grows into a young dog.
What amazes me is the regime and daily care Porter and his wife have for these dogs. The house seems to run almost as an institution, with set times for walks, feeding, playing, etc. Each dog is catered for, and their every need is met regardless of age, size or breed. Those animals are certainly lucky to have found a home in the Porter household.
I must also mention Juliette, Porter’s wife, who not only walks all her dogs at regular intervals throughout the day but also walks other people’s dogs too! I’m surprised she isn’t as thin as a rake! But, to me, this just highlights her devotion and love of animals.
This book is an easy read and I’m sure children who love dogs will certainly enjoy it – especially all the photos. A solid five stars from me!
Little Heidi’s story differs slightly from the other books in this series. She was not a rescued dog in the sense that you imagine, but as the author says, she was the runt of the litter, was exceedingly small, and if it hadn’t been for the care and vigilance of her breeder, who saved her from certain death, she definitely wouldn’t have survived.
The book is peppered with lots of photographs, not only of the miniscule pup but also of her doggy family, so we get to check in with all the other dogs in the household and see what they have been up to. It was lovely to have the photos to coincide with the story and to see the difference a year makes and how the little pup with a large attitude grows into a young dog.
What amazes me is the regime and daily care Porter and his wife have for these dogs. The house seems to run almost as an institution, with set times for walks, feeding, playing, etc. Each dog is catered for, and their every need is met regardless of age, size or breed. Those animals are certainly lucky to have found a home in the Porter household.
I must also mention Juliette, Porter’s wife, who not only walks all her dogs at regular intervals throughout the day but also walks other people’s dogs too! I’m surprised she isn’t as thin as a rake! But, to me, this just highlights her devotion and love of animals.
This book is an easy read and I’m sure children who love dogs will certainly enjoy it – especially all the photos. A solid five stars from me!
October 3, 2024
Another delightful and heart-warming book
This author has written many crime thrillers and I have read them all – they are brilliant, and in some, spine-chilling. So, imagine my surprise when I found out that this writer of cutting edge crime has a truly soft heart.
This is the 11th book in a series whereby Porter tells of his long time adopting rescue dogs and giving them a caring home. I think at one time he and his wife may have had as many as 12 dogs – I cannot imagine it, but I did not have to as I have read nearly all of these books and never fail to be absorbed and moved.
The stories of each dog they have had is full of love, sometimes sadness and sometimes complex relationships (between the dogs that is). This book is about a ‘sausage dog’, Dachshund they collected as a puppy and how it settled into the family of dogs, and the humans of course, with the ups and downs. The special thing for me is how the personality of Heidi develops.
I am not sure I could do what Brian and Juliet do, but I don’t mind reading about it at all and I challenge readers to pick up one book and not want to read another. Porter writes as if he is recounting his memories over a cup of coffee and then slips into the conversation, snapshots that melt the heart. I confess, I flick first of all through the book to look at all the photos and then enjoyed them all once again as I read the story of each dog – 5 stars.
This author has written many crime thrillers and I have read them all – they are brilliant, and in some, spine-chilling. So, imagine my surprise when I found out that this writer of cutting edge crime has a truly soft heart.
This is the 11th book in a series whereby Porter tells of his long time adopting rescue dogs and giving them a caring home. I think at one time he and his wife may have had as many as 12 dogs – I cannot imagine it, but I did not have to as I have read nearly all of these books and never fail to be absorbed and moved.
The stories of each dog they have had is full of love, sometimes sadness and sometimes complex relationships (between the dogs that is). This book is about a ‘sausage dog’, Dachshund they collected as a puppy and how it settled into the family of dogs, and the humans of course, with the ups and downs. The special thing for me is how the personality of Heidi develops.
I am not sure I could do what Brian and Juliet do, but I don’t mind reading about it at all and I challenge readers to pick up one book and not want to read another. Porter writes as if he is recounting his memories over a cup of coffee and then slips into the conversation, snapshots that melt the heart. I confess, I flick first of all through the book to look at all the photos and then enjoyed them all once again as I read the story of each dog – 5 stars.
June 2, 2024
It is always a delight to open one of Brian’s doggy books, and Heidi is no exception. Right from page one, the reader knows that he or she is in for canine capers and the triumphs and tragedies of dogdom, if there is such a word.
I do not like to use spoilers, so I will not put down any details of the contents, but some things must be said. After a family tragedy, Brian’s wife decided to bring home a puppy, the sovereign cure for heartache. Heidi was the runt, the last born and the weakest of the litter so her survival was in doubt. That simple fact must be considered when one reads her book.
Heidi is a dachshund, young, small, and active. Very active, and she has to make her presence felt among an established community of larger dogs.
While previous books in the series follow the life story of Brian’s family of dogs, Heidi’s story is packed into a single year – which helps give the impression of youth to this small creature. I have never had (owned would be the wrong word in the partnership between dog and human) a dachshund, but this book could be used as a guide to what to expect.
I do not like to use spoilers, so I will not put down any details of the contents, but some things must be said. After a family tragedy, Brian’s wife decided to bring home a puppy, the sovereign cure for heartache. Heidi was the runt, the last born and the weakest of the litter so her survival was in doubt. That simple fact must be considered when one reads her book.
Heidi is a dachshund, young, small, and active. Very active, and she has to make her presence felt among an established community of larger dogs.
While previous books in the series follow the life story of Brian’s family of dogs, Heidi’s story is packed into a single year – which helps give the impression of youth to this small creature. I have never had (owned would be the wrong word in the partnership between dog and human) a dachshund, but this book could be used as a guide to what to expect.
June 4, 2024
Another of Brian’s delightful doggie books is about Heidi, a dachshund
he and Juliet adopted from a local breeder. When she was first born, the breeder had to literally breathe life into her, the runt of the litter, and spent her first two weeks raising her by hand. I never knew dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers! Heidi was so tiny when they first took her home she fit into the palm of Juliet’s hand. As the story progresses, Heidi is introduced to her doggie family and makes fast friends with them all. She’s bossy, but a very intelligent pup. She’s the lucky recipient of a new pink coat, indoor and outdoor beds, and many toys, some she’s not so eager to share with the other doggies. She’s eventually allowed to go off-leash for a romp in the park and becomes an energetic pup. The story is so heartfelt and sweet, and the photos—and captions—so cute, I smiled at every one of them. A must for every dog lover, or any lover of animals that give such joy to their owners. (And you will learn all about Smelly Dog Syndrome—why they roll in fox poop or remains of other animals—learn something new every day!)
he and Juliet adopted from a local breeder. When she was first born, the breeder had to literally breathe life into her, the runt of the litter, and spent her first two weeks raising her by hand. I never knew dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers! Heidi was so tiny when they first took her home she fit into the palm of Juliet’s hand. As the story progresses, Heidi is introduced to her doggie family and makes fast friends with them all. She’s bossy, but a very intelligent pup. She’s the lucky recipient of a new pink coat, indoor and outdoor beds, and many toys, some she’s not so eager to share with the other doggies. She’s eventually allowed to go off-leash for a romp in the park and becomes an energetic pup. The story is so heartfelt and sweet, and the photos—and captions—so cute, I smiled at every one of them. A must for every dog lover, or any lover of animals that give such joy to their owners. (And you will learn all about Smelly Dog Syndrome—why they roll in fox poop or remains of other animals—learn something new every day!)
June 19, 2024
This author writes about his dogs. He also has a mystery series. This book is about the first year that his new puppy, Heidi, spent with him, his wife, and his other dogs. You can tell from the writing how much Mr. Porter loves dogs. It's a heartfelt tribute, along with photos, of not only Heidi, but all his current dogs as well as those who passed away but still live on in the author's memory. You'll laugh and cry when reading this book if you, like Mr. Porter, are a dog lover. I'm a cat person, but I care for all animals, and this book certainly touched me.
The book covers how the author brought Heidi, a tiny dachshund puppy, into his home after a sad loss, the introduction to his other dogs, her favorite games and toys, her growth, her spaying operation, her life through the seasons and the holidays with her human and canine family, and the celebration of her first birthday.
Interspersed throughout are wonderful photos that capture Heidi's first year. At the end, the book includes a gallery of Mr. Porter's dog photos that display the love and affection the author feels toward his pets. I highly recommend this read to dog lovers and pet lovers alike.
The book covers how the author brought Heidi, a tiny dachshund puppy, into his home after a sad loss, the introduction to his other dogs, her favorite games and toys, her growth, her spaying operation, her life through the seasons and the holidays with her human and canine family, and the celebration of her first birthday.
Interspersed throughout are wonderful photos that capture Heidi's first year. At the end, the book includes a gallery of Mr. Porter's dog photos that display the love and affection the author feels toward his pets. I highly recommend this read to dog lovers and pet lovers alike.
August 1, 2024
After losing Muttley, one of their beloved dogs, Brian Porter and his wife, Juliet, decide to get another dog to add to their family. But, instead of taking in a rescue dog, as they normally do, they decide to buy a puppy - and that was when they heard about Heidi.
Heidi, a Dachshund, was the runt of the litter and would never have survived if it hadn't been for the dedication of the owner. Therefore, once the time came to pick up the tiny puppy and take her to her new home, Brian Porter was concerned as to how the rest of the dogs, back home, would accept this tiny puppy.
However, he needn't have worried as, despite her being so tiny, Heidi was able to stand up for herself and the other dogs loved her for that.
The book continues, by informing the reader of Heidi's first year with, not only the Porter's and the other dogs in their home, but also the dogs of people they meet while out on their daily walks. Plus, the mess she gets into, while examining muddy pools, or dead birds while scurrying around the fields.
Don't miss this story. It will make you smile.
Heidi, a Dachshund, was the runt of the litter and would never have survived if it hadn't been for the dedication of the owner. Therefore, once the time came to pick up the tiny puppy and take her to her new home, Brian Porter was concerned as to how the rest of the dogs, back home, would accept this tiny puppy.
However, he needn't have worried as, despite her being so tiny, Heidi was able to stand up for herself and the other dogs loved her for that.
The book continues, by informing the reader of Heidi's first year with, not only the Porter's and the other dogs in their home, but also the dogs of people they meet while out on their daily walks. Plus, the mess she gets into, while examining muddy pools, or dead birds while scurrying around the fields.
Don't miss this story. It will make you smile.
June 7, 2024
What’s not to love about a Dachshund! I have to admit that I’m a softie when it comes to the breed which is why I enjoyed reading this book.
There have been quite a few losses in the family of dogs at the Porter residence as various members of the doted on canines have aged. Beloved Muttley’s passing has hit Porter especially hard. And so his wife Juliet gets him a puppy. Not just any puppy. A Dachsie. And so begins a healing journey for the author as Heidi settles into family life with all of her new canine companions. Friendships are forged, lessons are learned. And eventually Heidi turns one.
Porter has poured so much love and dedication into each of the books in this series and Heidi - A Puppy’s Progress is no exception. To me, the Porters represent the sorts of people who should own dogs.
There have been quite a few losses in the family of dogs at the Porter residence as various members of the doted on canines have aged. Beloved Muttley’s passing has hit Porter especially hard. And so his wife Juliet gets him a puppy. Not just any puppy. A Dachsie. And so begins a healing journey for the author as Heidi settles into family life with all of her new canine companions. Friendships are forged, lessons are learned. And eventually Heidi turns one.
Porter has poured so much love and dedication into each of the books in this series and Heidi - A Puppy’s Progress is no exception. To me, the Porters represent the sorts of people who should own dogs.
June 4, 2024
My golden retriever was the runt of a litter and a sweeter, more intelligent and empathic pet I’ve never come across —until I read about Mr Porter’s Heidi. I now wonder if I’ve stumbled upon a more generalised phenomenon. I’d like to think so: the runt of the litter makes the perfect pet. Test my theory by reading about Heidi’s first year. Without spoilers, it’s largely about how a micro-dachshund settled in (and more) with a family of rescue dogs and their devoted owners. As with the whole series of these books (11 of them) an indisputable 5-stars! And, by the way, I'm looking forward to the sequel!
July 3, 2024
Another great book by Brian Porter
I am a huge dog lover. I have had dogs my entire life so it goes without saying that I loves books about dogs however I am particularly drawn to Mr. Porter’s books as he gives details about how his dogs live and grow and how he rescues some. This particular book hit home because we had 2 daschounds growing up and they are the sweetest dogs but like Heidi they have quite the personality!! This is a fun book!! Enjoy!
I am a huge dog lover. I have had dogs my entire life so it goes without saying that I loves books about dogs however I am particularly drawn to Mr. Porter’s books as he gives details about how his dogs live and grow and how he rescues some. This particular book hit home because we had 2 daschounds growing up and they are the sweetest dogs but like Heidi they have quite the personality!! This is a fun book!! Enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews