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Sheba: From Hell to Happiness

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Sheba is the sequel to Brian L Porter's award-winning bestseller, Sasha, and tells the story of rescue dog Sheba, Sasha’s best friend, starved, beaten and used as bait for the training of fighting dogs and then thrown on a rubbish tip and left to die, a barely living skeleton.The author and his wife adopted this unfortunate waif and so began a long period of recuperation and training, as they gradually helped Sheba back to full health and helped her to learn to live sociably and happily within their pack of rescue dogs.A story of real triumph over adversity, full of emotion and a fair amount of humor too, Sheba’s is a real-life tale of what can be achieved in rehabilitating a dog, having suffered a living hell, from the brink of death to a life full of happiness.

113 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2017

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About the author

Brian L. Porter

62 books71 followers
Formerly 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.

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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for John Dizon.
Author 84 books62 followers
December 14, 2017
Sheba by Brian L. Porter is an absorbing tale of the adoption of an abused animal by the author, told in a first-person narrative that lends to its intimate atmosphere. It is a sequel to his previous work, Sasha, the story of the first fighting dog rescued by his family. Sheba is nursed back to health and retrained as a domestic animal. Yet there are engrained habits that compromise the situation, and the author explains the process in reclaiming the dog and making it a member of his family.

The element of conflict is expertly woven throughout the story as Porter details the journey of the dog from its adverse beginnings to its place as a beloved member of its new family. The conflict against nature is manifested as the dog survives a feral environment, enduring vicious battles and deprivation en route to the Porter home. A conflict with society ensues as the dog exhibits frenzied reactions to loud noises and sudden movements. It causes a severe injury to another pet as Sheba loses control during one scene in the narrative. The conflict with self is finally resolved as the animal is able to overcome its violent urges and settles into its new home at last.

For animal lovers, family narrative readers as well as those who enjoy a cozy tale of man’s best friend, Sheba by Brian L. Porter is a worthy read.
Profile Image for Martha Cheves.
Author 5 books74 followers
March 2, 2017
Sheba: From Hell to Happiness - Review by Martha A Cheves, Author of: Stir, Laugh, Repeat; Think With Your Taste Buds; and A Book and A Dish

"Can you tell what breed it is?" Juliet asked me, quietly. "I'm not sure. It's hard to tell, but at a guess, I'd say it's a little Staffy," I replied. "It looks close to death's door," my wife said, choking back her own tears at this terrible sight, this symbol of man's in-humanity towards an innocent living creature. "I want to ask Lisa about it."

Lisa smiled as we walked back into the warmth of reception. "Bet you've found something you like, haven't you?" she said with a knowing look in her eyes. "Maybe," Juliet replied. "What can you tell us about the little dog in the stables, the one under the heat lamp?"

The little dog that Author Brian Porter is talking about is Sheba. She was underweight, her hair had been shaved off. She had skin abrasions and deep ligature marks around her neck. She had been thrown on a rubbish pile and was barely alive. The cause of these injuries - she had been used as bait to train fighting dogs.

I'm an avid animal lover, especially dogs. I've always had one and can't imagine my life without one of my best friends. When I started reading this book I couldn't stop the tears and the anger that would build up inside me. How can anyone be so inhumane?

I've read all of Author Brian Porter's books about the dogs he has rescued and I can't say enough about the kind heart he, his wife and daughters all have. In my book, they are all some of the great ones for bringing these babies out of their living and sometimes dying hell into a beautiful, loving, comfortable life.

If you're a dog lover as I am, this is another one of those books that you simply must read. It will really open your eyes to the cruel life these dogs live just for what some really sick people call a 'sport.' I would love to put them through what they put these loving babies through.
Profile Image for Jeannette Hensby.
Author 10 books21 followers
July 30, 2017
Great book by a great writer. The story breaks your heart at the start when you read of the poor young dog who had been so badly abused and starved that she wasn't expected to live. That was before the author and his wonderful family (of people and dogs!) took her in. A wonderfully uplifting book that holds your attention from the first page to the last. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Mary Deal.
Author 24 books152 followers
July 23, 2019
Human Kindness Saves a Life

As I read the story of Sheba in Brian Porter’s Family of Rescue Dog series, I was reminded of appalling and bitter truths I already know about. Dog fighting is an outrage. Worse yet is how bait dogs are used. But getting beyond that point, this is a nonfiction story about how two people, Brian Porter and his wife, Juliet, saved the life of a Staffie they find on the brink of death.

Accepting a dog that has been abused takes patience. Accepting a dog that was used as a bait dog presents a unique problem that only a person or persons with immeasurable patience, endurance and understanding can afford. A bait dog is one who is set up (I won’t mention how here but it’s in the story) to be in a position that other dogs may attack, for practice to being fighting dogs.

This is a story about the attempts to retrain this injured Staffie and give it a normal life. It looked bleak at times as Sheba remembered her fears and responses to other dogs. Retraining takes the Porter’s to the brink of giving up. But they never give up, as their stories about their rescue dogs show us. If you love dogs and do not want to read about the harshness of the life of a bait dog, I can truly say you should read this book anyway. Because of the care and compassion the Porters have for the dogs they accept, there is a happy ending here. It’s the only way I would want to see it end, and the only way the Porters will allow their dogs to live.
3 reviews
October 16, 2017
Amazing

Totally glued from beginning to end, tears of sadness,happiness anger just an amazing read about an amazing dog just fell in love with Sheba from first page
Profile Image for Berk Rourke.
378 reviews
March 20, 2017
How could you not love a heartwarming story of a badly abused little dog who found love and succor in a wonderful home. Sheba started this world in a tough way, being used as a training device for fighting dogs. When she came to Harry and Juliet she had virtually no coat as it had been shaved to make it easier for dogs to bite her. Harry and Juliet, who must have been sent to this earth as saints for the sake of little abandoned, unloved animals, brought her home, loved her, fed her, took good care of her, socialized her, gave her security and above all the chance to be the sweet, loving dog she is. I loved the story. How could you help but do. . . it is heartwarming to know there are people like Harry and Juliet in this world, to say nothing of their children and their other dogs. A great little story.
Profile Image for B. Roman.
Author 15 books118 followers
February 1, 2023
An ungainly, muscular body, square oversized head, but oh, that smile - that ear-to-ear, tail-wagging smile! That’s the healed and renewed Sheba, but her beginnings were nothing to smile about.
On a snowy, post-Christmas holiday trip to the familiar “no kill” pound to deliver a gift for the staff, the Porters learned of the hundreds of dogs that were disposed of by heartless owners. Although they had eleven rescues at home already, they were “assaulted” by pleading eyes and wagging tails. In a lonely corner pen, a trembling, obviously abused pup curled tightly in a fetal position. After hearing her story - used as bait to training fighting dogs then thrown in a trash heap - the Porters kindly took her home to give her love and care. Though it was expected the young dog had little time left to live, she deserved a noble name - Sheba, as in Queen of Sheba, one of the most beautiful women of her time.
Introduction to the others in the family of dogs went swimmingly; they seemed to sense the suffering Sheba had endured, her precarious condition, and they gave her a warm and gentle welcome then left her in peace to heal and adjust. One cannot but assume that this was the result of the love given to them and the doggies wanted to pay it forward.
From a trembling injured young girl who could barely walk or eat, Sheba’s spirit shone through and there was hope that she would survive and thrive. Being in a home that was safe, secure and bursting with kindness was the panacea Sheba needed. Gradually, she began to take on the habits of the other dogs, enjoyed the feel of grass beneath her feet, luxuriated in her grooming time, reveled in playing fetch, and gave love kisses to Brian. Sheba was happy.
Because of her tormented life, Sheba had deformities and infirmities and needed constant attention, medications and procedures, and drew stares from neighbors for her emaciated appearance. But she had a puppy-like instinct for play and an innate instinct for survival. Sheba’s history encouraged Porter to learn all he could about the cruel and criminal world of dog fighting. Although he doesn’t hold back on the grisly truths of Sheba’s abuse and the injuries she endured before they rescued her, the dog-fighting stories were tear-inducing and not appropriate to put in the book that might be read by children.
Memories of being attacked by a fighting dog imprinted fears in Sheba’s mind. When being approached in the doggie park by another, albeit friendly, dog she might perceive as being aggressive, Sheba would react in self-defense. Professional behavioral training helped work through this and other anxieties. Her physical and emotional transformation was so remarkable that Sheba was awarded Rescue Pet of the Month on a pet-related website.
Sheba was the first Staffy (Staffordshire Bull Terrier) the Porters had adopted, but not the last. Soon a new rescue was added to the family. Sasha was “adopted” by Sheba and a beautiful co-dependent friendship was born. Later the two became surrogate moms to more new puppies (Muffin, Digby and Petal). Caring for a large family of needy dogs is exhausting and time-consuming, but Porter encourages others to adopt a rescue, for the experience is rich in its own rewards. His books are the perfect primer for anyone contemplating such a heroic endeavor.
All the dogs’ stories intertwine in this and the other seven books in the Family of Rescue Dogs series. As the stories go back and forward in time we learn how all the dogs had suffered inhumanely, were rescued and rehabilitated into loving, trusting pets. Despite their varied heartbreaking histories, with the Porters they feel safe, secure, and cherished. In turn, they love, feel gratitude, give loyalty and comfort. They know they are in Heaven - on Earth.
93 reviews
November 23, 2021
This is a truly inspiring tail (pun). I have worked with several dog rescue organizations over the years, this is an important story of redemption and healing that is necessary to hear for any young animal lover. I have fostered several different dogs that came from awful situations such as Sheba’s. When you rescue a dog, you don’t really know what their background was and what they went through because they can’t tell you. Love and attention can heal almost any wound, especially for dogs. I did not get to read the authors previous book about her eventual best friend. I have definitely marked it down for a future reading. I hope that my review can inspire at least one person to rescue a dog from a shelter or another organization, instead of purchasing a dog from a breeder. Adopt, don’t shop!
6 reviews
August 31, 2019
It will make you laugh and cry

This is one of those books that make you really care about the subject, in this case,Sheba, a very young Staffordshire Bull terrier,who had been horribly abused. From the time she was adopted,skeletal and covered in sores and not expected to live,to her journey through life as the much loved dog of not only of her wonderful family,but the local schoolchildren and senior citizens,proving to all that Staffies are not the stuff of nightmares,but rather are wonderful family dogs,loyal,friendly,loving and very very cuddly! This is a real feel good story,and I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this series
57 reviews
August 4, 2018
Great story

I really enjoyed reading about Sheba. The staffies do have a very undeserved bad reputation. I have rescued cats for about 25 years and they also are used as bait. It's dad what humanity can do. I encourage everyone to read Sheba's story and especially Sasha's story. It's amazing what you all do as a family. I hope your life continues to be enjoyable with your family and your pack. 💕
26 reviews3 followers
August 29, 2018
Wow, I absolutely loved this book! Sheba was a bait dog and her future was unknown. Due to severe abuse and health issues it was doubtful that she would survive. Thank goodness with love and care she has a good life with her devoted family and siblings. It breaks my heart that animals suffer such abuse. Sheba is an example of how love and kindness win!
Bless the author and his family for giving Sheba and her siblings a second chance.
69 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2019
Bait dog

What the devil means for bad God turns it around for good! The story about Sheba is this kind of story ! Little girl puppy left in horrific condition but for the grace of God was brought to the right vet!!! I believe they fight to stay alive to be found they should always be have the chance to live ! They should never be put down ! Let them decide !! She wanted to live and live she did from the minute she left the shelter! You porters are awesome!
Profile Image for Lisa Miller.
1 review
September 24, 2020
This will bring smiles & tears, but is an awesome book

This book is great! It is an easy read, and very much keeps your attention. It is a excellent book! It is amazing how these poor dogs are abused, then discarded like trash. But then, all they are wanting is to be safe and loved. Anyone who loves dogs, will throughly enjoy it. I have a pit bull that I rescued and she also is a great embassador for the bully breeds. Thank you Brian for writing such an amazing book!!!
Profile Image for Jane Freund.
Author 35 books19 followers
November 21, 2021
An Incredible Story of Canine Comeback!!

What Sheba came through and became is incredibly inspiring and moving! How she recovered from a horrific beginning to being the well-adjusted canine family member is amazing to say the least. Brian Porter does a terrific job of describing and creating visuals! For the more the love that he and his family show to all the dogs they rescue is quite touching. ❤
Profile Image for Jackie.
15 reviews
January 29, 2021
This is a well loved book

I truly love reading about Sheba, Sasha and all of the pack from this wonderful author that shares the good and bad of having a pack of their own. Once I retire I plan to build my own pack but for the moment I have 1 or 2 in the house.
Thank you for sharing your lovely stories and I look forward to the next adventure.
Profile Image for Brianna.
290 reviews2 followers
October 26, 2021
I could read about Sheba and her friends continuously. I hope to rescue many dogs in my future and I think this book does a great job preparing people for possible hiccups in the path of having a rescue dog that has some PTSD. Dogs are more like humans than we know. Definitely need to read the book about Sasha!
12 reviews
October 31, 2021
Wonderful story of love and triumph

I am an avid dog lover and enjoy reading about people who are able to help abused animals triumph over their abuse. I think this book is great for anyone who wants to help the abused but feel they can't. Brian has shown that patience and love make a world of difference in the lives of abused dogs.
7,775 reviews50 followers
August 19, 2018
Having done so much as a rescued dog, to end up like this. Delightful of what love, and being wanted did for Sheba. Delightful, sad, but true of too many dogs, horses, after their usefulness is over, they can still bring love to a family. Readers will be touched by this story and very well written
Profile Image for Mari.
Author 42 books71 followers
September 13, 2018
Sheba: From Hell To Happiness is a short but powerful tale of a horribly abused puppy. The pound did not expect the animal to live. You’ll find out how compassion, love, care, and interaction between human and dogs will heal the most abused among us. It is a tale...
4 reviews
February 21, 2019
Sheba

I enjoyed reading about Sheba!! So shocked to read about her being a bait dog. And then bring adopted by you and your family. Looking forward to read about Cassie. I also like the way you write!
Profile Image for Floyd DeShazo.
49 reviews
December 5, 2021
First of the series I have read

First of the series I have read and if the rest of them are like this one you have a follower. I have rescue animals in my home but mine are cats 19 and 20 respectively we got them when they were 1 and 2 respectively
Profile Image for sa fletcher.
18 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2018
fantastic story

As a staffie Mum of 3, I absolutely loved this book, and am so thankful that you rescued Sheba 😁
3 reviews
December 15, 2018
Loved this adoption story

If you enjoy dogs and rescues, you will enjoy this exceptional book. Thanks for writing about Sheba and your pack.
735 reviews4 followers
March 25, 2019
Sheba: From Hell to Happiness

The title says it all. You will want cry sad and cry happy when reading the story of Sheba. Then you will be ready to bring home another dog.
Profile Image for John Stubbs.
31 reviews2 followers
September 26, 2019
Another dog book

I enjoy the story of rescue dogs. It has been such a big part of my life that I enjoy reading about it when I don't have to clean up the mess






3 reviews
April 23, 2020
Great book

Loved the story of Sheba because I like rescue dogs. Have also read Sasha as we had a white staffy. Both dogs had nice natures after being abused.
Profile Image for Robin Esau Grosshans.
14 reviews
June 15, 2021
Sheba

Another good book by Brian L Porter. If you love dogs the way I do, I definitely recommend this book.
13 reviews
August 17, 2021
Another great book by Brian L. Porter. I felt like I was in the room with him and his family, and of course, SHEBA.
1 review
Currently reading
October 3, 2018
Excellent read

I loved this book ! The journey of Shebas amazing journey ' her recovery and what a,great family member Sheba became. I truly loved how the family managed each dogs as individuals and never pushed them beyond their capacity ensuring success. This book illustrates the true beauty of staffys. Their resilience and zest for life regardless of where they come from. Thank you for bringing awareness to adoption, animal abuse and the ignorance of humans toward an innocent animal based solely on looks , my hope is one day BSL is illegal and the haters of innocent dogs stop the propaganda, lies and hate .
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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