Whipped, beaten and abused for the first year of his life, Dylan was eventually left tied to the gates of a dog sanctuary, with a note telling of his treatment. The fates were smiling on the little Bedlington terrier however, as the author and his family adopted him the very same day, and Dylan began his life as part of the author’s Family of Rescuedogs and has been with them longer than any of their other dogs.
From his appearance at a national dog show, to chasing squirrels in the forest, Dylan has led a wonderful, happy life since being rescued.
Now fifteen years old, almost deaf and blind, and having survived two strokes, Dylan is still full of life, and living up to his nickname of ‘The Flying Bedlington’. This is his story.
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.
In this latest pet rescue tale from Brian Porter, he is given one of his most challenging tasks to date. How to win over the nervous fears of their latest rescue pet - a small Bedlington Terrier who is clearly terrified of men, having suffered acutely in the hands of a previous owner. After accepting the loving encouragement from his wife Juliet and family and welcome from their other dogs, Brian faces an uphill job of gaining the dog’s trust and confidence. The fact that he does so with patience and understanding is evident from the way he goes about it. This tale is a master class on how to treat and look after rescue dogs and the story of Dylan, the flying Bedlington, is a fascinating story told with love and affection and will keep you entertained up to the last page – especially about Dylan’s encounter with the seagulls at the seaside on a family day out. A delightful read and highly recommended.
Dylan is another story in Brian Porter’s growing Rescue Dog Series. My life at the moment cannot include animals. If I could, I’d be rescuing too. Porter’s stories of dogs he rescues, gives a look into the minds of both him and his wife, Juliet.
In these books, we learn about the work involved in caring for an animal that had been harmed either physically, emotionally, or both. These dogs have peculiar problems and only time and patience can restore that animal’s life. The Porters seem to have a natural talent for what it takes. They are able to handle the surprises, sometimes negatives ones, that come from adopting a pet from a poor environment, from having been abandoned, perhaps in a gutter somewhere. In reading this series, I’m learning about the commitment necessary to succeed at such an endeavor. In the end, there’s incredible reward that’s given by none other than the pet that is rescued.
These are more than simple rescue stories. They are heartwarming renditions with each new animal that happens to be different from any other one. Among all the stories, Dylan seems the most reserved, aloof in personality. He sounds almost regal. Then I read about the reason he was named The Flying Bedlington, and I smile and feel thankful there are people like the Porters who care for animals and give them a second chance.
As often happens with the Porters during a trip to the animal sanctuary, while tending to the needs of their existing brood of fur babies, there is a shout out: “Brian, you’ve got to come and see this dog!” And, as often happens, once he sees the precious pup and hears its tragic history, a new rescue is added to the family. This time it was Dylan, an abused Bedlington Terrier. Aided by the gentle Tillie (an adorable cross breed) who accompanied Brian, wife Juliet and her two daughters, the terrified and reluctant Dylan eventually responded to kind words and caresses, allowing the Porter family to take him home where he met more of his future siblings. Looking more like a wooley lamb, belying the Bedlington breed’s heritage as an intrepid hunter with the heart of a lion, Dylan took to the other dogs fairly quickly. The Porter’s rescues emanate an ethereal aura of kindness and compassion, always able to allay the fears and anxiety of every new member of the family. No matter how apprehensive the new pup is because of past mistreatment, it is almost miraculous how they settle in and learn to trust, knowing they are safe at last. Still, Dylan’s fear of men meant that Brian had a tough task to help him overcome his PTSD, but with extraordinary patience - and two pale blue stuffed teddy bears - Brian gradually won the Bedlington over. Eventually, thankfully, Dylan’s painful memories of abuse were cast aside in favor of his new life of love, safety, companionship and new adventures. Having numerous rescue dogs in the household the family dynamic changes with the passage of time, and there is often sadness intertwined with joy. While some of them thrive and play, others are taken ill, or cross over the rainbow bridge. This not only affects the human parents but takes it toll on the dogs as well. Comforting their siblings when they are ill or grieving them when they pass is as stressful and heart rending for them as well as the Porters. But dogs are so resilient and they go on with life just as humans do. Porter’s stories are always rich in detail, describing every aspect of his family’s life intertwined with the lives of their numerous “children,” of the community in which they live, the generosity of the professionals they rely on to keep the pups healthy and cared for. Inevitably new friendships are forged among other dog lovers they encounter. For example, Dylan became an unexpected “star” of the National Bedlington Terrier Club. Though not a show dog, Dylan was welcomed in as an “official entry” because of his poignant story so eloquently told by Brian in the club’s magazine. The opening dedication of Porter’s book lists the many dogs his family had rescued to date. The numerous photos are of carefree dogs romping at the beach, scurrying through the snow, basking in the sun, playing with a favorite toy; new pups and senior siblings, forever friends. There are more anecdotes and updates on the other dogs in the family as told in previous books. Since this is only Book 6 of his 11 book series, readers know many more dogs will be added to the household and their stories told in subsequent books. Dylan’s moniker, “the Flying Bedlington” is derived from a photo of Dylan gamboling in the field, with happiness literally showing on his face. And though age was catching up with him - hearing problems, dimming sight, a stroke - at 15 he remained fit and energetic, enjoying life to the fullest. Love will do that.
Dylan: The Flying Bedlington - Review by Martha A. Cheves
"I don't want Dylan's story to become a repetitive tale of loss and sadness. I'll just say that each and every dog who has been a part of our family, some longer than others, has been a much loved, and now, sadly missed member of our rescue pack, and their presence in our home has helped to enrich our lives and our hearts, with their love, their faithfulness and their at times, hilarious antics. Rescue dogs are definitely a special breed. They seem to know when they've been given a second, often third chance of a happy life and they repay the faith and the love you give to them, a hundred times over." Author Brian L. Porter
I agree 100+% to the statement above. Rescue dogs are special. Most of the dogs I've had throughout my life have been rescues. I can only remember maybe 2 that weren't. Every dog I've ever had was special but rescues just seem to have the knowledge that you are the one who saved their lives and you're the one they love the most. My Jesse is a rescue. He was due to be put down the very next day. No way would I allow that. He came home with me and we bonded from day one. He shows me his love and faithfulness to me every day. He doesn't want me out of his sight and when I do have to leave him, he lays by the door waiting for me to come home. There aren't enough good words in the dictionary to express how special rescue dogs are.
I've read every one of this Author's series of Rescue Dogs and each one has made me laugh and at times cry. I know how hard it is to watch your 'baby', and that is exactly what they are, start going downhill. Jesse, like Dylan, has lost his hearing and most of his sight. How old is he? Don't know. He was picked up on the streets before I found him, so there were no records of his age. Best guess is that he's around 13-14 years old and I can only pray that he has many more years to go.
If you aren't a dog lover, read these books and I have a feeling you may become one. If you are a dog lover, read these books and see what a difference rescuing a dog will make in not just their life but also in your life. Either way, this is a group of books I highly recommend to everyone. It's not only heartwarming but also educational.
Dylan was badly abused through the first year of his life, so much so that when he was rescued and adopted by the author and his family, Brian spent a month sitting and lying on the floor with him in order to earn his trust. He went on to become a real star of the rescue pack, so fast when running that he was pictured with all four feet clear of the ground, earning his nickname, 'the flying bedlington'. Over the years he has been a real character and more recently this little tough guy has survived two strokes, failing eyesight and deafness, and is still loving life at the grand old age of fifteen. Be ready for some tears and some laughs, as you follow Dylan and his doggie friends through an eventful fifteen years... and counting.
A great story of a rescued puppy who was rescued and found a loving home. Dexter, an abused puppy was adopted into a loving home. He found love and joy with a family who saving many other puppies. He lived a life of joy, playing with a special soft squirrel dog toy. This is a heartwarming tale.
I could not put the book, As I have multiple dogs. As an exhibitor/breeder of a terrier breed for almost 4 decades, I thank you for your work with rescues. Your books are wonderful!!!!!!!!
Another entertaining, interesting, educating, and lovable book about a couple and their rescue dogs. I highly recommend taking the time to sit back and read all the rescue dog books. You will fall in love with them.
dylan was such a lovable story and a beautiful dog. Never heard of Bedlington terrries until I read this book. I wish Dylan very long life. I appreciate all your family does to rescue dogs in England. I know we must have people in the USA that does the samething
I have read all six of Brian's Family of Rescue Dogs books. Again, he entertained me with a great story of rescue and the wonderful life he gave to a dog.