“We have lost a very special Terrier SOS dog, our beloved Dylan has left us and all our hearts are broken for him and his family. When I first saw Dylan (originally called Diamond) – the rescue did not exist. I had been involved in helping another dog, a terrier naturally, and the volunteers asked if perhaps I could help. Diamond was 7 he was left at a notorious kill station in Almeria because his family were ‘bored’ of him. That is it, with one word he was to be discarded. Their ignorance, their callousness, would cost him his life. Chris and I paid for all his fees out of our own pocket – we waited a long time but eventually we picked up a very thin and a very disorientated boy. We did not know it then but on that day, a journey began – the journey of rescue – with its highs and lows – with the great joy and great sadness that only dogs can bring. We fostered Diamond for over a month, we got to know a fun and bright boy – he loved his toys, he ate my sisters shoes (egged on by Klaus no doubt), he loved chasing squirrels, and in no time we realised that he was a gem, a precious gem.
Liz and George saw the gem too – and on a breezy Brighton seafront – they met Dylan and walked him with Macy. They fell for his charm, his cheekiness, his stubbornness, but above all his sweetness. He was a character, and always brought a smile to his family’s face. He was their beautiful boy. He accompanied them on many adventures, and travelled throughout the UK with them – getting friends and admirers along the way.He was also a fashion model – and modelled for Redhound for Dogs! He loved his toys, keeping his sister on her toes, and letting his family know how much he loved them.
Unfortunately when we speak of Dylan, we must also speak of his illness. Although initially testing negative for Leishmaniasis, he began to shows signs . He received all the treatments and his family spared no effort , he saw Vets, specialists, but sadly either due to the illness or complications because of it, Dylan got progressively worse.
It seems so unfair, Dylan was a beautiful soul and deserved his second chance. He fought his illness, and he always faced his hardship with a grace and stoicism befitting a true terrier. He has left us far too soon, but Dylan was loved, Dylan’s light will shine bright and he will never be forgotten. I know he is whole again and in no more pain, and I hope his family can see what a great gift they have given him.
We started to help more dogs like Dylan, more dogs that were cast away and neglected. We realised his worth – we could see what others could not. People have come together and despite some very tough periods, we moved forward and each year we not only save more dogs, but we become a better rescue and learn and evolve and we would like to think Dylan and dogs like him are proud we have stood up for him and have proved they are worth saving, even if it seems for such an all too brief time.” Diana, founder, Terrier SOS.