Assisi Animal Sanctuary was founded on compassion for animals, and St Francis of Assisi himself would likely be proud of young Newtownards man Dylan Beckett, who has dedicated his life to caring for vulnerable creatures at the charity’s small animal unit. Since joining the sanctuary in 2018, Dylan has become known for his gentle care of rabbits, guinea pigs and rats, and his commitment has now earned him a nomination in the new ‘Hooman’ Hero of the Year category at the National Pet Awards Northern Ireland.
With a particular passion for small furry animals, Dylan has devoted his career to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming pets that are often overlooked. While many people see rabbits and guinea pigs as easy starter pets that can be left in cages and forgotten about, Dylan believes they deserve just as much love, attention and emotional care as dogs or cats.
Speaking about how his journey began, Dylan explained that he had always been drawn to the animals people tend to ignore. “I’ve always loved animals,” he said, “but particularly the ones whose welfare tends to get ignored because they’re seen as small or easy pets.”
After leaving college in 2018, Dylan began volunteering at Assisi’s small animal rescue unit and quickly realised he had found his purpose. “There were so many animals there who completely shaped me,” he recalled, saying he knew within days that rescue work was where he belonged. “I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to helping the helpless and making sure no rabbit ever had to suffer the way some of them had.”
Eight months later, after volunteering five days a week, Dylan secured a full-time position at the sanctuary and has never looked back. However, while social media often highlights happy endings and successful adoptions, Dylan says the reality of rescue work can be heartbreaking.
“You never really switch off,” he admitted. “People see the cute adoption photos, but they don’t see the animals dumped at the gates, the threats down the phone, or the animals arriving covered in tumours, maggots and infections.”
The emotional and physical demands can be immense. “There are days where you’re physically and mentally exhausted,” Dylan said. “Sometimes we’re doing 12-hour shifts because we genuinely care and want to help.”
One rescue that continues to stay with him was a rabbit called Truffles, who arrived at Assisi in the worst condition Dylan had ever witnessed. Sadly, the rabbit had to be put to sleep immediately. Although devastated by the experience, Dylan says Truffles permanently changed the way he approaches his work. “I couldn’t save her, but I use her story to educate people about rabbit welfare. Her memory helps save others now.”
Despite the sadness, Dylan has also experienced remarkable moments of hope. One such case involved a rabbit called Gottmik, who had suffered severe abuse before arriving at Assisi terrified of humans. Through months of patience and gentle care, Dylan slowly gained her trust.
“I would just sit quietly in her run and let her come to me in her own time,” he explained. “Eventually she let me stroke her head. Then instead of running over to bite me, she was coming over looking affection. I felt honoured to be the first person she ever trusted.”
For Dylan, rescue work is about far more than just animals. He believes supporting owners is equally important. “Half my job is helping animals and the other half is helping owners,” he said. “People ring needing advice, help bonding rabbits, or panicking during emergencies. You become part of the wider community.”
That same community helped Assisi through one of the most overwhelming periods of Dylan’s career when two major rat-hoarding cases brought more than 176 rats into the sanctuary’s care. Thanks to public support and £300 raised by the community, the charity was able to manage the crisis and care for the rescued animals.
Even outside work, Dylan’s commitment continues. His home often becomes a temporary recovery ward for rabbits, a maternity unit for guinea pigs or a place of palliative care for vulnerable rescues. For Dylan, the reason is simple: “Because every single animal matters.”
Despite being nominated for a prestigious award, Dylan remains humble about the recognition. “I don’t see myself as a hero at all,” he said. “I just want the animals, and the people around them, to be happy.”
