JESSICA'S STORY
Back in 2022, I lost my Vizsla, Purdey, and the dog who took me into agility. We still had three other Vizslas, so I wasn’t thinking of getting another dog!
However, fate played its part. As a follower of Vizsla rescue Cyprus, I read that the shelter in Cyprus had rehomed 7 of 8 puppies and one still needed a forever home. I was so tempted and ran the idea past a friend. Needless to say, her words were ‘just ring up’.
Conscious of the fact that Neil might not like the idea, I voiced my concern, to which she said, as he appeared out of the blue, ‘why don’t you just ask him’. Supportive as always, he said ‘have you rung up yet’ and there the journey began.
I was told that the puppy had found a home but subject to me passing as a suitable adopter the mother of the 8 puppies was ready for rehoming but no one wanted her. Needless to say after checks and paperwork we were accepted. Jessica - mother of 8 puppies was heading her way to the Isle of Man.
I was told that the puppy had found a home, but subject to me passing as a suitable adopter, the mother of the 8 puppies was ready for rehoming, but no one wanted her. Needless to say, after checks and paperwork, we were accepted. Jessica - mother of 8 puppies was heading her way to the Isle of Man.
Jessica had been found on the streets of Cyprus with 8 puppies of about a week old. She spent a good few months in the shelter, apparently being a very good mother.
Logistics were going to be tricky as she had to get from Cyprus to the Isle of Man. There was a flight available for her to Manchester airport on the Thursday. As luck would have it, we were in the NE of England at a two-day weekend agility competition. Days off at the show coincided with the fight, so off we headed to Manchester airport cargo depot with feelings of excitement and trepidation. The cages arrived, and as they were about to be opened, I asked if I could take Jessica out of hers.
The picture above is taken some 20 mins after that. I hugged and cuddled her, and after that she has never left my side. We travelled back to the show and introduced Jessica to our three Vizslas, who seemed to know she was precious. She spent the next 4 days living in a caravan and wandering around the agility rings.
It became apparent that Jessica was very comfortable with other dogs but total distrust of people and particularly men, something we are still working on after 4 years. She doesn’t have an aggressive nature but as a fairly small dog she can make it known that you don’t come near.
Jessica’s career in agility slowly began as everyone fell for her looks. Fortunately, because of agility, we spent lots of time around people who understood. They would help and encourage her to trust and would always be giving her treats. It got to a point where, growing in confidence, she would walk into the school at training with her head high, saying, ' It’s me Jessica; where is my treat'
This dog has been through so much in her early life but is learning to trust people. It is now a joy to see her confidence and her bond with me going from strength to strength. She even lets Neil give her cuddles.
She is now Grade 4 with only one more win needed to go to Grade 5. The icing on the cake was Jessica being overall winner of DARL 2026 intermediate 1-4.
We are so inspired by Jessica and her ability to adapt to her new life - and no we weren’t going to have another dog! Enter Rima - from Cyprus to Isle of Man loving life. Watch this space!
Gill Young
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