Jax won the UKFL and British Flyball Championships after an uncertain start
(Image: Dogs Trust Leeds)
A once shy rescue dog has become a national champion, winning hearts along the way and showing just what patience and the right home can achieve.
Jax, a Border Collie adopted from Dogs Trust Leeds, has gone from a nervous and uncertain start in life to standing proudly among the UK’s top flyball dogs. Now aged 11, his journey is nothing short of inspiring.
When Jax first arrived at the rehoming centre, he was full of energy and intelligence but lacked confidence. Everything changed in November 2019 when Julia, a dog walker from York, spotted him online while still grieving the loss of her beloved rescue dog, Seve. Before long, Jax had found his new home with Julia, her husband Phil and their other Border Collie, Alva.
Already involved in flyball, a fast paced relay sport for dogs, Julia hoped it might help Jax come out of his shell. At first, things were not easy. New environments and situations made him anxious, but with time, patience and support from the Monsters of York Flyball team, Jax began to flourish.
Julia said: “When I saw Jax on the Dogs Trust website, it was love at first sight. When I introduced him to fly ball, although he could get worried about new situations, and getting things wrong at the start, with patience and by taking things slowly, he started to make wonderful progress.
“After three years of training, Jax and our amazing team won the UKFL and British Flyball Championships. These competitions are like the Olympics of our sport, and winning them has been a dream come true.
“Together, we’ve made a wonderful team, and it really shows you never know what a rescue dog is capable of.”
That hard work paid off in spectacular fashion last summer, when Jax and his team were crowned champions at both the British Flyball Championships and the UKFL Flyball Championships.
Kelly Walker, Manager at Dogs Trust Leeds, said: “Jax’s happy rehoming story is a wonderful example of just how life-changing the right home can be. Finding a home where a dog can thrive, with patience, understanding, and the right stimulation, can lead to wonderful stories, just like this one.
“We currently have lots of dogs in our care who are looking for specific homes, and may need a bit more TLC than others, who are ready to meet someone just like you! If you’re ready to give a dog their ‘paw-fect’ home, we’re here to help!”
Today, Jax is still competing and loving life, a far cry from the timid dog he once was, and a reminder that every rescue dog has the potential to shine.
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