From Serbia with Love by Julie Heaton

"I'm a good boy, and I come with my own blankie."

When his owner, a Vizsla breeder, unexpectedly died, Otis, just eight weeks old, became homeless. The owner’s family managed to rehome Otis’ mum and three sisters, but Otis and his two brothers were headed to the local dog pound. Luckily, Pointer Rescue Serbia (PRS) stepped in and offered them shelter at their rescue centre.

The three pups were well cared for, vaccinated, and put up for adoption on the PRS Facebook page. A family from the Midlands chose Otis. (Who wouldn’t, with that face?!) After completing all the necessary export documentation, he finally arrived in the UK in December 2021. Sadly, his new family couldn’t cope with a boisterous young dog after their baby arrived, so Otis was up for adoption again in July 2022.

While walking my rescue pointer Iris (also from PRS), I was scrolling on my phone when I spotted the adorable Otis. It didn’t take much persuasion for my husband, Jon, to agree to rehome another dog! Otis settled in quite well. Fortunately, he'd had some basic training, and his recall was excellent. However, he was a bit full-on, and his ‘sister’ Iris had to put him in his place a few times. She’s the boss!

"My sister is bossy. I'm big, she's 'ickle, but I do as I'm told (mostly)."

I joined Wessex Canicross just before the pandemic and ran with Iris. We enjoyed several club runs together. Unfortunately, during one ramble, Iris chased after a hare (halfway across Wiltshire!) and injured her cruciate ligament. She had corrective surgery, but canicross was no longer an option. 

Happily, young Otis was ready, willing and able to take her place! Full of beans, smart and fit, I was confident my high-energy boy would make the perfect canicross partner. Our first club run was on Christmas Eve 2022 from Heaven’s Gate. He was a bit barky and all over the place at first, but he soon got the hang of it.

Since then, we’ve enjoyed many lovely runs with Wessex in stunning locations and have met lots of friendly people and their dogs. Otis and I even lead club runs now, and he does a great job. He’s still a noisy boy, but that’s Vizslas for you!

"Mum and me."