Jess is on her way to Crufts

Jan 27 2011 by Debbie Hall, West Lothian Courier

crufts

DOG lover Jess Simpson’s dream of showing her rescued pooch at Crufts has come true, thanks to the help of a generous charity.

Jess, from Fauldhouse, is on her way to the world’s most famous dog show with her Saluki lurcher, Zxyla, thanks to a cheque for £300 from local charity, Levenseat Trust.

Jess is no stranger to success in the annual dogfest at the NEC in Birmingham, which takes place on March 10-13 this year, having taken part in the past with two other pooches she trained.

Jess said she was delighted when Zxyla qualified for this year’s obedience category as the breed is rarely used in this section.

Tim Walsh, managing director of Levenseat Limited, explained how funding Jess was unusual for his firm’s charity.

The Levenseat Trust is an environmental body set up by the waste management and recycling company to help improve communities in Addiewell, Breich, Fauldhouse, Longridge and Stoneyburn.

Tim said: “We at Levenseat are delighted to offer support to Jess in her ambition to win at Crufts with her rescue dog, Zxyla.

“We learned about Jess from her local Fauldhouse Community Council member Danny McCallum who is also a member of the Levenseat Community Liaison Group.

“We normally support any eligible local projects through landfill-tax funding deposited with the Levenseat Trust, but on this occasion the company decided to donate funds directly to Jess.

“We wish Jess well in her ambition to represent Fauldhouse and Scotland in Crufts.”

Rescue dog Zxyla has come on leaps and bounds since Jess brought her home after seeing her being thrown from a car on to the road between Breich and Addiewell.

The traumatised pup was only about eight weeks old when she was so cruelly abandoned and had been starved.

But since then Zxyla has won three obedience competitions and a host of prizes.

Jess said: “I attend two dog training clubs weekly and a few times a year I take a dog agility course.

“I used to run a junior dog agility club and I hope to start one up again in the near future.

“I’m also attending a course on leading a walking group for disadvantaged people.

“I’d love to get people out walking their dogs in their local area.”

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