A RARE Lurcher with a heartbreaking back story won a class at popular dog show.

Phoenix, a two-year-old blue and tan lurcher who was thrown into the river Calder in Dewsbury in a sack with two other puppies, won the Best Smooth Coated Lurcher Birch 20" and under at the Tynedale Hunt Lurcher and Terrier Show at Spital Farm, Horsley, on April 28, 2024. 

Owner Rachel Smith of Horsley adopted Phoenix after a fisherman rescued her from the river.

She said: " I had previously owned a blue and tan lurcher called Fern, who died of a rare form of mast cell tumour cancer on March 21. I am also writing a book about the dog I call 'my dog of a lifetime'.

"I was told that I would never find another blue and tan, but I was actively sought out by a rescue team that read my stories and tales of Fern on a saluki greyhound forum and thought I would be perfect for Phoenix.

"I couldn't believe it when, on my birthday, a lady rang me to say she had a blue and tan saluki greyhound pup around five weeks old with the same facial mask and remarkable resemblance to my previous dog, Fern. Was I interested? I drove to Leeds and cried when I saw her—it was like Fern had come back!"

"It's uncanny how they have a similar look. Although Phoenix is tiny compared to Fern, sometimes it's like looking at my beloved Fern. 

"Phoenix is a personality in her own right. She has the same calm demeanour as Fern but is also intelligent.

"She loves nothing better than playing with her Scooby Balls and would make a great locator /search and rescue dog. I just have to tell her to go and get me stuff, and she will. 

"I discovered this when I had an accident involving Phoenix and my other dog, saluki greyhound Almaz, who ran into me from behind and damaged her right leg.

"I lay in a field for 3.5 hours without a signal until someone found me, thanks to my dog.  A specialist surgeon had to rebuild my leg, and it took over a year to walk again. Unfortunately, I've been left with mobility and walking issues since the accident and need further surgery.  The surgeon had to be brought in to do her surgery especially, and I nearly lost my leg due to undiscovered problems. 

"I invest a lot of time in my dogs; they are my companions wherever I go.

"I love all dogs and have had many types of dogs over my lifetime."