Meet Jess - The Hero Dog Who Accompanied An Ex-Para On An Epic Journey

A brave Jack Russell who has been the companion of former Welsh soldier Christian Lewis on his epic 14,000 km coastal charity walk is in need of a new home.

Jez (now known as Jess) was given to Lewis as a companion for his journey a few weeks ago.

He was initially reassured by a farm vet and her former owner that Jess would be able to undertake the journey.

So Christian, who served in the 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment, started his 14,000 km trek last Tuesday alongside his new companion at Gower.

At the beginning of their adventure, Jess relished being outdoors and was able to happily keep up with her companion.

However, the ex-para was heartbroken to realise on reaching Tenby that Jess had developed a sore leg and would be unable to continue on the journey.

Tenby town councillor Maurine Ward, who was previously in charge of Tenby Animal Rescue Centre, took Jess in until a new home is found.

She said:

“Jess has been taken to Tenby Vets and checked out and spayed and is ready for a new home,”

“Tenby Vets set-up a donation box to pay for her treatments and people have very kindly contributed towards the bill. Any monies left over following her treatment will now be donated to Greenacres Animal Rescue Centre.

“Jess is aged about four to five, a little nervous, but very good natured.

“She gets on with both cats and dogs and is looking for a loving home as she wants someone to look after her permanently. The sooner the better really, before she becomes too attached to me!”

Christian is walking the entire UK coastline in order to raise money for the SSAFA Armed Forces Charity, who helped him after he left the forces.

He said of the experience:

“I was just pretty lost; I didn’t know where to turn. The Army doesn’t teach you those little life skills- for example dealing with bills, letters, debt; it’s hard to do. When we became homeless I made contact with SSAFA and they helped me through it.

“If it hadn’t of been for SSAFA I would have been in big trouble. I don’t know where we would be, whether or not social services would have taken her away, not because of my parenting, but the situation we were in. It wasn’t a good one.”