Walkies to raise money

Tuesday 07 August 2018

Dog walks are now set to take on a charity element as part of a new initiative being launched by Wellbeing Animals Guernsey [WAG].

Called “10 Walks, 10 weeks, 10 parishes”, the charity is asking for £10 for a passport to raise money to cover the money it spends on supporting the community with dogs. WAG provides therapy dogs to enhance wellbeing in the community.

The first walk takes place in St Saviours on 16 September, starting at the community centre, and everyone taking part will get a passport, which will be stamped at the end of each walk. Government House is hosting the final walk, after which everyone who has taken part will get a ‘signed’ certificate from the Lieutenant Governor’s dog, a Hungarian Vizsla.

Committee member Jenny Mahy said there were several benefits for the charity.

“The aim is to raise awareness of our charity and hopefully to raise funds at the same time to cover our running costs. All the walks have two options so people can choose between a short stroll or a longer ramble," she said.

"Perhaps we can also introduce dog owners to new walks in a different part of the island to their usual routes.”

Pictured: A copy of the passport's front cover.

WAG dogs already visit wards at the hospital, care and residential homes, along with day centres. It is also keen to recruit volunteers to join their team of therapy dogs – which must be at least 15 months old and have a gentle nature. All animals undergo an assessment to make sure their temperament and behaviour are suitable for visits. 

Anyone interested in joining the team of volunteers, or  who would like to arrange visits can contact chairman Marguerite Talmage on 07911 719081 or email woof@wag.org.gg

Passports for the walks cost £10 and are available at the GSPCA, Isabelle Vets and Creature Comforts in the Bouet. Short descriptions of each route are included and detailed maps, provided by Digimap, can be downloaded from the WAG website www.wag.org.gg  If it is not possible for a participant to carry out a walk on the specific Sunday they can do it at any time before 18 November and take a selfie of themselves and their dog outside the start venue to attach to their passport.