I’m the kind of dog owner who talks about their dog the same way that parents talk about their kids.
My four-year-old Staffy-cross-labrador Ravi has been a member of my family since I adopted her from the Lost Dogs’ Home in early 2021.
The home was committed to finding her a perfect forever home after being mistreated for the first two years of her life.
Ravi didn’t know much about what being a real dog meant when we first met — she didn’t understand what her toys were for, she didn’t feel safe being touched, and she was confused by walks.
Now, two years on, she’s much more confident, she loves her walks, she loves her toys, and she will promptly tell you when she needs more pats.
Last year the Lost Dogs’ Home ran a fundraiser called the Pet Fitness Challenge, encouraging people to get out and exercise with their pets.
This year, the fundraising campaign is called March Walkies.
Aussies will have a chance at getting fit with or without a pet this March while helping raise funds to care for the 15,000 lost and abandoned animals that come through the facility’s doors every year.
The home’s spokesperson Suzana Talevski said Australia was a country in love with pets, and one with a healthy appetite for fun and activity.
“The sun is shining, it’s summer in Australia and a perfect opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many vulnerable animals that rely on us for critical care,“ Ms Talevski said.
“Even if you don’t, or are not in a position to, own a pet at the moment, March Walkies gives Australians a real way of making sure they are contributing to the health of animals that find themselves in need and really do rely on the community to pool together and support them.”
Participants in the campaign choose their own distance and frequency of walks, making March Walkies accessible to all levels of fitness.
After last year’s successful walk, I will again be raising money and walking 100km during the challenge.
We decided to set our fundraising target at $500, which is around what I adopted Ravi for.
The Lost Dogs’ Home has itself shown incredible support for Ravi and my story, even featuring us as a “happy fur family” on the website at marchwalkies.com.au
There are currently more than 300 participants across Australia with a variety of animals and backgrounds participating with the shelter, hoping that 1000 people will join the cause as we reach the March 1 kick-off.
“We receive so many calls from the community wanting to know what they can do to help our shelters and that warms our heart more than we can say,” Ms Talevski said.
“This is a great way to show your support and go for ‘walkies’ like never before!”
Anyone wishing to support Nicole and Ravi’s walk and the Lost Dogs’ Home can head over to their fundraising page at marchwalkies.com/nicole-thomson