The RSPCA's much-loved Million Paws Walk dog-walking event is back in 2022, with free registration now open.
Dog lovers in WA are invited to take on the virtual Walk This May challenge by hitting the pavement every day with their four-legged friend.
It's quick and easy to sign up online, paw-sonalise your profile, and ask you community for donations to help the animals, as you walk (and wag!) your way through May. Sign up with your pooch, or join with colleagues, friends or family to form a cruelty-fighting team.
RSPCA WA Executive Manager Funding and Programs Ken Doran says support from the community funds around 90 per cent of the charity's animal protection work.
'Fundraising helps keep our doors open to the 30,000 dogs who arrive at RSPCA shelters across the country every year. That's 82 dogs every single day,' he says.
'By joining Australia's biggest dog walk, participants will be helping these abused, abandoned and neglected animals get a second chance at life, love and happiness.'
Rescue pup Chester is raring to Walk This May with his foster mum–RSPCA WA's Inspector Manager Kylie Green. And not even being vision impaired is going to stop him.
The 14-year-old Chihuahua has been in care with the RSPCA since December last year receiving treatment for a long list of medical issues.
Now that he's on the mend, he'll be walking, albeit slowly, to raise money for other unwanted pups who need treatment and a second chance.
'Chester's vision isn't 100 per cent, so sometimes he'll get a little fright when trees or dogs appear out of nowhere, but he still loves getting out and about every day,' Kylie says.
'When it's sunny, he has to wear special 'doggles' to protect his eyes from the sun, and this always draws some attention, which he laps up.
'Chester is a walking example of why this event is so important, and the life-changing difference fundraising can have for animals in need. We're really excited to be taking part.'
