Guernsey Press

Wag’s 10 parish, 10 walks in 10 weeks fundraiser returns

TEN walks, 10 weeks, 10 parishes is back and all dog walkers are welcome.

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The Wellbeing Animals Guernsey parish walk. Pictured, left to right, are Sue Gamblin, Marguerite Talmage, Sharon McHenry, Jenny Renouf, Jenny Mahy, Erin Mahy, 5, Will Mahy, 9, and Flynn Mahy, 6. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 25528250)

The Wellbeing Animals Guernsey (Wag) event sees dogs and owners undertake a different walk in each parish and this year it starts on 15 September with the St Saviour’s walk beginning at the community centre.

‘The aim is to raise awareness of our charity and hopefully raise funds at the same time to cover our running costs,’ said Wag secretary Sue Gamblin.

‘All the walks have two options so people can choose between a short stroll or a longer ramble. Many of last year’s participants said they enjoyed finding new walks in a different part of the island and made friends with other walkers.’

Participants will need to purchase a ‘passport’ to take part which costs £10 and can be found at a number of island retailers including Creature Comforts, Le Bouet, R.H. Gaudion, Camp du Roi, Puffin Centre in St Martin’s and Trim Dog Pet Centre at Pleinheaume.

Information is also available at www.wag.org.gg.

If a participant cannot walk on a specific Sunday, they are able to take a selfie of themselves and their dog outside the start venue for their ‘passport’.

As each walk is completed, the ‘passport’ will be stamped and everyone who completes nine walks will be invited to the final walk in the grounds of Government House.

On completion of walk 10, participants receive a special certificate signed by Milo, Lt-Governor Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder and Lady Corder’s Hungarian Vizsla – Milo is also Wag patron.

‘They’re great supporters. We really appreciate the support of the Governor, Lady Corder and Milo,’ said Wag chairman Marguerite Talmage.

Last year 27 dogs, including the patron himself, were presented with signed certificates.

Wag therapy dogs help people of all ages and situations. Just stroking, or talking to a non-judgemental animal can help reduce stress and anxiety, enhance mental wellbeing and help improve quality of life for dementia sufferers.

Wag dogs visit wards at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital, care and residential homes, day centres at Les Bourgs Hospice and the Blind Association.

Sharon McHenry is a volunteer and committee member and takes her black Labrador, Foxy, to therapy sessions.

‘I wanted to give something back to the community,’ she said.

‘The people that I visit are elderly and some of them have not been able to keep their beloved pets.

‘Therefore contact with our dogs gives them great pleasure and also an opportunity to have conversation. The positive reaction is amazing,’ she said.

Jenny Renouf, also a committee member and volunteer, did the walks last year.

‘I really enjoyed it, you get to meet a lot of people and volunteers. All the dogs got on really well. Definitely have a go. Some just walk to support us if they can’t volunteer,’ she said.

n For more information on the charity, how to volunteer or about joining the walk call Mrs Talmage on 07911 719081 or email woof@wag.org.gg.