This was the second dog walking event that the local mental health charity has organised, and once again it was a success.
‘We started Walkies with Guernsey Mind last year, so this is our second year, and basically it’s just an event that we wanted to put on because we know that our pets can bring so much benefit to our mental health, particularly with dogs. It gives routine to your day, and it means that you’ve got to get out in the fresh air and get a walk every day, and you meet some fantastic people,’ said Guernsey Mind communications and events lead Amanda Hibbs.
‘We’ve had some lovely dogs and some lovely owners as well.
‘Last year we had around 70 dogs that registered for the event, and it was actually an idea from another local Mind over in the UK that gave us the initial idea for doing it.’
The recommended route around L’Ancresse could be adapted to each dog, with some doing longer and some doing shorter routes.
‘Some of the older dogs are doing a shorter route, some of the more lively dogs are doing a longer route, so the youngest dog we’ve got here today is a 14- week-old puppy and the oldest dog we’ve had so far is 14 years old,’ said Mrs Hibbs.
One of the younger dogs taking part in this year’s event was Demelza Newsom’s nine-month-old puppy, Jeannie.
‘She’s a real character and is into everything and always up to stuff with my mum and dad,’ she said.
‘I got her because we lost our dog, our family dog, about three years ago and my mum and dad really found it hard without a dog. But being older they didn’t want to commit to a dog, so I just bought one and said, “here you are, I’ve got a dog – share mine”. It works well because they get out and about, they see people, it gives them a bit of structure in their days of taking her for a walk and I’m always getting sent photos and things, so that’s really made their lives so much happier.’
As well as the recommended route at L’Ancresse, people could register to take part in the fundraiser remotely.
‘We wanted to be able to include people whose dogs might be a little bit reactive or might not do well in groups, so there is the option to do the walk remotely as well, and they still get their free goodie bag if they do that,’ said Mrs Hibbs.
As well as giving dog owners an opportunity to get out and meet other dog owners on the walk, the event raised important funds for the charity.
‘It is very important for us. We are an independent mental health charity and we rely very heavily on the fundraising that we do,’ said Mrs Hibbs.
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