By Jed Lanyon
Wandin resident Sheridyn Witney and her dogs Indy and Lexi are taking part in Pawgust to raise important funds for Guide Dogs Australia.
During the month of August, participants are challenged to walk their dogs for at least 30 minutes a day for 30 days and are encouraged to turn those walks into dollars to support guide dog puppies in training.
In just the first week, Ms Witney clocked up 230 minutes of walking time in the wintery Yarra Valley weather and raised nearly $300, which will be enough to buy a harness for a working guide dog.
Ms Witney said she was motivated to take part in Pawgust having seen the positive impacts that guide dogs can have in supporting the vision impaired.
“I know of a couple people who have guide dogs,” she said. “One family I know, they have a few kids and all but one of them are blind. They have three guide dogs in their family, including one for their mum who is also blind.
“I guess you can see how much it changes their lives and it gives them some independence which is cool. You don’t realise how much we take it for granted when you think of how much we wouldn’t be able to do without our sight, but a guide dog gives someone the ability to attend school, work and uni.”
August also marks Ms Witney’s birthday month and while she is limited in how she can celebrate her 19th birthday, she thought it would make for the perfect opportunity to instead start a fundraiser and ‘paw it forward’.
“Instead of being given a present, it motivates people to give towards something else. I’ve got everything I need, but a guide dog can help someone’s life a lot.”
Ms Witney is keen to raise at least $500 for the month. But her usual walking spot at the Lillydale Lake is now off-limits due to new Stage 4 Covid-19 rules, restricting her to exercise within five kilometres of her home.
“I usually just take them along the Warby Trail now, which i’m lucky to have at my doorstep,” she said.
“I think they love it, and it’s good to be getting them out everyday now. I would usually try to take them out a couple of times throughout the week. I feel like knowing I’m doing it for a good reason helps as a good motivator, especially when we’re in lockdown.
“Even if it’s just an hour, at least I know I’m using my hour well. It’s good for me, my dogs and for the guide dogs.”
Indy is a five month old kelpie, while four year old Lexi was born at a puppy farm, being the sole survivor of her litter. Ms Witney rescued her from the RSPCA at 18 months old.
“I think that all dogs should have a purpose in their life. When you see rescue dogs (at a shelter) it’s like they’ve been given up on.”
Ms Witney has been working on the front-lines at Mount Evelyn IGA throughout the pandemic, while her family’s pet sitting business, ‘Pet Sitting Sisters’, has been put on hold.
It’s not too late for other dog owners looking to get involved in Pawgust, while Ms Witney explained that even smaller donations add up to support Guide Dogs Australia.
“A donation of $7.50 will cover the cost of a guide dog’s tag, which is something that they will have for life, while a $25 donation will buy a quality leather collar for a guide dog puppy.”
It costs in excess of $50,000 to breed, raise and train a guide dog or assistance dog. While every hour of every day, an Australian family learns that their loved one will have severe or permanent sight loss. Nine of these Australians will eventually go blind, according to Guide Dogs Australia.
It is estimated that there are over 450,000 Australians who are blind or have low vision and this number is expected to significantly increase.
Last year, the Pawgust initiative raised enough money to entirely support 20 guide dog puppies, meaning 20 peoples lives will be changed once those dogs graduate.
To learn more about Pawgust and to donate to Ms Witney’s fundraiser, visit: https://www.pawgust.com.au/fundraisers/sheridynwitney
