Janet and Jack are Homeward Bound. . .
Over four thousand kilometres, one hundred and ninety days, twenty-seven weeks, five hundred podcasts, four pairs of shoes and several blisters… These figures capture the immensity of the journey Animal Aid Abroad’s founder, Janet, and her rescue dog, Jack, have been undertaking for close to six months during their Walk Across Australia for Working Animals. From bitumen to dirt roads and creeks to salt pans, this courageous duo has covered virtually every type of terrain on foot and paw. From hot days to strong winds and hail to heavy fog, Janet and Jack have persevered through varying environments and weather conditions, resolute in their mission to raise awareness and funds for some of the most overworked, abused and neglected animals on the planet.
Although Janet was well prepared for such challenges, she could never have anticipated that a global pandemic would grip the whole world so soon after she departed from Federation Square in Melbourne on the 29th of March. This major hurdle meant that early on, for four and a half weeks, any walking had to be confined to Warrnambool in Victoria, and later necessitated fourteen days of self-isolation in Norseman after crossing the Western Australian border. Despite these setbacks, Janet and Jack remained determined to steadily walk towards their goal of raising $250,000 for working animals, which is desperately needed this year to fund AAA’s eighteen partner projects across fourteen countries.
Their mammoth trek has also contained many highlights and wondrous experiences, including:
Walking across the Nullarbor and the Great Australian Bight, camping right in the midst of stunning wilderness
Spotting Southern Right Whales at the Head of the Bight, very close to the cliffs
Arriving and staying at the Nullarbor Roadhouse
Walking along the breathtaking Great Ocean Road, as well as many gorgeous beaches in Victoria and South Australia
Various encounters with wild animals, including dingoes, wombats, camels, kangaroos and eagles
Many days spent so far away from everything and everyone, allowing Janet and Jack to enjoy quality time together and enhance their unique bond.
Once the COVID-19 peak subsided, meeting interesting people along the way has also made the journey particularly memorable. Whilst out walking, Janet and Jack have come across farmers, grey nomads, roadhouse workers, adventurers on bikes and even a couple walking with their four camels to the Western Australian border.
At this point, Janet’s partner, Martin, deserves a special mention for the vital supporting role he has played over the past six months. Martin has been a rock for Janet and Jack during their Walk Across Australia, travelling slowly alongside them every day, always looking out for Jack and immediately taking him back to the van when he tires or the weather becomes too hot. Jack has been incredibly enthusiastic and resilient overall but he still loves his daily midday breaks and prefers not to walk on very warm days. As well as supporting Janet and Jack while they are walking, Martin has also willingly taken on the roles of chef and nurturer at night, whipping up nutritious meals and providing foot massages to ease Janet’s aching feet.
Excitingly, Janet and Jack are currently on the homeward stretch with approximately 200 kilometres and only eight days to go before they arrive back home. They are on track to reach the City Beach Foreshore in Perth on Sunday, 4th of October, between 10:30-11am. We are urging everyone in Perth to head down on this memorable day to greet Janet, Jack and Martin as they finally return to Janet’s home suburb and reach the finish line following their once-in-a-lifetime journey. Significantly, the 4th of October also happens to be World Animal Day, and Janet is hopeful her vast Walk Across Australia will highlight the suffering working animals endure on a daily basis and ultimately create positive, long-term change.
Fundraising efforts during the walk have been amazing and AAA is sending out heartfelt thanks to everyone who has generously donated thus far. However, Janet and Jack still need whatever help they can get to reach their final goal of $250,000, which will directly assist working animals in urgent need. Please make a donation, small or large, at gofundme.com/f/walking-for-working-animals, to inspire and encourage Janet and Jack during the final days of their colossal walk. Or donate directly to the AAA bank account: BSB: 066103; Account No. 1023 2438. All donations are tax deductible in Australia.
Then, remember to head down to City Beach Foreshore in Perth on Sunday, 4th of October at 10:30am, to celebrate Janet and Jack’s extraordinary achievement and demonstrate your care and love for working animals globally. Please refer to the map below for the exact location of their arrival and we look forward to seeing you there!
