Janet and Jack Continue Walking for Working Animals in Warrnambool
When Animal Aid Abroad’s founder, Janet Thomas, began an immense 3248-kilometre trek to Walk Across Australia with the intention of raising funds and awareness for working animals, she never expected to be caught up in the grip of a global pandemic. Janet and her faithful rescue dog, Jack, set out on foot from Melbourne’s Federation Square in March and managed to cover an incredible distance walking down Morning Peninsula to Sorrento, then onto Port Campbell via the coastal route, before coming to a halt due to coronavirus travel restrictions. Recognising the seriousness of the situation, Janet made the decision to alter her original plans and remain in Warrnambool until the crisis settles.
Janet and Jack have now been in beautiful Warrnambool for three weeks and are making the most of the opportunity to explore this special region of Victoria, whilst still clocking up as many kilometres as possible. During their first week in Warrnambool, Janet and Jack were able to make up the 61 kilometres they could not walk between Port Campbell and Warrnambool by exercising around the town and surrounding areas. Following social distancing requirements and walking in self-isolation at all times, Janet and Jack remain focused on banking kilometres and fundraising for working animals, despite the challenging circumstances. Their dedication is certainly paying off as, so far, they have managed to travel an astonishing 527.17 kilometres on foot and have raised an amazing $48,434.81!
An unexpected bonus has been that, since remaining in Warrnambool, Janet and Jack have gathered some fantastic publicity for the Walk Across Australia campaign. Janet completed two radio interviews explaining Animal Aid Abroad’s background and reasons for her walk, leading to Coast FM publishing this informative article: coast.com.au/articles/walk-across-australia/. Janet and Jack also starred in the local paper, The Standard, which reported on the purpose of their walk, the plight of working animals globally and Janet’s determination to raise $250,000 to alleviate the suffering of these mistreated and neglected animals.
Until travel restrictions ease and it is safe to progress once more towards the South Australian border, Janet plans to continue walking regularly in and around Warrnambool with loyal Jack by her side for part of each day. The kilometres they are banking now will not be wasted, since they all count towards the total distance originally calculated for their return journey to Perth. Meanwhile, Jack is staying well and healthy, very much enjoying the fresh air and his extra walks. Janet recently managed to complete some research into the traits of Jack’s breed, discovering that his endurance, loyalty, love of walking and keen sense of adventure certainly fits the description!
If you would like to support Janet and Jack’s unwavering mission to raise funds and awareness for working animals in need, you can follow the Walk Across Australia Facebook page at: facebook.com/animalaidabroadwalk, visit the website page: animalaidabroad.org/walk-across-aus and donate here: gofundme.com/f/walking-for-working-animals
