Stepping out for Pawgust

As most dog owners know, getting out for a walk each day has many benefits for you and your pet.

It is a great way to build bonds, burn some fat and exercise your minds.

Now this month, dog owners and their friends can turn those steps into dollars.

Pawgust is a nationwide fundraiser designed to mix daily exercise with raising money for guide dog training, and it has caught the attention of at least one Albany resident.

Participants walk 30 minutes a day with their canine companions, and ask friends and family to support them by donating to an important cause.

As of Monday, Pawgust had raised more than $630,000 nationally.

One group had raised nearly $30,000 in 12 days.

Albany woman Tracy Douch and her 52kg mixed-breed Dolly, 4, have been making their mark, already raising nearly $200 in two weeks.

“We always walk anyway, we just thought we’d try do something different,” she said.

“My husband (Glyn) and I are real animal lovers.

“We could see the importance... there’s a real need for it.”

It takes about two years and more than $50,000 to breed, raise and train a guide dog in Australia.

There are between 50 and 60 working Guide Dogs in WA, each of which will work on average for 8.5 years.

Participants can still register as individuals or teams at pawgust.com.au.