Dubbo's Niamh Hutchinson and her puppy pals have made great Pawgust strides to help support people with impaired vision.
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The 2021 Dubbo Showgirl spent August walking for the Guide Dogs fundraiser and by month's end had eclipsed her $1500 fundraising target.
Miss Hutchinson, Dubbo and District Kennel Club treasurer, received $2017 in donations, which she reports placed her 33rd out of the 11,365 participants.
Her team's total was $2676, placing 22nd, she said.
Guide Dogs Australia reports it costs more than $50,000 to breed, raise and train just one guide dog.
With border collie Marnie and Irish setter Remi by her side, Miss Hutchinson walked 83 kilometres.
"As Pawgust was happening during the lockdown I found it provided me with a great distraction and allowed me to de-stress," she said.
"It was a good reminder that there are people in our communities with real struggles who also have to cope with COVID and knowing that the donations will make a genuine positive impact on someone's life was very motivating.
"COVID baffled many of my original fundraising plans, however I'm grateful for the support we received by local organisations jumping on board and helping to share the word.
"Unfortunately I didn't make it to my minutes total, after slipping twice on a walk and injuring myself and needing to spend several days off my feet.
"I bought a few Ruff Day Passes to make up for it."
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