TAILS were wagging and tongues lolling at a special fundraiser in Mornington last week.
Social dog walking group Colliewobbles Rescue and Rehoming Australia held a sausage sizzle outside sponsor Best Friends at Peninsula Homemaker Centre, Saturday 18 May.
And, for a bit of fun on polling day, they put their preferred candidate forward for election.
The social walking group, which began in 2014, aims to socialise and rehabilitate neglected and abused dogs rescued from non-compliant breeding kennels.
The breed-specific group focuses on rough collies, smooth collies and Shetland sheepdogs.
Founder Philip Cassap said the club’s 400 members – from the Mornington Peninsula, Surf Coast, Geelong, Echuca, Shepparton, Sale and the greater Melbourne area – walked their dogs in controlled environments on the first Saturday of every month. Each walk attracts 30-40 collies and 5-20 shelties.
“It never fails to amaze me how far people will travel to walk their dogs together, and share stories and love for the breed among friends,” he said.
“If Colliewobbles was a social experiment it would be classed as a success story.”
The walking group is not affiliated with dog clubs or associations. It charges no joining fees but owners are asked to follow a few simple dog behaviour rules to ensure the enjoyment of other members.
CRRA president Gayle Buchanan, of Rye, wants to begin a Colliwobbles walking group on the peninsula.
Owners of rough or smooth collies and Shetland sheepdogs are welcome to join the walks with their four-legged companions.
The registered charity and dog rescue group works with Animal Welfare Victoria, shelters, authorities and other welfare organisations.
Details: Email philip.cassap@yahoo.com.au
First published in the Mornington News – 28 May 2019
