North Shore Times (New Zealand)
Longest walk to reach the Shore
Animal welfare crusader Stephen Brassett is well on his way to completing a mammoth walk in aide of our four-legged friends.
Brassett is making The Longest Walk to raise awareness of animal welfare agencies throughout New Zealand.
He has visited more than 30 animal shelters so far, on his walk from Invercargill to the Far North and back down to Wellington. He was expected to pass through the North Shore for the second time in midOctober.
He is accompanied by his two little dogs, a 12-year-old chihuahua called Piccolo and a 6-year-old pug-cross called Jake.
‘‘My goal is to promote what the SPCA and other rescue organisations are doing,’’ Brassett said. ‘‘I want to encourage people who have an affinity for animal welfare to get actively involved, to volunteer or give their manpower or womanpower.’’
Brassett started his journey on January 7 at the Southland SPCA. He typically walks around four hours a day, and has rest days when needed. He has a cart that has acted as
‘‘I'm supporting people who choose to do something.’’ Stephen Brassett
his compact mobile home, which Piccolo sometimes takes to when he’s tired.
The 35-year-old from Wellington has worked in animal welfare shelters and as a dog handler and trainer for seven years.
His last job was as an dog handler at the Lost Dog Home in Melbourne, Australia.
His latest mission involves giving informal talks and stopping off at various animal welfare agencies, such as SPCA, to give knowledge and support, and to celebrate the good work that goes on at these organisations.
He also wants to educate people about what animals need, including basic food, shelter, exercise and training.
‘‘I just decided I wanted to something more proactive than what my role was, and could contribute to more organisations,’’ he said. ‘‘My theory is I’m supporting people who choose to do something.
‘‘It’s more about trying to get their messages out and let people know in their communities that they exist...I want to get people to get involved.’’
His mission has been hard work, but Brassett has no complaints.
‘‘It’s the most free I have ever been and probably ever will be, so it’s pretty awesome.’’
See thelongestwalknz.wordpress.com to keep tabs on Brassett.