Dog walk with a real difference
A 45-KILO canine gentle giant has taken on a charity challenge to show support for homeless people in the North East.
Minnie, a Bernese mountain dog, is owned by Maxine Cormack from Monkseaton, Whitley Bay.
The pair have been taking on the 274,000 step challenge in aid of the Street Paws charity.
Maxine said: “We are really enjoying the challenge. Minnie is eight years old now, which is quite a good age for a dog of her breed, but she is plodding along nicely.
“What Street Paws does is amazing, and we are always happy to show our support whenever they organise something like this.”
The challenge’s 274,000 step goal is in recognition of the estimated 274,000 homeless people who are currently living in the UK.
Street Paws, which is celebrating its sixth birthday, was founded in Newcastle. It holds outreach sessions for people who are living rough with their pets and provides first aid, food, and support to ensure the pets are healthy and happy.
Minnie is no stranger to doing good work. Due to her ‘kind and calm’ temperament, she is able to work as a therapy dog, going into schools to help reluctant readers, and children who are having a hard time at home.
Maxine said: “She is perfect for it because she is so calm, she falls asleep and the kids lie on her and give her cuddles. I really enjoy it too, it is another nice thing that we do together.”
As well as taking on the step challenge herself, Maxine has also enlisted the help of her ‘famous’ nephew, the Youtube star Willne, also from Monkseaton, who is joining in the challenge with his dog Hope.
“It’s been all go, and really nice to do as a family to help spread the word,” she said.
Michelle Southern, the founder of Street Paws, said: “Thank you so much to Maxine and Minnie, and Willne and Hope for taking part in the challenge. We have seen a real community spirit, with everyone sharing stories and pictures of what they are getting up to, it has been a brilliant way to celebrate Street Paws’ sixth birthday.”