Will you lend a paw? PAWGUST
This ‘Pawgust’, hit the pavement and help raise money for the next generation of life-changing guide dogs for Kiwis with sight loss.
Sally was born prematurely with retinopathy and total blindness in one eye. Later in life, she had multiple retina detachments, developed cataracts, glaucoma and macular atrophy, leaving her with about 10 degrees of blurred vision. Her guide dog Priya is her constant companion and her means of living a fuller, more independent life.
“Priya notices everything,” Sally says. “Small shifts in my pace or confidence, and she adjusts straight away. That changes how I move through the world.”
Sally says that working with a guide dog has strengthened her independence and confidence in everyday life.
“This reduces the mental fatigue that comes with constantly processing information through both my vision and hearing. By reducing that effort, she frees up energy so I can focus more on my work, social interactions, and everyday life.”
For New Zealanders like Sally who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision, PAWGUST is the nationwide campaign that supports the next generation of Blind Low Vision NZ guide dogs. The campaign invites you to walk 60km, 100km, or 125km during August to fundraise and help breed, raise, and train guide dogs. Sally sees Pawgust as a chance to support a service that has shaped her independence and daily life.
Leash and lace up
PAWGUST is a simple way to get moving through winter while supporting a great cause. Sally says, “If you’re on the fence, start small, start where you are, and make it your own. You can walk solo, with friends, with or without a dog, or as a workplace ‘pack’. The beauty is that it’s not about being an athlete, it’s about showing up consistently, asking people to get behind you, and helping create a world where everyone who needs a guide dog can have one,” she says.
All you need is a pair of walking shoes. It’s free to register, then choose your distance, gather sponsorship, and complete the kilometres. Every dollar raised helps train the next generation of guide dogs. A $30 donation can cover a puppy’s leash, while $100 can fund a specialist training session.
Visit pawgust.co.nz.
