Professional dog walker, Melanie Le Page and her dog, Muffin, will undertake a 25k dog walk challenge this December to raise money for the Blue Cross.

As an animal lover and dog rescuer, Melanie, who runs a pet care service, decided to pursue the ’Winter Walkies’ challenge with Staffie Muffin, who she rescued as a puppy.

Melanie said: ’My dog’s a rescue herself, so I always love raising some money for rescue charities. Me and Muffin love doing walks together and so I said, let’s do this together.’

Between December 1-12, Melanie and Muffin will complete the 25k over several walks across local woods and trails.

She hopes to raise at least £100 for the charity and is advertising her mission online.

Having previously worked at Margaret Green Animal Rescue in Tavistock, Melanie thinks the money will likely be used to fund vet fees which she said is one of the main expenditures in an animal rescue facility.

Melanie rescued Muffin from Margaret Green Animal Rescue when she was brought into the centre by her previous owner riddled with fleas and worms.

Muffin, who is now ten years old, has recovered from cancer three times and was described by Melanie as very ’brave.’

’We just keep getting the lumps removed and she just bounces back as normal,’ she said.

’Winter Walkies’ is a fundraising scheme set up by the animal rescue charity Blue Cross. Participants are sponsored to walk 25k over 12 days with or without a furry friend. The walk can be done anywhere and in any way, and can even be done.virtually.

In 2019/20 the Blue Cross estimated that it cost £567 to rehome a cat and £909 to care for and rehome a dog. The charity also provides other services including pet bereavement help and education programmes.

For more information about the Blue Cross visit www.bluecross.org.uk or to support Melanie and Muffin visit www.bluecross.enthuse.com/profile and search for Melanie Le Page.