How one Blue Whippet turned 'Walkies' into a 20km marathon for rescued pets!

Slipstream the Whippet is about to run a 20-km endurance test, and each kilometre he covers is dedicated to raising money for pets in need.

The idea of turning Slipstream's participation in the Dogs NSW Endurance Test into a fundraiser for PetRescue came from Slipstream's 'mum' Melanie. Melanie is a big supporter of PetRescue, an online organisation, helping to rehome pets who need a second chance at happiness. She wants to raise awareness of how much love and joy rescued pets have to offer.

Melanie adopted Slipstream when he was six-and-a-half months old, and as he matured he showed that his talents extended beyond sprinting, snuggling and couch warming. Recognising his potential to 'go the distance', Melanie gave up the 'walkies', got herself a bike, and then the fun began! Slip immediately showed his enthusiasm for going further and faster now that Melanie could keep up (almost!). "I am constantly amazed at his athleticism," she says, "and when he's running he's full of joy, and just lights up! Fulfilling our need for speed together has really enhanced our bond."

Slipstream is being carefully conditioned in the lead-up to the Endurance Test on August 7. When he and the other competitors tackle the event they will be monitored closely and vet-checked before, during and after the test. The test is run at a steady 10-km per hour and includes two compulsory rest breaks. The dogs' welfare is of the utmost importance and any sign that a dog does not wish to continue results in them receiving a very honourable discharge.

Some have expressed surprise that a whippet, most often noted for sprinting prowess, is entered in an endurance event. Melanie enjoys the opportunity the event provides to challenge such preconceived ideas and sees an important parallel: "In the same way that Slip doesn't fit the commonly held whippet stereotype, rescue dogs don't deserve the common misconception that they wouldn't be homeless unless there was something wrong with them." She continues, "The truth is there is an abundance of happy, healthy, adoptable pets just waiting for someone to love them. Fortunately, organisations like PetRescue are doing all they can to assist these dogs to find their new loving homes."

Melanie's love of rescue animals goes back many years. "Since I was a child my family have always had rescue dogs, and the love, loyalty, companionship and fun they've brought me has been immeasurable. Not only that, when you rescue a pet you have the satisfaction of knowing that you have saved a life that's special! I'm really delighted to be supporting PetRescue as they provide their much-needed services to rescue groups and individual carers all around the country. Check out their website next time you're looking to welcome a pet into your life – you just never know who might be waiting there for you!"

Melanie and Slipstream live in NSW with nine companions: Kudos the horse, Wally and Spesh the rescue galahs, Mama Chook the ewe and her twin sons Buster and Dipity, rescue cats Brer-cat and Delilah, and the latest addition to the clan – pound dog Cricket! Mel and Slip work together as Pet Educators in NSW primary schools, and Melanie is studying dog behaviour and training with the National Dog Trainers Federation.

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