On Sunday, November 10, the group will head off around Victoria Park Lake for its 50th walk.
The breed-specific walking group for rough and smooth collies and Shetland sheepdogs formed in Melbourne in 2014.
The Shepparton chapter started up in March 2019, co-ordinated by Julie and Brian Meddings.
“It’s a huge achievement and I’m very proud of the group we’ve become,” Julie Meddings said ahead of the 50th outing.
Like many other parts of life, the walking group was disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Ms Meddings said the group was fortunate and was still able to do some walks when restrictions were in place, and they had their dogs to help fight off isolation when gathering wasn’t possible.
“They were our support,” she said.
“Yes, it took a little bit longer to get to our 50th walk, but we’re here.”
Colliewobbles walks in Shepparton are held on the second Sunday of every month between March and November.
Walks are not held in December, January, and February due to the risk of heat stress for the dogs.
Ms Meddings said the number of people who attend walks varies, with between three and 30 couples coming along with their dogs.
She said people come from Melbourne, Wangaratta, Benalla, and sometimes as far afield as NSW and South Australia.
The thing all participants have in common is the love of their dogs, and a desire to promote responsible ownership.
“They’re family, they’re not just a pet,” Ms Meddings said.
She said for all the owners, the wellbeing of their dogs was the number one priority.
“We just love our dogs.”
Ms Meddings described one of her dogs, who has undergone multiple surgeries to replace and correct his hips, as a “miracle” who is likely to bound up to people and “love you to death”.
She said everyone recognises Collies and Shetland sheepdogs as the “Lassie breed”, and said they’re very smart.
The 50th walk will take place at 11am on Sunday, November 10, starting near the hill at Victoria Park Lake between the barbecue area and the all-abilities playground.
Ms Meddings said there will be a raffle with all proceeds going to Colliewobbles Rescue & Rehoming Australia, a breed-specific not-for-profit rescue group established in 2018.
All Collie owners, or anyone interested in the breed, are welcome to come along.
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