For the second year in a row, Team Jim Jam from the ACT has taken out the spot of top fund-raiser in the country at the RSPCA Million Paws Walk.
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Thousands of dogs and one pig led their owners around the bridge-to-bridge loop of Lake Burley Griffin for the annual fund-raiser’s Canberra leg.
Having also claimed the title of highest fund-raisers in 2013, Team Jim Jam - led by Sheila and Mark Lynch - has currently raised just over $14,000, with donations being accepted until June 30.
The closest team behind them is Team Bankstown Sports Club in New South Wales, who raised just over $9,000.
The Lynches do the walk in memory of their animal-lover daughter Jamie-Leigh, who was tragically killed in a car crash in March 2013.
The couple said they were humbled by the support they had received from the community.
“We never expected to do that well. We thought if we hit $5,000 that would be pretty good,” said Mrs Lynch.
“We have nearly three times as much. It’s extraordinary - we are just overwhelmed by it.”
The team had 32 people take part in the walk this year, including Jamie’s sister Sally, as well as other members who walked in Melbourne and at the Gold Coast.
They were led by a number of furry friends, including Jamie-Leigh’s beloved three-legged dog, Fred.
“He’s very special and, of course, without Jamie now, he’s more special,” she said.
“He went in the pram - three legs don’t carry you five kilometres.”
A spokeswoman for RSPCA ACT said that while final figures were still being determined, approximately 10,000 people attended the event in 2013 and they predicted the figure was even higher this year.
As well as the 5-kilometre walk, participants enjoyed live entertainment, stalls and a fashion parade for the more stylish pooches at the finish line.
