Every step counts: volunteer walks 790km Camino for rescue animals

AFTER six long weeks, PAWS-PATAS volunteer Paula has made it to Santiago de Compostela, marking the end of her inspiring Camino de Santiago Frances journey.

Paula first set off back in September, hitting the road solo. She was no stranger to the Camino, having completed several, albeit shorter routes in the past. But nothing could have prepared her for the 790 kilometres she was about to walk.

Each day brought new challenges. She walked long stretches without water or shade, making the finish line feel impossibly far away. The Pyrenees Climb at the beginning of her journey was especially tough, an up-hill battle if you will, but Paula tackled it all with determination.

Walking the Camino to support animal welfare

She might have been travelling by herself, but she was far from alone. Along the way she met countless four-legged friends, including some adorable black and white kittens and a gentle-giant of a dog who happily accepted Paula’s ear tickles. She also had the entire PAWS-PATAS team rooting her on every step of the way. The animal shelter shared almost weekly updates on Paula’s progress on their social media, with fellow supporters celebrating each milestone.

Paula’s love and dedication to animals has taken her far, from volunteering in the Galapagos Island to becoming a valued member of the PAWS-PATAs team. It was this passion for protecting animals that inspired her to walk the Camino.

Paula raises €2,500 for PAWS-PATAS

Animal shelters provide food and medical care to innocent animals, all at great cost. Paula was determined to donate more than just her time, instead raising funds for the PAWS-PATAS shelter through her walk.

By the time Paula arrived at her final destination, she had raised an incredible €2,300 through GoFundMe. In the days since, the fundraising pot has grown to €2,500, with every cent helping give animals a second chance. Paula’s GoFundMe is still live, for anyone who wants to donate.

PAWS-PATAS has seen an incredible outpouring of support this year. During the summer another pair of animal-lovers, Shaun and Emily, walked the Camino de Santiago, raising over €5,000 for the animal shelter.

You don’t have to walk miles to help

In addition to the hundreds of kilometres walked, the local community has also rallied around the charity. Whether donating their time by volunteering, enthusiastically taking part in regular fundraising events or even simply spreading the word of PAWS-PATAS’s mission.

Every little bit of help makes a big difference to giving animals a second chance.

Visit paws-patas.org to see how you can help.