Purple poppies and paws: Portarlington remembers service animals

DOGS of all sizes and breeds joined with members of the community on Sunday for a special commemorative walk honouring the deeds and sacrifices of all war and service animals.

Despite the weekend’s scorching temperatures, the inaugural Purple Poppy Walk Portarlington, which was held to mark National Day for War Animals, saw participants complete a short one kilometre walk along the foreshore trail.

Each wore a purple bandana or hand-knitted poppy, the remembrance symbol adopted in recognition of the important role animals have played in all wars in which Australian soldiers have been involved.

Hosted by the Woofers and Walkers Responsible Dog Owners’ Dog in conjunction with the Portarlington Pony Club, the walk also aimed to raise awareness of the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO).

Dedicated to ensuring war and service animals are remembered, the not-for-profit organisation works to establish memorials at important sites, provide financial assistance to veteran service animals and sponsor animal projects that assist veterans and other animals.

Event organiser and Woofers and Walkers secretary Julie Elterman said she was delighted that the community found a way to participate in the event, despite the heat.

“It’s so lovely, the feeling of people wrapping themselves around the experience.”

All participants were encouraged to make a donation to support AWAMO’s work as part of the event, with the Portarlington Community Bank alone donating $500.

“It’s a beautiful gesture and we’re very grateful,” Ms Elterman said.

“It’ll build a stronger awareness of AWAMO, and hopefully we can keep building on that.”

Melinda Austin, who represented both the Portarlington Community Bank and the Portarlington Pony Club at the event, said both organisations were pleased to support the walk.

“It’s a great event and it’s close to everyone’s heart,” she said.

“We all have our fur babies, big and small and all in between, and this is something, as the community bank, that we wanted to get behind and support, not just for the local community, but for all the animals and the organisations.”

The event was opened by Portarlington St Leonard’s RSL Sub-branch president Travis Smith, who spoke about how few of the animals who have served Australia in war have returned home.

“A lot of them are just forgotten,” he said.

Ms Elterman said the event had “planted a lovely seed” within the community, and the Purple Poppy Walk will return next year.

For more information about AWAMO, head to awamo.org.au