A WOMAN who started a walking challenge with her beloved dog has carried on their mission with just his collar after he passed away midway through.
Linda Day signed up to start doing virtual fitness challenges with her Tibetan terrier Benji on The Conqueror app in January.
Whilst joining, the 55-year-old from County Durham bought the challenges in four-year-old Benji’s name and even had the emails addressed to him.
The inseparable pair had already completed multiple virtual walks across various areas of the world including the deserts in Petra, Jordan and Giza, Egypt.
During the walks, Benji had been undergoing chemotherapy for lymphoma.
He sadly passed away on August 5 while in the midst of the Everest challenge with his owner.
Linda was left distraught by his passing but has vowed to carry on with the challenges in honour of her four-legged friend – carrying his collar with her every step of the way.
Speaking today (MON), Linda said: “Initially I signed up because with Covid so many of the things we looked forward to were postponed. I realised that I had lost my ability to look forward to things like holidays.
“I chose my challenges based on the places I wanted to visit. Benji was half way through chemo and in remission when we started. I was so confident he would survive.
“Each entry into the app was walks with him. I never counted in Benji steps.
“Sadly when he relapsed, our walks got shorter.
“When he died, they seemed pointless so I stopped.
“One day I realised that I hadn’t been for a walk at all so restarted with his collar in hand and quite a few tears.
“Now I take photos of his collar in the places I walk. We had finished Petra, Giza, Ukraine for charity – a non Conquerer one for the Jubilee. And then Everest.
“I had bought Kruger Park in Benji’s name so I will finish those. I am missing having a dog so will most likely get another in the spring.
“He didn’t know about medals of course, but he loved nothing more than his leash and tennis balls being picked up.”
Linda posted about her experience on Facebook last month, writing: “I started doing the #theconqueroradventures in January with my four-year-old Tibetan Terrier, Benji.
“The challenges are bought in his name and the emails are addressed to him. He was halfway through chemo for lymphoma and was doing really well when we started.
“With the care of his most fabulous vet, we completed Petra, Giza and Ukraine.
“We were midway through Everest (he was a Tibetan Terrier so it seemed particularly apt) when, sadly, his cancer came back and no treatment worked.
“On August 5 he crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Benji’s agony ended and mine started. I haven’t been able to go for a walk since. Everest was left uncompleted.
“Today I got up, popped his collar in my pocket and vowed to complete his walk. 3.55 km done along the cliffs he loved. Benji, I miss you so much.”
The post received over 600 likes and more than 100 comments from social media users who were saddened by Linda’s story.
One person said: “What a smiley little fella he was; I’m so glad he had you to love him and to walk with. The hole will gradually be filled with positive memories of him, but take your time grieving. Dogs are so much better than humans.”
Another wrote: “What a moving tribute to your beloved companion. I believe you will feel his presence as you continue along the path you began together.”
A third added: “So sorry for your loss. What a wonderful companion he must have been for you. I am glad to hear you have started walking again in his memory.”
Linda plans to finish the 40-mile Everest challenge with Benji’s collar with her at all times as she attempts to virtually reach the highest peak in the world.
The Conqueror is an online app that has been used by over 700,000 people worldwide to stay fit and healthy.
Participants use the app’s map to navigate through their chosen routes whilst completing the amount of steps needed for each particular area.
The routes range from walking just 35 miles around the Amalfi Coast in Italy to walking 2,280 miles along Route 66 in the US.
