My story: To the ends of the earth
Australian Women’s Weekly NZ|October 2022
In her attempt to become the first woman to walk the length of the world, Lucy Barnard formed a bond that would change her journey and her life.
Lucy Barnard
My story: To the ends of the earth

I spent three years in South America in an attempt to become the first woman to walk the length of the Americas. For most of that time I was alone, hiking through remote regions where crossing paths with another person was rare. I would pass through a town every five days or so, and I was almost always invited into a loving home to spend the evening with a family. These interactions kept me going, tying me to homes and communities, giving me a sense of safety and a feeling of belonging. Yet I always hoped to find a dog. Security was the practical reason, but I think subconsciously I also wanted a friend.

Even when I started planning the expedition, I was certain I'd find a dog. What wasn't clear was when. Each year, four people begin to walk the length of the Americas but rarely does someone make it past that first year. Before I committed to finding a dog, I wanted to make sure I had the special something that's necessary to keep going.

'Wombat' is an Australian cattle dog. I was 12 months into my journey when I found him among a litter that a local farmer was rehoming. I was especially drawn to his breed because of their distinguishable personality traits, physical stamina, and for the relationship I knew we'd foster. It was also nice to have a mascot from home.

I knew ahead of time the hurdles we had to overcome in training: teaching Wombat to sleep in my cart, to heel beside me; there was the risk of chewed equipment and controlling his bite drive. But Wombat's presence was instantly transformative and of course our bond grew as he did.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2022 من Australian Women’s Weekly NZ.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2022 من Australian Women’s Weekly NZ.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

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