Frank Sapach and Shiela spent a few hours resting in the shade at Cobden Municipal Park Monday afternoon.
Over the embankment, a black bicycle with a weird-looking red and yellow painted trailer contraption was sitting. On the bike were sleeping rolls, two large water bottles, a two-burner camp stove, and a few other odds and ends. On the trailer was a small stuffed animal holding onto a can with a slit in the top and a brace around a hole in the top of the trailer.
The trailer is actually a modified luggage rack that allows Shiela to sit comfortably while Mr. Sapach motors along on the bike.
And yes, he’s motoring along, because the trailer also has a 20 hp engine. This means he doesn’t have to pedal except when going uphill.
The bike, trailer and all their belongings weigh about 300 pounds.
Mr. Sapach is a 63-year-old Chilliwack, British Columbia resident who has criss-crossed Canada a few times on foot. This time, he and Shiela are both travelling in style.
It was June 21, 2013 when he first left Victoria, British Columbia and walked to Calgary, Alberta. At the end of October, he returned home to Chilliwack, BC.
He relaxed for a bit, then travelled the north coast of Vancouver Island before settling in Victoria for the remainder of the winter.
In the spring of 2014, he sold his home and belongings and in May he and Shiela returned to Calgary and began the journey they never finished, to get to Moncton, New Brunswick. They arrived in November.
The first time, they walked. The second time Shiela walked and he rode the bike. At times, Shiela would be harnessed and helped Mr. Sapach as he pedalled and she pulled. Other times, they would both walk.
“This year she rides,” Mr. Sapach.
However, the two did walk from Moncton to Halifax as the trailer was broken.
He’s hopeful of arriving in Calgary by the end of September, which would allow him time to get through the Rocky Mountains before the snow settles in.
Mr. Sapach recalls when he began this journey.
“I was on morphine every six hours for my osteo arthritis,” he said.
As well, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
“They said I should go for radiation and I said no,” he recalled. “They said I should go for surgery. I said no again.”
He continued, “I just wanted to let it be.”
Mr. Sapach is hopeful he won’t live as long as Shiela and that someone will take her in for her final days.
“I don’t have anyone to give Shiela to,” he said. “I hope someone gives her a good home.”
Mr. Sapach said he is supported by no one and supports no organization. All he wants to do is raise awareness about how pets should not be abused.
“Shiela does just that,” he said. “Shiela gets people’s attention. She’s doing her job.”
He noted Shiela has her own facebook and blog. The two have been on various television programs, mostly news.
He explained that when people see Shiela, whether in real life or television, they pay attention to her message. However, when people see abused animals on television, it’s too difficult to watch, so they turn away.
“Shiela uses positivity to get people to see how loving dogs can be,” Mr. Sapach said. “Pets keep us happy and healthy. It’s just that some people don’t know how to listen.”
With no schedule and no steady income, he relies only on people’s generosity and they haven’t failed him yet.
“I haven’t gone hungry yet, and neither has Shiela.
“I was cut off my disability when I left the province. I knew that was going to happen, so I wasn’t surprised.
“Whatever I need is always there.”
Mr. Sapach said, “Shiela and I can survive a day or two without food, but in this heat, we can’t go without water.”
As for travelling, Mr. Sapach said he tries to stay off Hwy. 17, but believes he won’t have a choice until he reaches North bay.
Mr. Sapach was hoping to reach Pembroke by Monday night before heading further north.
He also said the rumble strips put on the sides of the highways are not great for cycling and going on gravel roads is out of the question.
He doesn’t carry much with him because towns are close enough together he can get what he needs each time he stops.
However, he does realize once he gets past North Bay, he’ll have to carry more food and water. But, going up to speeds of 20 miles per hour, Mr. Sapach can go about 100 miles a day, so he’s not too concerned.
