CARROT and Coffeedog have rolled into Bendigo as part of their cross-country ride for charity.The former Castlemaine man and his yellow Kelpie made a stop in Bendigo this week as part of a 5000-kilometre fundraiser from Perth to Sydney for MS Australia and the New South Wales Cancer Council.With a target of $20,000 set at the start of the challenge, they have already raised close to $22,000 with 1000 kilometres remaining.Carrot said the appeal of the fundraiser was his furry friend.“It’s not me it’s the dog, and without the dog I wouldn’t have raised anything. Every time I come out of a shop there would be people just pouring over her.”Carrot, who has relied on the help of communities as he crossed Australia, said Bendigo’s Hibernian Hotel was one of the most accommodating.“I went to the Hibernian Hotel and they were so good. They gave us a feed and shouted a couple of beers.”Carrot and Coffeedog will complete the 5000-kilometre journey at Sydney’s Darling Harbour at Christmas. They can be tracked at www.carrotandcoffeedog.com where donations can be made.– TANYA PAOLUCCI