Take a bite out of cancer at the Northwoods Bark for Life Event
The fight against cancer has gone to the dogs as the American Cancer Society’s Bark For Life event takes place Aug. 24 at the Rhinelander Oneida County Airport.
Area pooches, with owners in tow, will take to the track to dig up a cure for cancer. Bark For Life adds a twist to the Society’s traditional Relay For Life event, serving as a fundraising activity to honor the care-giving qualities of canine companions while supporting the mission of the American Cancer Society.
This noncompetitive walk is planned to be fun for dog owners or those who do not own a dog but love them, at the Agility Park at the airport. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and the opening ceremony will start at 9 a.m. The day will continue with a special lap around the drive, agility demonstrations, music, food, raffles, photos and fun.
“Bark For Life is a Relay For Life event that honors the care giving qualities of canine companions and supports the life-saving mission of the American Cancer Society,” Diane Geis Hapka, Community Relations for the Society, said. “There are approximately 78 million dog owners in the United States and 39 percent of American households have at least one dog in them. Dogs are members of the family and to many cancer survivors, they are caregivers. Bark For Life brings people out who may never have experienced a community’s relay event.”
Stories can be shared for inspiration, motivation and celebration.
Registration or contributions to the event can be done online at the event’s website,www.RelayForLife.org/BarkNorthwoodsWI.
Local area veterinary offices also have registration forms available or can be obtained by calling 715-277-4392.
All dogs who register at the pre-registration fee of $10 or at the event for $15 will receive a Bark For Life Bandana.
“We ask the participants try to raise money through pledges and sponsorships of their walk with their dogs,” Carol Lofquist of TLC Dog Training, Chairman of the Bark For Life committee, said. “Many, like me, have lost pets to cancer. Dogs get the same cancer as people and canine cancer treatments and medications are the result of human research results. We also will have the chance to remember our beloved pets at this event.”
Funds raised through Bark For Life support the American Cancer Society’s comprehensive cancer-fighting mission to help people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early, to help people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis, to find cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery, and to fight back against cancer by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
Those participating will enjoy entertainment through agility demonstrations, fly ball, music, and thanks to the help of the local 4-H Club, tasty refreshments including a bake sale for our pups and people, too.
Raffles include gift baskets with dog themes but containing items for everyone, including the dogs.
“Participants are asked to bring a non-retractable leash, up to 6 feet in length, a towel or wash cloth if it is hot, treats, water bowl, crate if necessary or any other items that will make their dog more comfortable,” Lofquist said. “Water stations are available. Dogs must be at least six months old to attend and current on shots.”
The day will wind down at 1 p.m. with the closing ceremony. Folks from all over the Northwoods are invited to attend this new event. Oneida, Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Price, Vilas, Marathon counties are all included in the invitation.
If you can get there, you are welcome to help us “ruff up cancer and raise the funds to dig up a cure”.
For more information, sponsor the event or to register your pets and help to celebrate, call 715-277-4392.
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