The fight against cancer in Rhinelander went to the dogs Aug. 23. The American Cancer Society’s Bark for Life held at the Rhinelander Oneida County Airport added 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. After being the Top Wisconsin Bark for Life event in 2013, the event’s first year, it took top honors in the Midwest Division this year, raising more than $6,500.
”There are approximately 78 million dog owners in the United States and 39% of American households have at least one dog in them,” said Diane Geis Hapka, Community Engagement representative for the society. “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.”
Planning for the 2015 event, which will take place Aug. 15, is underway.