American Cancer Society plans unique fundraiser for dogs, owners & community

Courtesy of the American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society’s Bark For Life is letting the dogs out! The annual event, sponsored in part by Northern Paws Animal Hospital, Ministry Health Care, TLC Dog Training and Shylo Star Kennels, takes place August 29, 2015. Area pooches, with owners in tow, will take to the track to get a leash on 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 for everyone in the Northwoods area is planned for August 29, 2015 at The Rhinelander Oneida County Airport and will include an opening ceremony at 9 a.m., a special walk, a blessing of the dogs, agility demonstrations and other fun and informational activities for dog owners, dog enthusiasts or those who admire canine companions. The Pawzitive Outdoor Games is partnering with Bark For Life and will follow the event with dock diving, radar shoot to time how fast your dog is, agility competition and more.

“Most pet owners consider their dogs a part of their family, especially those furry friends who lend a great amount of comfort and support during a loved one’s cancer battle,” said Diane Geis Hapka, ACS Community Engagement staff partner. “Bark For Life is the canine counterpart to Relay For Life, a very family-friendly movement that celebrates our canine caregivers, just as we honor other family members who support their loved ones who are fighting cancer during Relay For Life,” Hapka said.
Event organizers invite dogs and their owners, or those who admire dogs, from around the Northwoods to take part in this year’s Bark For Life. Event sponsor Carol Lofquist of TLC Dog Training is the chair of the event.

“Registration forms and pledge sheets are available to registrants to help raise funds and sponsor the dogs and their owners for the walk we will take around the airport. Even those who do not have a dog of their own are encouraged to come out for the event,” Lofquist said. “We will have demonstrations, information for dog owners and about the American Cancer Society, activities to delight fans of dogs, and we encourage everyone to participate in a great way to raise money toward the fight against cancer. We were proud to be the Midwest Division’s Top Bark For Life event in 2016, raising over $6500, and we plan to defend that title this year.”

Registration is $15 prior to the event and $20 the day of. Each dog registering will receive a Bark For Life bandana and there is a t-shirt for each owner.

Relay for Life teams are encouraged to participate in this fundraiser to earn money toward their teams and their event. Fundraising opportunities like dog treats, food sales, beverage or bake sales, etc., are possible. The committee is pleased to have the first Bark For Life calendar for 2016 featuring our local participating dogs from the past two Bark For Life events and this year’s popular Yappy Hour held last May. Calendars are available for a minimum donation of $8 at the Star Journal/Buyer Guide office in Rhinelander or at the event. Contact Hapka for information.

To register, go to www.RelayForLife.org/BarkNorthwoodsWI or contact Diane Geis Hapka at 715-891-2061, [email protected].

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.

Some of the canine participants from last year’s Bark For Life, belonging to Carol Vaughan (left) and Geri Larkee (right). Each dog that participates receives a Bark For Life bandana like those shown here.