At the fourth annual Bark for Life event in North Carolina, dogs and owners took part in a march down Main Street, played games, and socialized. The all-paws event was held to help raise money to fight cancer.
There were demonstrations and contests, and potted perennials decorated one corner to honor or remember loved ones touched by cancer.
The event is a canine companion to Relay For Life, which gives people in communities worldwide a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease.
Ninety-one participants at Bark for Life registered before the event and had already raised $10,000 even before the day started, said Amy Renigar, senior community manager at the American Cancer Society. All funds benefit the organization.
“Really, we came just because we’ve known a lot of people who have had cancer,” said Amy Hume, who attended with her dog, Lacey. “And the dogs get to have a good time.”
Hume added that she lost her last dog, Daisy, to cancer.
“This is my first time here, and it’s just for the experience for her,” said Sandy Nicholson as she pointed to her dog, Sadie. Nicholson said she’s part of the Paws for Love Therapy Dog team with Relay for Life. “It’s just a great cause.”
Laureen Hair and her husband, Randy, came with their chocolate Labrador, Reese. “I had a dear friend that passed away from cancer, so I support the American Cancer Society.”
