News

Apr 16, 2023

Bark for Life to celebrate its 10th anniversary

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Scenes from the Bark for Life event held in a past year at the Central Park Bandshell.

Animals of all ages and breeds attended Bark for Life of Midland County on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.

Animals of all ages and breeds attended Bark for Life of Midland County on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.

Dogs will be celebrated for their caregiving roles for cancer patients at the 10th anniversary of Bark for Life on Saturday, June 17 at the Central Park bandshell.

Themed as the "dog days of summer," the event will last from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and everyone - and every dog - is invited regardless of whether they had a direct role in caring for a cancer patient, event organizer Jen Dockum said. The event will raise funds for the American Cancer Society, which usually raises $2,000-3,000 each year.

"All affected by cancer"

Bark for Life was organized as a separate event because the Relay for Life fundraiser can't have dogs around "due to weakened immune systems," Dockum said.

"We all know dogs get cancer, but we celebrate the canine caregiver aspect," she said. "That's because a lot of people going through cancer treatment - they go to their treatment, they come home, they crawl into bed with their dog and take a nap. Their dog is literally their caregiver."

Before the day is underway, Dockum said both a caregiver and survivor speaker will host the "bark back ceremony" which will highlight advocacy efforts and how people can get involved.

There will be different contests available, from best summer look to best owner-dog look-alike, but Dockum said no prizes will be offered. Vendors will be selling memorabilia and a DJ will play music, and dogs can enter a "whipcream race."

Dogs that are up for adoption will also be available during the event, although neither Dockum nor the shelter is sure how many will be there and what breeds.

With hot weather likely on that day, there will be water, doggy pools and ice cream available to help man's best friends cool off and stay hydrated, Dockum said. There will also be water available for purchase for humans.