To the Editor:
(Town of Sullivan, NY – April 2013) They are there for every birthday, every laugh and every tear. They are silent, constant companions when nothing is certain but a cancer diagnosis. Dogs are the unnoticed caregivers who give a special kind of support for cancer patients.
This American Cancer Society’s Bark For Life is an event for dogs and their owners to fight back against cancer, and it’s a way to pay tribute to our favorite canines and raise funds and awareness to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.
The third annual Bark For Life of Madison County is being held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at Sullivan Park in Chittenango. Pet owners are encouraged to register their dogs prior to the event.
Bark For Life is a great opportunity to involve our furry family members in the fight against cancer. It gives us the chance to honor survivors, remember those lost and those who are still fighting, whether they are friends, family or pets.
The event will begin with a ceremony honoring our canine caregivers, as well as those touched by cancer, followed by a noncompetitive walk. Throughout the event, there will be vendors, food and demonstrations for both dogs and their owners. There will be lots of fun activities for participants and their pooches: get dressed to the (ca)nines for the dog costume contest, learn to sit during the musical chairs game, show off matching puppy dog eyes during the dog-owner look-a-like contest and engage in and help pick the top dog of the event.
We have a new contest this year and are searching for the Top Dog. Participants can post a photo of their dog on the Facebook page, and the top five photos that get the most “likes” will be featured at our event. Final voting will take place during the event, and the Top Dog will be named during closing ceremonies and will win a prize.
Registration prior to the event is $10 per dog and $15 at the event. Owners may register online by visiting relayforlife.org/barkmadisoncountyny. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Relay for Life of Madison County. For more information about the event, visit the website or call 315.761.5446.
Kari Shanahan, Event Organizer and Volunteer Publicist