July 17, 2017 at 4:19 p.m.
Pets help raise money for cancer research at Bark for Life
Pets help raise money for cancer research at Bark for Life
By Kayla Thomason-
In addition to walking laps for the American Cancer Society, dogs had their portraits taken, tried the agility equipment and tested their jumping skills in a friendly competition.
Geri Larkee blessed the pets at the beginning of the event.
She has been involved with Relay for Life in the Fox Valley area and was happy to participate in this event as well.
She has survived breast cancer twice and has had loved ones and knows of people - including children - who have or had cancer. After she beat her cancer she adopted Clancy, who has had a positive impact on her life, getting her up and out of the house.
"They're just comforting, they're loving no matter what you do to them," she said of man's best friend. "My dog is a rescue and has been abused and he is so trusting now that he knows that I'm there for him and they're just a blessing."
Her father is 97 and she attributes his longevity to the four senior dogs he has taken care of since his wife passed away.
Larkee loves attending this event, not only because it involves dogs, but because the passion of the organizers is so evident.
"They're so well run and they're done with love," she said.
Diane Geis, senior community development manager for the American Cancer Society, had hoped for a larger turnout Saturday but noted the event did occur during a busy weekend.
"We are also grateful because the people that are here are extremely generous and so we're doing very well in our donations and people are having a wonderful time," she said. "We're super appreciative of everyone that comes out."
Geis feels that people are drawn to this event because of the tight bond they have with their dogs.
"Whenever you can add your pets to the mix it definitely adds a different element to an event," she said.
Cassie Crum and her sweet pitbull mixes Rocky and Maggie enjoyed their first time at Bark for Life.
"It's very nice, it turned out very nicely, there's a pretty nice crowd of dogs here," she said, adding that she loves that it's a cancer fundraiser that involves dogs. "I think that's a great idea, that it's for a good cause and that it involves dogs because, like myself I don't have children but I have dogs and I definitely would come do it again."
Kadie Bull, a first-time participant, attended the event with her lovely companions Willow the dalmatian and Luna the golden retriever.
"It's fun, we don't really get to do activities like this and our dogs love it and so do we," she said with a smile. "It's fun for all the dogs and it's fun to get them out together. It's great because you get to donate money and it helps several causes not only cancer but it also helps the dogs socialize and have some fun."
To make a donation, visit relayforlife.org/barknorthwoodswi.
For more information on the ACS or Bark events, call Geis at (715) 891-2061.
The next Bark event will be the third annual Bark in the Dark to be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 21 at the TLC Dog Training Facility, 3659 Lake Thompson Rd.
The Bark for Life has raised over $31,000 in the first four years, and in 2015 this event was the No. 4 event nationwide. In 2014 it was the top event in the Midwest division and in 2013 it was the top event in Wisconsin.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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