Bark for Life to feature pet talent show, costume contest
Published 6:05 pm Friday, March 22, 2013
The American Cancer Society will hold its first Bark for Life fundraising event 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at the Lake Charles Civic Center.
The event will feature a pet-and-owner look-alike contest, a pet talent show and a costume contest.
Tickets, at $20 per dog, can be purchased at the time of the event or in advance, at www.relayforlife.org/southwestbarkla.
Cancer society spokeswoman Ariel Caraway said the group is unable to allow dogs at fundraisers such as Relay for Life and wanted to put on an event just for dogs.
“Dogs are the perfect companion for people with cancer. Dogs don’t judge you when you have a shaved head, are feeling down or are really sick,” Caraway said. “Dogs are constantly here for you. We’ve had patients tell us that they’ve been fighting cancer for a long time and that eventually their system of support dwindled down, but that their dogs were always there for them. We want to showcase that.”
The event will include guest speakers, one on the behalf of a dog who survived cancer as well as a human cancer survivor who was touched by the loyalty of a canine.
“We like to incorporate fun things into our events, so this one will have a carnival-like atmosphere with booths set up to sell everything from T-shirts to necklaces, as well as food vendors selling food for people and treats for their dogs,” Caraway said.
“Bark for Life is an offshoot of Relay for Life, so even though there’s not an organized walk, everyone is encouraged to walk their dogs around the grounds of the Civic Center.”
