News From the American Cancer Society SCV Unit Bark For Life: Paw-some Fun at the Park

The American Cancer Society’s annual Bark For Life – a fun, non-competitive walking event for dogs and their owners – will take place on Saturday, October 22 from 8 a.m. to noon at Bridgeport Park, 23520 Bridgeport Lane in Valencia.
Bark, which celebrates our canine caregivers for their unconditional love and camaraderie, will include contests, raffles, games, vendors, food, demonstrations, music and more.  With Halloween right around the corner, four-legged friends are encouraged to come in costume.
“Come with your fur-babies, join the festivities and feel the love,” said longtime ACS volunteer Teresa Kerr, who is serving as Bark chair.  “By supporting this Bark For Life fundraiser, you help the ACS save lives and move us all closer to our ultimate goal, a world with less cancer and more birthdays.  This enjoyable event celebrates the companionship and support that our canine companions provide while their humans are going through the stress of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.  They are sometimes the best medicine.”
Susan Pearsall, veteran ACS volunteer and Relay Chemo Amigos team captain, praised Bark For Life’s celebrated heroes.
“We’ve raised two puppies for Guide Dogs of America in the past,” Pearsall said.  “I know how our dogs can be wonderful companions and for some, even lifesavers.”
Pearsall understands the challenges of fighting cancer, and blessings in having a pooch in the home, as her two daughters are cancer survivors.
“When our daughter Lauren had cancer in 2006, our black lab, Dorie, stayed by her side at home after her treatments,” said Pearsall.  “This meant so much to all of us.”
Bark For Life, a “feeder event” for the ACS’ annual Relay For Life fundraiser, has raised more than $750,000 over the last decade.
Bark For Life participants are required to sign a standard event waiver at the event.  All dogs attending must be at least six-months-old, have a current rabies vaccination, and be on a non-retractable leash and under control at all times. Registration fee: $15 per dog or two for $25.
The ACS is available around the clock at 800-227-2345 and via its website at cancer.org. Bark For Life registration can be submitted at www.scvbark.org.  For more information, please call ACS SCV Unit at 661-298-0886 option 3. The office is located at 25020 Avenue Stanford, suite 170 in Valencia.