News from the American Cancer Society, SCV Unit Bark For Life: A ‘Fetching’ Good Idea for Honoring Pets and Saving Lives

 In good times and “Ruff,” canine companions bring us great joy, companionship, and comfort. To celebrate that precious bond, the American Cancer Society annually holds Bark For Life – a fun, noncompetitive walking event for dogs and their owners. The ACS Santa Clarita Valley Unit’s Bark For Life will take place on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 8 a.m. to noon at West Creek Park(24247 Village Circle Dr., Valencia, 91354). Funds raised at Bark help fund innovative ACS cancer research, support free patient programs and services, advocacy, education, and more.
Through Bark, we honor the love so freely given to us by our four-legged best friends,” said ACS volunteer Teresa Kerr, a Bark committee member and ACS SCV Unit Leadership Council member.
“Particularly during times of serious illness, such as cancer, that deep emotional and physical connection is some of the best ‘medicine’ a human can receive,” stated Kerr, herself a devoted dog-mother.
A pooch parade (canines are encouraged to attend Bark in costume), zany contests, and demonstrations help fill the fast-moving four-hour event. Funds raised by Bark For Life bring the nationwide nonprofit closer to its goal of diminishing/curing cancer and creating more birthdays.
Bark For Life’s success depends on individuals, teams, and sponsors, said ACS SCV Leadership Council chair, Sandy Ends.
“The ACS’ lifesaving work in the fight against cancer would not be possible without the generosity of our community, and of course, our sponsoring businesses and community organizations,” noted Ends, an 18-year breast cancer survivor and ACS volunteer.
American Cancer Society volunteer Kathleen Pavard encourages community members to get involved with Bark For Life, which is actually a “feeder event” toward each coming year’s Relay For Life, a team walking event that raises many millions of dollars each year for the ACS.
“Nearly everyone has been touched by cancer, either through their own personal battle or that of someone they love,” Pavard said. “I participate in Bark because I know I’m making a difference in the fight to end cancer by raising funds and cancer awareness.”
Do you want to support/experience Bark For Life? Here’s how: Become a volunteer, join a team or form your own, donate to Bark/ACS, or become an individual/business sponsor.
For information about Bark for Life please contact Ann-Marie Dodge at 661-775-0711, or annmarie.dodge@cancer.org. You may also go to www.SCVBark.org. To contact the ACS SCV office: 661-298-0886 option 3. Or visit us at  25020 Avenue Stanford, Suite 170 in Valencia. The American Cancer Society is “open” around the clock to help guide you or someone you love through every step of a cancer experience. Their 24/7 phone: 1-800-227-2345.