Friday, August 13, 2010

Bark For Life

Mom found out about this cool event a few months ago and then forgot about it just as quickly. If she would have told me about it I wouldn't have forgotten and we would be attending this Sunday. But as luck would have it, I already have plans for Sunday so another year will pass without me taking part in this cool event.

Bark for Life is a Relay for Life fundraising event that honors the care-giving qualities of canine companions. This is one of those "Why didn't I think of this?" events. Dogs are not allowed at most Relay for Life events so a Pennsylvania woman named JoAnn McKiernan along with her dog Sassy started Bark for Life as a fundraiser to support their local Relay For Life event.

So if Bark For Life is a fundraiser, what happens to the funds that are raised? Well they don't go directly to fund cancer research for dogs but they do go directly to the American Cancer Society (ACS) for grants that benefit human research. The AKC provides grants that go directly to canine research with both organization funding research through the National Cancer Institute. I think it's so cool that human and canine cancer research trials have been combined in the past couple of years so we are benefiting along with our peeps.

This Sunday's event at Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville is the second annual and is one of several taking place throughout the suburbs. Participants are encouraged to raise $100 in pledges and if they do, their dogs will receive a Bark For Life bandana. The one mile walk will be capped off with activities, games, and contests. I'm hoping there will be treats because after walking a mile I would be starving, not to mention thirsty. It's suppose to be 88 on Sunday and that is not really pug weather
.

To find a Bark For Life event in your area or to start one, please click here. There's tons of information on the website if you are interested in starting your own event, from fundraising ideas to fundraising letters from us, the stars of the event! I am going to have Mom put next year's event on the calendar right now so that I can participate even if I have to do so in my buggy. And if you live in my area and would like to join me, we can start our own team. I know we can raise lots of money to fight cancer and save lives.

10 comments:

dw said...

Wow, that looks like a cool event, Stubby! But I think you're right, the 88 temps predicted aren't exactly pug weather. I'm going to head to the lake for the air show (even though I've seen much of it from my window and balcony!) and it's gonna be warm, but hopefully not as humid. Hey, maybe sometime next week or the week after your mom and I can get together for some walking? Have her check her schedule and let me know what's good!

Stubby said...

Hi dw! 88 degrees is about 20 degrees too warm for me. Mom loves this weather because she's crazy!

I can't believe that you're going to go to the lake for the air show. There's going to be a zillion people down there so I hope you like crowds.

Mom was at the Botanic Garden yesterday and it was hot but empty. She had a great time and would like to meet you there soon. She's a little tied up for the next couple of weeks but she will email you her availability.

Stubby xoxo

Sequoia & Petunia & Emma said...

Neat! Mom has done the Relay for Life but never knew about Bark for Life. We looked for one here but only regualr Relay here. If you go next year we want pictures of you in the buggy...we love a puggy in a buggy!

Hugs,
Sequoia and Tuni

Stubby said...

Hi Sequoia & Tuni! You should start a Bark For Life in your area! That would be so cool and you guys could be the masters of ceremony.

I will definitely have Mom take pictures next year. And since I can't walk a mile (one block maybe) I will be have to be in my puggy. I love a puggy in a buggy, too!

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Hi Stubby
Bark for Life Relay sounds like an awsome idea. Someone was really thinking when they thought up the idea. Mom asked her managers at work if dogs were welcome at this years Light the Night, but since it is indoors, I guess now.
But,,, can't you just see doggies in shirts saying Bark for Life!
I think so many dogs would want shirts to wear in the walk.
I know you can't go this year because of the heat, but I would like to see photos of you next year- in your buggy. I know you would do it , if you could, Stubby. I know you would
love
tweedles

張王雅竹欣虹 said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Stubby said...

Hi Tweedles! I think all dogs would love to participate in this event and it would be so neat to see them all in Bark For Life shirts.

It's a shame that you can't participate in Light the Night but maybe you could host your own event in the forest with all your friends.

I am already making plans for the event next year. I will be in my buggy, wearing my bandana and my smile, while I raise money to fight cancer.

Stubby xoxo

Two French Bulldogs said...

Sure looks like a great event..
Benny & Lily

Stubby said...

Hi Benny & Lily! Do you have an event like this near you? I wonder how popular they are and how many are out there. I think it would be fun to take part in it every year.

Stubby xoxo

Christy said...

That's so cool! If only I had known about Bark for Life! We were actually at Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville last Saturday (Aug. 14th)! I (Lexie the pug) didn't come though because my humans thought it would be too hot for me--they were right! Maybe we'll meet sometime since we live near each other!

Lexie
http://christinemwong.blogspot.com/2010/08/spa-day.html