Many dogs participated in whipped cream races, cooled down in the swimming pools and chased tennis balls on Saturday throughout the 10th yearly Bark for Life at Central Park, commemorating dogs, specifically those acting as caretakers for cancer clients.
The occasion stemmed to commemorate dogs that function as caretakers for cancer clients. Dogs can’t be at the Relay for Life occasion due to reduced body immune systems for individuals there that are fighting cancer.
Bark for Life commemorated 10th yearly occasion Saturday in Central Park with more than 200 individuals and their dogs going to
“It’s a great turnout,” said organizer Jen Dockum. “It grows every year due to the fact that numerous individuals are going through cancer treatment.”
Dockum said the very first thing individuals typically wish to do after cancer treatment is enter bed with their dog. She said this commemorates the core element of a dog being a caretaker. Dockum said the animals become part of our households.
“Dogs are the new kids,” said Angela Letts of Studio 851 Pet Spa & Grooming LLC in Alma. “They are very spoiled, and everyone wants to pamper their dogs.”
Saint John’s Episcopal Church Rev. Jim Harrison blessed lots of dogs at the occasion.
“It was sharing God’s love with creation,” the reverend said. “Dogs are such an integral part of our family. This is a great cause for the community.”
Stout, a 3-year-old black laboratory owned by Ron and Allison Utter, was the very first to get blessed.
“We got our last lab blessed and that was important,” Allison said. “I’m thankful for the people that put on this wonderful event.”
Sanford local Tammy Porter, an occasion lead for Midland Relay for Life, considered Bark for Life a “fabulous event.”
“I love that they take the time to acknowledge the pets,” Porter said.
Kathy Gallagher of the Relay for Life Flower Power/Beckerson group was at the occasion with her 4-year-old German Shephard Yuki, offering baked good and puppy ice cream for contributions. She said the fundraising is very important as is commemorating the animals.
“Too many people have died from it,” Gallagher said.
The death of Gallagher’s uncle from the illness years earlier is what got her began with Relay for Life.
Jewell, a various colored 2-year-old Standard Poodle, owned by Letts, drew great deals of appearances, being strolled by Letts’ child, Micah.
Letts said Jewell’s appearance took 4 hours consisting of 2 baths and hair passing away.
“I love this event,” Letts said. “It’s our third year doing it. It’s a great cause and it’s a fun event.”
Sandi Booth said her 10-year-old Chihuahua, Sadie, using a cone, had actually been depressed because having a biopsy. Booth brought her to the occasion wishing to boost her spirits.
Lisa Clements brought her Cocker spaniel, Sally, AKC Sally in the Fields, to the occasion. Clements said she was delighted to see the suppliers and have Sally fraternize other animals.
“I love when there are events you can bring your dog to,” said Suzanne Garno, who brought her 4-year-old dog Rory.
Another Midlander, Jeri Hopper, went to for the very first year in addition to her 2-year-old English Bull Terrier.
“I think it’s great,” she said. “People love coming and enjoying this with their dogs. It’s a great way to raise money.”
Paula Weiss of Polite K-9 Training in Midland and April Geer of Crazy K9s in Coleman placed on a presentation of animal commands. Geer’s dog, Zero, an Australian Cattle dog preformed ordinary, sit, down, sit and wait in addition to others. Then Geer made a hoop with her arms and Zero leapt through, in addition to other techniques.
Midland County Pit Stop, an animal rescue firm, utilized the chance to display a few of their adoptable animals that consisted of Beagles Act, 10, and Thunder, 7, that come as a package.
Their foster daddy said they were discovered abandoned in a bunny hutch with a wire bottom. He said they enjoy hanging out in the backyard, they are good with other dogs and kids. He said they enjoy each other quite and they constantly got each other’s back.
Midland County Pit Stop President Gwen Drake said she mored than happy to see the occasion grow from previous years.
Drake’s group likewise included Reggie, an 11-week-old Doberman, Goldendoodle and Pit Bull mix that’s good with dogs, cats and kids; and Bulldog, Burdie – both available for adoption. There was likewise Carmel, who along 4 brother or sisters are available for foster.
To learn more about Midland County Pit Stop go to or call 989-948-1096.
Kass Strahl, of Midland, mored than happy for the occasion to interact socially Finley, a 3-year-old Pit Bull discovered as a roaming in Detroit. Strahl embraced Finley, her really first dog, with the help of her buddy, Courtney. A couple of years previously, Strahl assisted Courtney choose her very first dog at a shelter. Strahl said, “Finley is the best dog.”
Rev. Harrison mored than happy to be a part of the occasion and it’s one that touched him personally. His niece fought breast cancer and her dog is likewise a cancer survivor. He said they were each other’s caretakers. Harrison said his niece is 6 years cancer complimentary and now works to get legislation passed for cancer research study. She is a likewise a New Jersey Susan G. Komen Ambassador. Her dog also is cancer complimentary.
