Bark for Life celebrates dogs, raises money for cancer 

Event attendee Deanna Valenzuela and her therapy dog Gretel participate in the peanut butter licking contest during the American Cancer Society Bark for Life event at the Canyon Country Community Center on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Gretel beat the other dogs participating in the contest to take home the first place trophy. Chris Torres/The Signal
Event attendee Deanna Valenzuela and her therapy dog Gretel participate in the peanut butter licking contest during the American Cancer Society Bark for Life event at the Canyon Country Community Center on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Gretel beat the other dogs participating in the contest to take home the first place trophy. Chris Torres/The Signal
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The American Cancer Society hosted Bark for Life on Sunday at the Canyon Country Community Center, which celebrated the leading role dogs can have in relieving stress and raising spirits for those going through cancer treatment.  

Event organizers said it was styled in the manner of its Relay for Life, but with more pup-themed events. Abby Smith, development manager for ACS, said Bark for Life was special for a couple of reasons.  

“One, because we know that dogs get cancer, too. But more importantly is that dogs are such great caregivers for cancer survivors,” said Smith. “When they’re going through their treatment, that emotional support of having that partner there is like no other and so we really want to honor dogs and thank them for their service and that aspect of an individual’s cancer journey.” 

Event attendee Alexis Heinz gets a doggie kiss from seven-year-old Maltese Lily Belle for one dollar during the American Cancer Society Bark for Life event at the Canyon Country Community Center on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Chris Torres/The Signal

Brad Peach, chair of the event, said another reason for the event is because dogs aren’t allowed at Relay for Life. Cancer patients sometimes have vulnerable immune systems and can’t risk coming into contact with dander if they have an allergy. Bark for Life is meant to make up for that.  

“We recognize the importance that dogs play as unconditional love caregivers. They don’t really care what your condition is, they’re there for you,” said Peach. “Also in the overall well being of people, people that are dog people, they just are better with the dog. So, the American Cancer Society set up this event just to honor the dogs themselves.” 

Attendees, and their human companions, could participate in games and contests including a costume parade, peanut butter spoon licking and hot dog bobbing.  

Therapy dog Talie, left, plays with her Australian Shepherd and Great Pyrenees friend Lucy during the American Cancer Society Bark for Life event at the Canyon Country Community Center on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Chris Torres/The Signal

Mack Herrera, there with Basil, a yellow Labrador he was fostering for the day, said once he heard about the event and its cause, he wanted to support in any way he could.  

“I think events like this are really meaningful to anyone that comes out, because it’s just one of those things that you do for the right reason and nothing else,” said Herrera. “It’s just for a good cause — trying to help solve cancer.” 

Funds from vendors who participated in the event went toward ACS. Many of these vendors sold dog costumes, treats and food, or offered doggy caricature portraits. 

Noah Ruiz, 1, pets therapy dog Ras during the American Cancer Society Bark for Life event at the Canyon Country Community Center on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Chris Torres/The Signal
Event attendee Sonia Melendez holds up the spoon her chihuahua mix Mosh finished to win first place in the small dog peanut butter licking contest during the American Cancer Society Bark for Life event at the Canyon Country Community Center on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Chris Torres/The Signal
Milo the shitzu pug mix licks his chops after participating in the peanut butter licking contest during the American Cancer Society Bark for Life event at the Canyon Country Community Center on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Chris Torres/The Signal
Event attendee Deanna Valenzuela and her therapy dog Gretel participate in the peanut butter licking contest during the American Cancer Society Bark for Life event at the Canyon Country Community Center on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Gretel beat the other dogs participating in the contest to take home the first place trophy. Chris Torres/The Signal
Rosanne Strash pets therapy dog Talie with Noah Ruiz, 1, and his father Daniel during the American Cancer Society Bark for Life event at the Canyon Country Community Center on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Chris Torres/The Signal
Event attendee Deanna Valenzuela holds the first place trophy for the peanut butter licking contest that her therapy dog Gretel won during the American Cancer Society Bark for Life event at the Canyon Country Community Center on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Chris Torres/The Signal
Event attendee Margie Cummings takes a photo with her beagle Minnie, 4, at the kissing booth during the American Cancer Society Bark for Life event at the Canyon Country Community Center on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Chris Torres/The Signal
Event attendees Geoff McIntosh and Angel Princess pet their four-year-old dog Nova during the American Cancer Society Bark for Life event at the Canyon Country Community Center on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Chris Torres/The Signal
Event attendees play with dogs in the grass during the American Cancer Society Bark for Life event at the Canyon Country Community Center on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Chris Torres/The Signal

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