The American Cancer Society hosted its annual Bark for Life “Howl-O-Ween” celebration with dogs in Halloween costumes, families playing and booths lined up from local shelters and resources for dogs at the Canyon Country Community Center on Sunday.
Everywhere people looked, a furry friend was at every corner to give some love.
Brad Peach, event chair for Bark for Life, said the Howl-O-Ween event was created as a second event because the Cancer Society’s biggest fundraiser, “Relay for Life,” did not allow dogs.
“We don’t allow dogs because there are a lot of people that are still in treatment, and they may have some reactions, allergic reactions, or to get in the way on there,” Peach said. “But we recognize dogs as their caregivers and as the overall wellbeing that they bring to people. And so … we have our event, and we make the dogs the star of this event.”
Peach added that four-legged friends bring a great deal of joy to people, especially in a difficult time.
“A dog’s love is unconditional. They don’t care if you haven’t combed your hair. They don’t care if you’re wearing the same clothes you wore yesterday. They don’t care if you have one leg, one arm, whatever,” Peach said. “It’s just absolute unconditional (love). And we like to try to turn that around a little bit and you know, just have some fun with them.”
Now involved with the Cancer Society for 26 years, Peach said he has seen a lot with Santa Clarita “growing up.”
“I was pretty much born and raised in Santa Clarita. And so, you know, I watched the community grow up to what it is. So, anything that we can, not only help the American Cancer Society, but also bring something into the community is great,” Peach said.
Emery Nochez came out to support her friend and said she was a huge animal person.
Nochez also said that it is important to have events like this because it is a great way to gain information and resources.
“I think people don’t realize how many options they have until they go to an event like this. I mean, I didn’t know how many options people had or like a support system, too, like a community where you can go to with people who understand what you’re going through,” Nochez said.
She enjoyed seeing the dogs in their costumes.
“I’m having a lot of fun with the dogs. Seeing all the costumes and the shelters that came out with the different dogs for adoption, I think they’re adorable. I love dogs,” Nochez said.
Sam Di Santo, a volunteer at the event, said it is necessary to raise awareness about cancer and how it can affect not just people, but dogs, too.
“(It is) just to make sure that people know that dogs are cancer survivors, and dogs are one of the biggest caregivers that a person can have in their life in general,” Di Santo said. “So many people depend on dogs just to keep them motivated, to keep them going, you know, just as simple as having a dog to take on walks so you get outside three times a day.”
When asked what it felt like to see the support of the community, Di Santo said he loved it.
“I love this event every year. I think it’s so important for people to show up and I love seeing people support the American Cancer Society … and I love seeing the community rally together behind one thing, you know,” Di Santo said.
