POTTSTOWN >> Cloudy skies and the possibility of a few showers weren’t enough to stop some from barking back at cancer.
Gray skies may have worked their way into Pottstown Saturday but they didn’t dampen the spirits of those who attended the 11th Annual Bark For Life at Memorial Park. A modest crowd came together in the park Saturday to help raise money for the American Cancer Society and bring attention to the important role dogs play as a loyal companion to those struggling with cancer. This year’s theme was “Cancer will not win in the game of Life.”
“So far we’ve raised over $16,000,” said Bark for Life Co-chairwoman Melissa Lash. “So far we have a decent turnout based upon the weather. Thank goodness it’s holding back. It’s not as much as we’ve seen in previous years but any turnout we get is a good turnout.”
And those who did take part in the Bark for Life were not short on things to do. The event not only included the walk around the park that kicks it off each year, but it also featured a variety of tents available for attendees to browse. Among the tents were opportunities to purchase pet portraits, handmade jewelry and pet accessories. Local businesses such as Noah’s Pet Motel and several area shelters were also present for the event.
For many though, the day isn’t just a fun opportunity to get out and about with their pets. Some park-goers noted that the fundraiser holds a special place for them after knowing someone who has dealt with cancer.
“We’re here to support Bark for Life because I think it’s a good way to raise money for cancer,” said Barbara McDaniel from Pottstown. “A good friend of mine had a husband that she lost to cancer several years back and she got involved and then got us involved.”
“It’s a great cause and more people need to come out,” added Brian McDaniel, who was accompanying Barbara with their hound, Max.
McDaniel wasn’t the only one there for personal reasons.
“In December 2004 I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer,” explained Michelle Moyer, who was serving as the Bark For Life Grand Marshall. “Before I was diagnosed, I was told 99 percent that it wasn’t cancer. I just happened to be the one percent. If you remove the thyroid, you pretty well are cleared of it unless it reaches the lymph nodes. I was fortunate and when I had the thyroid removed, the cancer was gone.”
As Moyer led the walk with her dog, Henry, walkers followed behind with a parade of pups as they began to enjoy the day’s events. Featured throughout the day were K9 demonstrations by the Pottstown Police Department, a dog costume contest by the Lenape Bull Dog Club and a Field of Fortune Tennis Ball retrieve by Diamond Credit Union. The Top Dog contest table was also available at the event, accepting nominations for this year’s Top Dog. Donations and votes are being accepted until April 26.
“We as volunteers, we don’t do it for ourselves. We do it for others and we try to raise money for family members, friends and colleagues and all of the people we don’t even know that are going through cancer or have had to deal with some type of loss in their life,” said Lash.
Bark for Life’s efforts won’t stop Saturday either. The organization is planning several events for the upcoming months including the Relay for Life on June 3 at Pottsgrove High School, Doggie Washes during July, August and October, and a Doggie Date Night event at Stone Ridge winery in September. All the events raise money for the American Cancer Society.
To learn more about Bark for Life or the American Cancer Society visit the Bark for Life Pottstown Facebook page or the American Cancer Society website at www.cancer.org.
