Dogs, Owners Walk For Cancer Research

The is trying to bring an unique event to rocky Hill for the first time and it has gone competely to the dogs.

A “Bark for Life” event will be held on Saturday, Aug. 18 inside the in back of from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Bark for Life” is similar to a Relay for Life, but with dogs walking around the track with the people. The event is a chance for American Cancer Society to “draw in a new group of people,” according to organizer Mary Boissonneault.

"Idea was started as a chance to get a consumer market that has not been tapped into,” she said. "It is really bringing in new people into our organization.”

The event is popular in California and on the west coast of the United States in general. However, the event in August will be the first time one has been done in Rocky Hill where the American Cancer Society is located.

“It makes sense to do something local,” she said.

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Boissonneault said she wants to make it clear that the money raised from the event will impact being in Connecticut and not just going towards "research." The some of the money raised will be used for makeup to give to cancer patients after treatments to "feel better" and to help fund Camp Rising Sun, which gives kids with cancer a chance to enjoy the outdoors, she added.

"We really do work directly with the patients," Boissonneault said. "We are involved in the journey." 

The American Cancer Society needs participants, sponsors and anyone willing to donate their services for the “Bark for Life.”  The organization has been visiting doggie day cares to recruit “relay” teams and pet stores for sponsors, Boissonneault said.

Instead of having luminaries around the track, which is common practice for a Relay for Life event, there will be prints for purchase in which people can write the name of a person or animal that has suffered cancer on it. The prints will be posted on a wall near the track.

The event will feature dog activities while educating the public on the dangers of cancer and the research being done to stop it.

of Rocky Hill will be coloring poodles and painting dogs' nails from 8 to 11 a.m. State police dogs will perform a demonstration, a contest will be held for the best dressed dogs and owners and will sell raffle tickets for baskets with all the donations going to the American Cancer Society. 

The event also allows the American Cancer Society to promote a healthy life style and hand out material on the dangers of smoking and sun protection. The material will be directed at helping people avoid certain types of cancer. 

“We hope to raise awareness of the hardships that you may not experienced,”  Boissonneault said.

The registration fee is $25, which includes a bandanna for your dog and anyone who raises an additional $100 will receive a Bark for Life T-shirt. For more information or to sign up, call at 203.379.4883 or visit the following link.

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