Bark if You Hate Cancer
One in four dogs in the United States develops some kind of cancerous tumor in their lifetime. It’s a sobering statistic, isn’t it? That’s partly because cancer is an ugly disease.
While VPI Pet Insurance designated November as Pet Cancer Awareness Month, there is something pet owners can do now to bring awareness to people and pet cancer. Sign up to walk in the second annual Greater Bangor Bark For Life, held this year on Saturday, June 15.
Last year’s event brought together 230 people, 120 dogs, and 15 cancer survivors to walk the loop around the Hollywood Casino Racetrack. The walk was an offshoot of the Relay for Life event held yearly to raise funds for the American Cancer Society, a nonprofit that funds research and care for people dealing with cancer.
In its first year, the Greater Bangor Bark For Life raised $21,107.15. In 2013, they intend to up the ante with 275 people, 250 dogs, and 50 survivors raising $30,000. The event starts with vendors and dog-related activities at 5:30 p.m. The walk, once again, will be held at 7:30 p.m.
While the funds raised at the Greater Bangor Bark For Life go to fund people’s cancers, the event is the perfect place to learn more about cancer in pets. Research is being conducted in the world of pet cancer. There is hope if your pet has cancer.
If your pet has any of these symptoms, get them checked by a veterinarian:
- Lumps and sores that don’t heal, but instead grow.
- Marked changes in their appetite or weight.
- Offensive smells coming from the pet.
- Bleeding or discharge.
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing.
- Lack of interest in exercise and play.
- Ongoing lameness, stiffness, or change in gait.
- Difficulty breathing or going to the bathroom.
Get Involved!
If you’re interested in participating in the Greater Bangor Bark for Life, the cost is $10 for cancer survivors and $25 for other individuals. Dogs included at no extra cost.
The registration fee includes a T-shirt for people and bandanas for dogs. Register online through Facebook or go to www.relayforlife.org. Then, search for “Greater Bangor Bark For Life.”
