Haley- Top Dog from Bark for Life 2012
If you’ve ever participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, you’ve had the pleasure of walking among those who have been diagnosed with cancer, survived cancer or honoring those who lost their lives to this disease. Loved ones, caregivers, family and friends also participate in this event to create awareness of cancer and to raise funds.
Over 11 million people are living with cancer and each year another million are diagnosed. Such staggering statistics that boggles the mind.
Cancer does not discriminate against our four-legged friends. Each year six million dogs are diagnosed with cancer and a similar number is also found with cats. Again, how heart wrenching for our best friends and those of us who take care of them.
Last year was my first year participating in the Relay for Life event. My mother and sister both succumbed to cancer at an early age. I wanted to honor their memories. The most memorable part of the event was the lighting of the luminarias – a very somber and moving moment.
Now we have an event to honor our dogs and cats.
On April 27th, the second annual Bark for Life of Western Berks will be held to honor the life-long contributions of Canine caregivers. Families and their dogs come together for a few hours to complete a one-mile walk to honor the care giving qualities of their canine “Best Friends” and cancer survivors.
A year and a half ago, my sweet Jazz was diagnosed with oral melanoma after a routine dental cleaning. A small, pea-sized tumor was found on Jazz’s gum line. If not caught, diagnosed and treated early ,unfortunately, “the average lifespan of a dog following diagnosis of the most aggressive stage of malignant melanoma is five to eight months.”
We had the good fortune of catching the melanoma in Stage 1- a rarity. Jazz had surgery and radiation. He also receives the melanoma vaccine which has proven to extend the lives of dogs diagnosed with oral melanoma and also prevents it from reoccurring. With the oncologist and her wonderful staff’s generosity helping Jazz and me get through a very tough ordeal, Jazz not only survived, he is thriving. At his last visit, he was cancer-free!
I’m not alone. All of us have been touched by cancer in some way. The prevalence of it makes it so.
If you would like to honor your dog or cat or any pet who has battled cancer, join the American Cancer Society’s Bark for Life on Saturday, April 27th, 9 AM- 12. There will be doggie games, top dog and dress-up contests, team and community fundraising, music and food, guest demonstrations from therapy, police and rescue dogs.
All Bark luminaria will be lit at the Relay for Life of Western Berks on June 14th.
For more information, go to https://secure.acsevents.org/site/TRR?fr_id=46094&pg=tfind
I had no idea they did this. This is cool. Too many animals suffer from cancer. My dog had cancer and nothing much could be done. This is a fantastic idea!
Thanks for the information. I knew about the Relay for Life but not about Bark for life.
Cancer is not as scary as it once was. Many years ago, it seemed it was a death sentence. Not anymore. In humans and in dogs, technological advances have eradicated some types of cancer, have put others into complete remission, and have extended lives tremendously. I think it’s great to honor both people and pets. Pets to so many of us are considered family.
We all should try to learn to manage the deeply painful feelings of life and death. Cancer is bad, no matter how you look at it. Our pets are precious to us and we must embrace them and take care of them. There have been alot of advances in cancer care for animals but not nearly enough that they don’t take away their lives too soon from us. Good event to raise awareness.
Why is it always about dogs?
It’s so hard to lose a pet at any time. I’ve had a few pets that had cancer. One died from it and he didn’t live very long with it. There was nothing they could do. I think today they could have helped him alot more. He only lived a few months and you would have never known how sick he was until the last day. Never had chemo or radiation. Maybe that’s why he had quality of life but not quantity. Still, it hurts after all of these years. He was my baby. He was dumped because he was sick with something else along a back road. Luckily, I found him. He lived quite a few years until the cancer. At least, he had a better life than to be left to be hit by a car. People can be so evil. Sorry, didn’t mean to get off track. I miss my baby.
Does it count if you’ve lost a bird to cancer/
I see no reason why you can’t honor any pet who has or had or lost his/her life to cancer.
Thanks. Tina
I lost my cat to cancer. I keep seeing events like this for dogs. What about other animals?
As I stated above, I see no reason to exclude other animals to honor. Thanks. Tina
I love what you guys are usually up to- the american cancer society. This is great for caregivers of our beloved companions.
I will be there!!
I knew cancer was prevalent in humans but had no idea the prevalence in pets. The numbers are astounding. It has to be quite expensive to treat a pet with cancer. Between surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation and other meds, the cost must be staggering. How do people afford it? I know of some people who allowed their pets to live with the diagnosis until they had to euthanize them to put them out of their misery. I wish vets could be more understanding and work with pet parents. Some of us love our pets as our own kids. Sadly, they’re not covered under our insurance and I don’t think pet insurance would cover much of this care..so that leaves us with thousands of dollars we have to dish out to save or prolong our pets’ lives. It isn’t fair. I know these people really loved their pets but couldn’t afford the care. If vets could cut us a break knowing how much they mean to us. There are those of us who would do anything to save our pets. How horrible when it comes to money. Veterinarians make a decent living. They should with the amount they charge. Give us a break, please!
Wish I could attend. Two of my dogs had cancer and I want to pay tribute to them. Like you, I also have lived through family members dying of this cruel disease. Count me in!
What a fantastic idea!
I am still attending.
cool!
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