Bark for Life event to raise money for cancer research for people, pets
BY ZACK STOYCOFF World Staff Writer
Saturday, October 20, 2012
10/20/12 at 5:47 AM
BROKEN ARROW - Two dogs who have survived cancer are among the pets registered to raise money for human and canine cancer research at a Broken Arrow event Saturday.
Bark for Life invites dogs and their owners to participate in games and activities in exchange for a registration fee benefiting the American Cancer Society.
The cancer-surviving dogs who were registered by Friday had breast cancer and melanoma, a type of skin cancer, American Cancer Society spokeswoman Kara Maxwell said.
Canine cancer "is a lot more common than I had originally thought," she said. "We created this event where we're not only honoring human cancer survivors but we honor canine cancer survivors."
The event has its roots in Relay for Life, which raises money in 20 countries annually.
It's the second year it has been held in the Tulsa area. Last year's event in Tulsa was the first, Maxwell said.
A one-mile run will begin the day, followed by an agility course, trick competition, dog-owner lookalike contest and doggie fashion show, she said.
Car wash gift certificates will be offered as prizes. Participating dogs can also receive a free identification microchip. Other events include a silent auction and a demonstration by a Broken Arrow police canine unit, Maxwell said.
Cancer is the leading cause of death in older dogs and cats, accounting for nearly 50 percent of pet deaths each year, according to the Veterinary Cancer Center. Canine cancer is nearly identical to human cancer, with the same likely causes and same treatments, the group says.
"A lot of the research and trials that the American Cancer Society does are dog-related, as well," Maxwell said.
Bark for Life's leading sponsor, Tulsa's VCA Animal Hospital, has an oncology unit, she said.
Bark for Life
When: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: St. Francis Health Park, 3000 S. Elm Place, Broken Arrow
Registration: at event, $25
Benefits: American Cancer Society
Original Print Headline: Event sheds light on pets with cancer, too
Zack Stoycoff 918-581-8486
zack.stoycoff@tulsaworld.com
