Bark For Life
unites humans and
canine friends to
fight cancer
By Gina T. Reilly
G
uam canines and their families will
gather at the Plaza de España in
Hagatña on Sept. 7, from 2:30 p.m. to
5 p.m., to “Bark for Life.” The event includes a tradition to partner
with Fetch Guam to host a human and
doggie food eating contest.
“The American Cancer Society Bark For
Life is a non-competitive walk event for
dogs and their owners to raise funds and
awareness about the American Cancer
Society’s fight against cancer,” said Tina
Noket, senior community development
manager. Besides the fun, Bark For Life is a tribute to
our canine best friends for their caregiving
qualities and the life-long contribution of
canine caregivers.
“In the past we’ve had a peanut butter
eating contest, ice cream eating contest,
cheesecake eating contest,” Noket said. “This
year, we are excited to announce that we
will have a ‘cookie eating contest.’ Fetch will
be baking up some delicious cookies, made
specifically for dogs for this contest. It is the
highlight of the event”.
Initiated by the American Cancer Society
Guam Chapter, Bark for Life is a dog-
friendly spinoff of Relay for Life that honors
cancer fighters and recognizes the dogs that
are helping fighters to overcome the disease.
The event is marking its eight year on Guam
this year.
Event organizers are targeting 60 canines
and their families to participate, and hoping
to raise $5,000 this year. Bank of Guam and
Animal Medical Clinic are Blue Ribbon
sponsors.
Noket said Bark For Life is organized by
a small group of volunteers passionate
about fighting cancer, many of whom are
canine owners and look forward to bringing
another canine friendly event to our
community.
“Canine owners can expect fun and food at
the event. Andy Wheeler will be our host,”
Noket said. “We will also have a photo booth
with Strike a Pose for families to take their
photos. GAIN will be on site with doggie
items and information. Scentsy will be on
4 I Furry Times I September 2019
Preliminary agenda:
2:30 p.m. Canines and Teams Check In
All canines must be pre-registered and will receive
BFL bandanas and goodie bags
Entertainment
3:15 p.m. Opening Ceremony
Recognition of Sponsors, Survivors
3:30 p.m. Bark For Life Festivities
Cancer Survivors and their dogs lead the one mile
walk (approx.) around the plaza
Doggie Games
Door Prize Drawings
5:00 p.m. PM Closing Ceremony
Announcement of Top Fundraisers
Sponsor Appreciation
For registration and other event details: www.
relayforlife.org/barkguamgu.
hand with their products. Dr. Oshiro and the
Marianas VetCare team will be on hand to
answer questions.”
Although some experts are still searching
for scientific explanation on how it works,
animal-assisted therapy has become a
popular therapeutic intervention that is
accepted by the medical community and
incorporated into the treatment plan.
Animal-assisted therapy, involving dogs,
horses, cats, pigs, and birds, is believed to
enhance and complement the benefits of
traditional therapy. Experts say animal-
assisted therapy help people recover from
or better cope with health problems, such
as heart disease, cancer and mental health
disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
Animal-assisted activities, on the other
hand, have a more general purpose, such as
providing comfort and enjoyment, allowing
people to divert attention away from a
stressful situation and toward one that
provides pleasure.