Bark For Life to fight cancer

ACS fundraiser Saturday in Niles

Staff report

NILES

It’s going to be a dog-gone fun event, says the American Cancer Society.

The first ACS Bark For Life event for dogs and dog owners will take place Saturday at Eastwood Field.

Registration will be at 9:30 a.m.; a survivor’s walk for dogs and owners will begin at 10; and a two-lap walk around the exterior of the baseball field by all dogs and their owners will follow at 10:15.

The registration donation is $10 per dog and $1 for each additional dog per owner. “Dog bone” luminaries will be available for a donation of $2 to be placed along the fence of Eastwood Field.

The Bark For Life, a canine event to fight cancer, gives people an opportunity to help through their canine companions. All dogs will have the opportunity to participate in contests and win awards.

At 10:30 a.m., there is the musical-sit contest, and at 11, the best-trick contest takes place. There will be prizes for the biggest dog, smallest dog, cutest dog and best-dressed dog. At noon, awards and prizes will be announced, officials said.

Also, dogs and their owners will have the chance to further help the cancer society by attending the Mahoning Valley Scrappers game that night.

For an additional $5 donation, the dog and owner will get into the game and have the opportunity to take part in the Scrappers Bark in the Park, sponsored by the Niles Vet Clinic. The society gets an additional $1 for every ticket sold. A pet parade is planned at 6 p.m., and the award winners from the Bark For Life also will be shown on the screen throughout the game.

Dogs of all breeds, shapes and sizes are welcome to participate with their pet owner under certain guidelines, which include: complete registration form and sign a waiver; pay a $10 registration donation; dogs will be screened as they check in, and officials reserve the right to turn away dogs that are a threat to others; there is no limit on the number of dogs per person; dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times; dogs in heat will be turned away; Bark For Life is limited to dogs and people; dogs must be up-to-date on all vaccinations; participants are responsible for cleaning up after their pets; walkers with or without a dog are welcome to participate.

All Bark For Life donation checks should be made payable to the American Cancer Society, and donations will be accepted through Aug. 31.

For more information, call Pam Wilson at the American Cancer Society toll free at 888-227-6446, ext. 2207.