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- Category: Past Issues
caption:
Dogs' Day
Above: Bark for Life Survivor Ambassador Samson is show with Jill Lee, DVM and Sheila Silvestri of Animal Care Experts of Thompson. Winner of Best Trick winner Cody is at right. Photos courtesy of Becky Leon.
'Bark for Life'
raises $3600,
awareness
The Citizens National Bank's recent “Bark for Life” event raised more than $3,600 for Relay For Life 2011. A total of 120 dogs were registered and about 250 people attended the first annual event.
This dog walk honors the role that our canine friends lend to their human companions battling cancer, as well as the beloved animals that have battled or lost the fight to cancer themselves. The American Cancer Society studies cancers that affect both humans and animals. The research and testing ACS conducts is making strides in both fields.
Each dog received a goody bag. All dogs that had battled cancer were given special Survivor buttons. Celebration markers lined the track in memory of pets lost to cancer or in honor to those fighting the disease.
Shannon Stahecki, American Cancer Society representative for Northeastern CT, began the opening ceremony by introducing, Father Richard Archambault of the Provincial House in Putnam. Father Archambault gave a moving blessing to the dogs and ended with a personal dedication to the 10 dogs that were his pets over the years. Melissa Franklin shared a story of loss about her dog, Bear, stricken with cancer and passing away shortly thereafter. The story of the 2010 Bark for Life Survivor Ambassador, Samson, was read aloud, as Samson sat proudly looking on. The walk was kicked off with the announcement, “Dogs start your owners,” followed by the song “Who Let the Dogs Out.”
Officer Kenny Poplowski (Troop D) and Rob Sabourin (CT Department of Corrections) were on hand with their K9 partners. Both K9 shepherds gave impressive demonstrations of their abilities to locate items, follow commands, and work with their human counterparts in protecting the community.
Dog contests were next on the schedule with categories ranging from “Fluffiest Tail” to “Best Trick.” The competition was tough but highly entertaining. Surprisingly, no dogs came forward for “Most Obedient.” Winning dogs were awarded first place medals which they proudly displayed as they walked the track.