By Michelle Conerly
September 11, 2015
The furriest of friends and their owners gathered together on September 5 for the 4th Annual Bark for Life Guam to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
This tail-wagging event, much like the canine-friendly community of Guam, has grown exponentially in the last three years and continues to make a large impact on the dog and Guam community, said Tina Noket, Community Leader for Relay for Life.
“Three years ago, we got together the greatest minds and found that there is a community willing to come together to plan this event,” Noket said.
Much like Relay for Life, Bark for Life’s mission is raising money and awareness for cancer while uniting the public for an exciting and educational event.
Faye Varias, owner of Puppy Love Guam, said like most years, this year’s event had a number of dog-friendly stations and goodie giveaways that you just couldn’t wait to get your paws on. From dog-friendly activities like the puppy passport and nail clipping station to a doggy ice cream eating contest, each pup—from the largest of Great Danes to the peppiest of Pomeranians— had its fill of fun while making the one-mile walk around the Plaza de Espana.
And while the event catered to man’s best friend, Noket said it was a great way to educate the owners on how to better take care of themselves as well.
“Sun safety—we hardly think about putting on sunscreen, but it’s something we should be practicing all the time,” she said. “Eating well—we had some great food, but again, moderation.”
Last year they raised more than $6,000 and expect this year to be just as successful with Bank of Guam as its ‘Top Dog Sponsor’, and Hafa Adai Specialist Group as its ‘Mans Best Friend Sponsor’, Noket said.
But no matter how much money is raised, the amount of love and support a pet can provide, especially to those undergoing such a trying event such as battling cancer, is invaluable, said Derek Johnston, co-owner of the pet supply store Fetch.
“Whether it’s PTSD, depression, cancer—more and more people are leaning on the comfort aspect of having a dog,” Johnston said. “They’re totally important to filling that void and definitely play an important role in that person’s life.”
And although not everyone is a dog owner, Aileen Johnston, co-owner of Fetch, said if you missed this year’s event, all are welcome to come play with the dogs next year.
“You’re all smiles the whole day,” she said. “You get to meet different people. You get to interact with different breeds. It’s fun for everyone!”
