Dog Walk - SuffolkJournal.com

10th AnniversaryDog Walk

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU
& YOUR DOG SAVED A LIFE?

On Sunday May 6 the American Cancer Society will celebrate its 10^th Anniversary of Dogs Walk Against Cancer. This New York event has been so successful that Dogs Walk will launch for the first time in Boston, Massachusetts in 2001.

“Dogs Walk is a rare and rewarding opportunity to help both humans and dogs,” said Elaine Siver, senior director of fundraising at the American Cancer Society. “And this year’s Dogs Walk will reach out to more people – and dogs – than ever before.”

Last year’s events attracted over 15,000 people and 4,500 pooches, raising more than $700,000. New York event locations include the original site at Manhattan’s Riverside Park, Bear Mountain State Park of Rockland County and on Long Island at the campus of SUNY Old Westbury. “We’re expecting this exciting 10^th anniversary event, which includes the Boston launch, to be better than ever,” said Siver. This fun-filled day includes entertainment, raffles, give-aways and contests including Canine crooner competition, Dog/Owner Look-Alike, Best & worst Trick, Best & worst Costume and Best & worst Smooching Pooch.

“This event is an opportunity to fight cancer and to recognize the vital bond between people and animals,” said Siver. “So many cancer patients’ quality of life has been positively impacted by the companionship of their pets. And exciting cancer research is being done that will benefit future animal and human patients alike.”

Those who can’t make it to the event in person can participate online by visiting cancer.org or dogswalk.com. Through dogswalk.com, human and canine visitors from across the country can register for the event, buy presents at the gift shop, and even send virtual postcards to their friends. A special Cyberwalk section of the site enables participants to submit images of their furry philanthopists. The day of Dogs Walk these images will be posted on dogswalk.com, in honor or in memory of the pet, for all to see.

“Dogswalk.com is another way people can become involved with the event,” said Siver. “The Cyberwalk is definitely a highlight of the site. Dogs from every part of the country will be showing their bright eyes and bushy tails, knowing they have helped save lives.”

Whether online or in person, participants will benefit the American Cancer Society as well as the Animal Health Foundation of Long Island Veterinarian Medical Association.