The American Cancer Society is hosting a new event in East Peoria to honor an often-overlooked caregiver: dogs.

Bark for Life is a mini relay for dogs and their owners that is supplemental to ACS’s main event, Relay for Life. Dogs are not allowed at Relay For Life because of venue and safety restrictions.

Although this mini relay is already nationwide, this is the first year for the East Peoria event.
Caitlin Hubbard is the income development representative for the West Central Region.

“Most people have been touched by cancer in some way and this can even extend to pets. Even if they have never had a pet with cancer, this event is a way for people to recognize and celebrate the care-giving roles dogs fill and the strong bond between dogs and their owners,” Hubbard said.

The money raised from the event will go to support the programs and services offered by ACS, such as free wigs to chemotherapy patients, free transportation to and from doctor appointments, education programs in schools and scientific research.

While the ACS does not fund cancer research specifically for animals, their research does benefit animals because the science is similar.

The event will take place Aug. 22 at the East Peoria Riverfront Park, with registration opening at 9 a.m. and the walking beginning at 10 a.m. Participants will take the first lap together with their canines and are thereafter free to walk as much as they want until noon. Pre-registration fees are $25 and $35 the day of the event.

After the first lap together, participants will be able to take advantage of other activities and entertainment offered. In addition to live bluegrass music and a demonstration from a local canine unit, owners can enter their dogs in several fun contests including a look-alike contest, and a show-off-your-tricks contest. 

For safety reasons, only one dog is allowed per person, and all dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations and on a leash. The ACS will screen the dogs and reserves the right to turn away any dogs they deem a threat to the other dogs or participants.

Walkers do not have to have a dog to participate.

For more information and to download a registration form, go to www.RelayForLifeEastPeoria.com.