J.F. Gregory Park went to the dogs Saturday at the 2013 Bark For Life fundraiser to fight cancer.
More than 100 dogs — and their humans — turned out for the American Cancer Society-sponsored event and raised $5,193 for cancer research.
“We were incredibly pleased with the turnout,” said Sara Jane Fogarty, ACS community manager for the Coastal Empire. “It was a great day, and we’ve had a ton of positive feedback from our participants. We’re really looking forward to next year, and we’re grateful to the community for all their support.”
Proceeds from the event will benefit cancer research and American Cancer Society programs that provide lodging, transportation, scholarships and emotional support to cancer patients and their families.
Bark For Life organizer Civility Bowling said in addition to raising money, the event also raised awareness for cancer patients of all shapes and sizes.
“Whether you’re human or not, cancer is still cancer. It doesn’t matter what species you are, cancer is going to affect you the same way. … It can affect anyone in your family, whether they have two legs or four. That’s the main message we want people to take away from the Bark (For Life).”
Dr. Andrew Daters of Southeast Veterinary Oncology and Medicine in Savannah was the event’s signature sponsor. Throughout the afternoon, he and several of his staff manned a booth in the pavilion and provided attendees with information about canine oncology.
“We’ve been able to see a lot of folks and talk to them about the importance of getting their dogs checked every six months or so, especially when they get older,” he said. “There are successful and rewarding treatments out there that we definitely believe benefit our four-legged family members.”

Read more in the March 13 edition of the News.