Bark to support survivors
FOURWAYS – A new Cansa and Paws R Us initiative hopes to honour cancer survivors, both human and canine.
According to Esti Lindner, the marketing and communications coordinator of the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa), Bark 4 Life is a Cansa event where people are invited to bring their families and dogs for a dog walk.
“It’s not just a fundraising event. It’s not just a celebration of the fact that a dog loves you regardless of your health and appearance – which is a great comfort to those battling cancer – but also to raise awareness that animals can get cancer too,” said Lindner.
“We wanted to remind people that while humans can be survivors of cancer, animals who are abused or abandoned are survivors too.”
During the event, which was held on recently at Rustika Guest Lodge in Fourways, dogs and their owners were invited to join in a 1.6km walk in honour of the caregiving qualities of dogs and to raise funds for both Cansa and Paws R Us, the two organisations who hosted the event.
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The event was part of the Survivor’s Campaign launched by Cansa in June. A few of the dogs from animal shelter Paws R Us were there too to enjoy the day and some animals were even adopted.
The campaign is a joint endeavour between Paws R Us and Cansa, and the Bark 4 Life event was the first of many planned.
John Owens, who was crowned Mr South Africa in 2014, emceed the event and also brought his daughter Blake to spend time with the animals.
“I think in South Africa, sometimes people get more attention than pets do,” he said.
“I love supporting events like this because it means that our animals get some extra care. I believe this is the start of a great partnership.”
Another ambassador of Bark 4 Life was Monty the English bull terrier, who is one of the dogs that Paws R Us cares for. Monty developed skin cancer a few months ago and is currently in the middle of his radiation treatment, as well as treatment for a skin infection. He has to wear a special ‘sun suit’ to protect him from harmful ultra-violet rays.
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“Dog owners need to be careful of their dog’s health from sun damage, especially light-coloured dogs,” explained Chantelle Murray of Paws R Us. “We want people to be more aware of what to watch out for to determine if your dog is ill.”
