First ever canine relay for Africa in Lowveld
It is the first event of its kind on African soil, according to organiser Riaan Loubser. He refers to the Bark 4 Life (B4L) relay that was successfully hosted at LVCC this past Saturday. The event attracted 75 dogs and almost 200 of their human companions.
NELSPRUIT – Bark for Life presented an opportunity for people to be empowered through their canine-companion partnerships and to contribute to curing cancer through the mission of CANSA.
Canine caregivers are companions, guide, service, rescue, therapy, police, diagnostic and cancer-survivor dogs and were invited to participate. Those who walked did it to celebrate surviving this disease, to honour people who’d lost their lives to it and to fund-raise for CANSA. Donated dog food would also be distributed to Lowveld SPCA and Pro Life Pet Rescue.
Loubser and another committee member Pippa Botha, will give a presentation on their experience of B4L at the national Relay for Life summit next week in Johannesburg. He says he hopes that this will be expanded into a national programme.
“We are very grateful to everyone that participated,” says Loubser and adds that one could feel the unconditional love between owners and their dogs on Saturday.
Apart from the relay, a working dog show, look-alike and best-dressed canine competition formed part of the fun. Local artist, Vasti entertained the crowd.
Dr Albertus Coetzee of the West Acres Animal Hospital was also on hand to provide advice to owners and a much-needed pit stop for the animals.
Funds generated through the entry fees are going to CANSA. Dog food to the value of R3 000 was distributed to the SPCA Pro-Life.
Enquiries: Riaan Loubser on 082-559-1108
