Bark 4 Life starts in Nelspruit
The first ever canine relay for ife was held in Nelspruit this past weekend.
NELSPRUIT – It is the first event of its kind on African soil, according to organiser Riaan Loubser. He refers to the Bark 4 Life relay that was succesfully hosted at LVCC this past Saturday. The event attracted 75 canines and almost 200 of their human companions.
This relay event presents an opportunity for people to be empowered through their canine companion partnerships and to contribute to cancer cures through the mission of CANSA.
Canine Caregivers are Canine Companions, Guide Dogs, Service Dogs, Rescue Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Cancer Survivor Dogs, and Diagnostic Dogs, were invited to participate. Those who walked did it to celebrate cancer survivorship, to honor people lost to cancer, and to fundraise for CANSA. Donated dog food will 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 said that he hopes that this will be expanded into a national programme.
“We are very grateful to everyone that participated,” he said and added that one could feel the unconditional love on Saturday between owners and their dogs.
Apart from the relay, a working dog show, look-alike and best dressed dog competition formed part of the fun. Local artist, Vasti, entertained the crowd.
Dr Albertus Coetzee from the West Acres Animal Hospital was also on hand to provide advice to woners and a much needed pit stop for the animals.
Funds generated through the entry fees is for CANSA.
Enquiries: Riaan Loubser on 082-559-1108
