OGDENSBURG — At Relay For Life, humans circle a track raising money for the American Cancer Society. At Bark For Life, the humans accompany their best friends.
Ogdensburg’s Bark For Life event is set to kick off at 10 a.m. Saturday outside the Dobisky Center, 100 Riverside Ave., Ogdensburg.
Amy H. Ritchie organized Bark For Life in 2014 and 2015 but was unable to do so in 2016 because she was busy fighting a cancer battle of her own.
The 2017 event, she said, hasn’t been hampered by the year off and should be the biggest one yet.
“We have twice as many vendors than in previous years,” she said.
While Bark For Life is centered around dogs and the fight against cancer, you don’t have to have a pet to participate.
The vendors, Ms. Ritchie said, will be for everyone.
“Not everything is pet related,” she said. “There will be crafts, jewelry, homemade puppy treats and spices.”
There will be arts and crafts to participate in and representatives from Town and Country Veterinarians and Monkey Hill Boarding will share information.
The St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office will have its new K9 unit pay a visit as well.
Gracious Friends Animal Sanctuary of Heuvelton will attend with some dogs available for adoption.
“There is a little bit for everyone,” Ms. Ritchie said.
Ms. Ritchie heard about Bark For Life while living in California. When she returned to Ogdensburg in 2013, she was recruited by her friend Sherry Deloney to join her Relay For Life team.
After talking with Don Boshart of the American Cancer Society about Bark For Life, Ms. Ritchie decided to start the event up as a team fundraiser.
“Every year we have seen it grow” she said.
People attending Bark For Life can register the morning of the event.
With a bunch of dogs, their owners and children mixing together safely is a concern.
There are a few rules everyone must be aware of.
■ Dogs must be leashed at all times.
■ Dogs must have records of shots to be in the event area.
■ Owners are responsible for their pet’s waste. Bags will be available.
“People need to be aware of their own dogs,” she said.
There will be a walking track set up and, like Relay For Life, people will circle the track to symbolize the continuous fight cancer victims endure.
Ms. Ritchie said there will be contests like most unique trick and best costume, a silent auction and raffles.
For more information, email Ogdesnburg.barkforlife@gmail.com or call Ms. Ritchie at 315-528-4884.
or Sharon Ritchie at 315-393-2828.