Annual cancer call gets a little extra yelp

Man’s best friend will join the Relay for Life in the Great Southern’s first dog-friendly version of the Cancer Council fundraiser.

Relay for Life asks people to take part in a walk celebrating cancer survivors, patients and carers.

As part of this year’s event in October, people will be be able to take their pooches as part of Bark for Life. Great Southern Relay for Life chairwoman Toni Fawell said only two States in Australia had a dog-friendly event and it was exciting to see it come to Albany.

“It is a chance to spend some quality time with your favourite pooch and help raise funds at the same time,” she said.

“Pets play a large role in their owners’ lives and many are considered to be like children.

“Like Relay for Life, there will be a track to walk around, as well as some dog-themed stalls.”

There will also be a fashions in the field contest, a raffle, agility trials and a dog and owner lookalike competition.

People can enter individually or as a team, with the participation fee going to the WA Cancer Council.

Ms Fawell said the fee included a fashionable neckerchief for your furry friend. “It’s also a chance to honour loved ones lost together with man’s best friend, to help raise awareness and funds to provide research, education and support to families in WA,” she said.

“The funds raised help provide the services that cancer patients in the Great Southern area can access during their cancer journey.”

Any dog can be brought along for the walk, providing they handle social situations well.

Bark for Life will start at 2pm on October 15 at Foundation Park.

To register or donate, visit fund raising.cancer.org.au/barkalbany, or contact Ms Fawell at greatsouthernrelayforlife@gmail.com or call 0433 318 030.