Posted: Thursday, July 14, 2011 3:59 pm

Upper Dublin residents Bruce (from left) and Sam Benjamin and their dog, Mandy, pose for a picture with Bucks County resident Adrienne Yahr and her dog, Harley, at the American Cancer Society’s Bark For Life on Saturday, June 25th.

While raising almost a thousand dollars for the American Cancer
Society, this two-hour event offered participants a leisurely stroll
along a park trail, an impressive demonstration by well-trained
pooches from the K9Jym, and an array of raffle baskets brimming with
dog treats and toys. From Roxie’s two-legged dance to Barley’s
airborne catches, the canine competitions were another highlight of
the event. There were also representatives from rescue organizations
providing information, as well as vendors displaying the latest in
canine fashion and other products.
This light-hearted event for owners and their pets briefly turned
poignant when Germantown Academy history teacher Judy Krouse
addressed the crowd with her dog, Cody, by her side. Krouse and Cody
are both cancer survivors, though Cody’s struggle is ongoing. After
praising the quality medical care that both she and her dog have
received, Krouse underscored the importance of hope. “Believing
matters. Having a positive mental attitude matters. Hope matters.”
If you are interested in helping the American Cancer Society bring
hope to those suffering from this disease, there is still time. Bark
For Life is part of a larger effort – called the Relay For Life – to
raise funds for the fight against cancer. Donations for the 2011
Relay For Life are being accepted until the end of August at the
American Cancer Society - WV RFL, 480 Norristown Rd, Suite 150, Blue
Bell, PA 19422 or online at www.relayforlife.org/pawissahickonvalley.
For more information about the Relay For Life or the 2012 Bark For
Life, contact Lori Freed at 610-275-8897 or lorifreed@comcast.net.