Although the weather started off rather bleak with rain, some 60 owners from all over the Southern Cape and their pets turned out on Saturday morning, 9 November, for the first ever Bark for Life event which formed part of the annual CANSA Relay for Life.
The aim was to create awareness to the fact that animals suffer from cancer as much as humans do. After the opening and the reading of the oath, the fun began with a variety of fun dog events. A number of guest speakers attended and addressed the crowd on various aspects of cancer in animals and the symptoms to be aware of.
A team of dog handlers, led by Sue Mees from George, put a few of their dogs through an obedience routine and displayed the joy that could be derived from having a trained and obedient pet.
'Pets As Therapy', also known as PAT, demonstrated the use of specially screened dogs for therapy. These animals are used to go into hospitals and to comfort extremely ill patients.
Various categories of fun dog shows were held as a fundraiser for the SPCA and, as could be expected with true animal lovers, there was lots of laughter at some of the 'tricks' that were performed by dogs of all sizes.
The day was ended by a lap around the track in memory of loved ones in the pet world and that had survived or have been taken by the illness.
These lovely dogs form part of the Pets As Therapy (PAT) group.
Sue Mees and her team from Croft Canine Classes put their pets through their paces at the Bark for Life event.
Photos: Sean Snyman
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