K9's Against Cancer invites area dogs to bring owners to ‘dogswalk'

| 29 Sep 2011 | 11:37

    Calling all dogs! Bear Mountain — Dogs of all ages, colors, shapes and sizes are invited to bring their owners and meet other dogs at the American Cancer Society’s Annual dogswalk Against Cancer on Sunday, May 6, at Bear Mountain State Park. Take a stroll around Hessian Lake with hundreds of dogs and their owners and enjoy the beauty of the State Park. Dogswalk Against Cancer is a non-competitive walk-a-thon for hundreds of Hudson Valley dogs and their families. This year’s event will honor “Positive Paws - Visiting Pets.” They will be represented by canines who listen to children read aloud. The sponsors of this year’s walk are Advanced Veterinary Cancer Care Center of Newburgh and WHUD-100.7 FM. The money raised by the participants in dogswalk supports the programs of the American Cancer Society and provides a special grant to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. “This is a great way for dogs - and their owners - to spend the day in a beautiful natural setting, with other dog lovers, walking for a great cause,” said Beverly Finnegan, Regional Vice President of the American Cancer Society. “Last year, we raised more than $107,000 and more than 860 dogs and 1800 humans joined in the fun to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s research, education, advocacy and local patient service programs.” The walk begins at 9 a.m. and will also include contests such as “Shortest Dog,” “Tallest Dog,” “Best Tail-Wagging Dog,” “Best Dog Trick” and “Best Dog Costume.” Various fun activities are scheduled from 10 a.m. until noon, and vendors will be on site. Participants are welcome to remain after the event to enjoy the beauty of Bear Mountain. Pre-event registration is $25 per dog. All pre-registrants will receive a special gift in their goody bag. Register online on www.cancer.org/nydogswalk. Pre-registration closes on May 4 at 3 p.m. Interested parties can also register by mailing or faxing the registration form in the dogswalk brochure. Day-of registration is $35 per dog and will take place near the carousel at the Bear Mountain Park Inn between 8 and 9 a.m., rain or shine. For more information and a brochure about dogswalk Against Cancer, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org/nydogswalk.