K9's and owners walk May 7 to benefit cancer research

Bear Mountain State Park — Calling all Hudson Valley dogs to bring their owners to the American Cancer Society’s annual Dogswalk Against Cancer on Sunday, May 7, at Bear Mountain State Park. Dogs of all ages, colors, shapes, and sizes can meet other dogs while strolling with their owners around Hessian Lake. The walk will honor the Guiding Eyes for the Blind. This year’s silver award recipients, for extraordinary rescue efforts during the national emergency of Hurricane Katrina are: North Shore Animal League, Dad’s Pet Care, and Gerry Tartaglione, owner of Dapper Dog Professional Pet Grooming in Nyack. The sponsors for the walk are Advanced Veterinary Cancer Care Center in Newburgh, and WHUD-FM. A special grant will be given to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Donaldson-Atwood Cancer Clinic at the Animal Medical Center. “This is a great way for dogs, and their owners, to spend the day in a 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 $75,000, and had 700 local dogs and 1500 humans join in the fun and raise money for the American Cancer Society’s research, education, advocacy and local patient service programs.” Registration will take place from 8 to 9 a.m., and the walk will begin at 9 a.m. There will be contests for “Shortest Dog,” “Tallest Dog,” “Best Tail-Wagging Dog,” “Best Dog Trick,” and “Best Dog Costume.” Other activities are scheduled from 10 a.m. until noon. Vendors will be on site for participants to browse. For more information, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org/nydogswalk.