Barry County Bark For Life Relay Event Media Release

American Cancer Society Volunteers Present

BARRY COUNTY 

BARK FOR LIFE RELAY

Area volunteers for the American Cancer Society are teaming up with local canines and their owners for the Bark for Life Relay Event on Saturday, June 1, 2013 from 12:00-4:00 p.m. at the Barry County Expo Center in Hastings.  Bark for Life is a community fundraising event that promotes dual causes - cancer awareness and the importance of canine companions in the lives of those who suffer from cancer.  Families and their dogs will come together with other dog owners and their companions for an afternoon to complete a one mile walk to honor the care giving qualities of their canine "Best Friends" and cancer survivors.

Layla - a lovely Girl currently Available for Adoption
at the Barry County Animal Shelter
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/25242975

Why Bark for Life?

While participating in Bark for Life teams will be celebrating cancer survivorship and honor people who have lost their lives to cancer, as well as fundraising to support the American Cancer Society's mission of eliminating cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Raising awareness and support for the adoption of homeless shelter/rescue animals is also an important goal of this event.  Supporting canine companions is very important to cancer survivors because these dogs offer their owners joy, security, love and compassion and no judgements for cancer survivors abilities or appearances. Dogs truly are "man's best friend" by giving us unconditional love and support especially when we really need it! These canine companions, not unlike their human owners, come in all breeds, colors, shapes and sizes.  These companions may be caregivers, guide dogs, service dogs, rescue dogs, therapy dogs, cancer survivor dogs, diagnostic dogs, and family pets, who along with their owners are joining the American Cancer Society as Bark for Life Relay Teams.   

Augie - A Great Guy currently Available for Adoption
at the Barry County Animal Shelter
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/25529339

Besides the Bark for Life Relay, there will be many other fun events for canines and their humans to take part in.  Canines can display their abilities to "sit", "stay", and "fetch" in Doggie Games categories like "Sit to the Music" (a canine version of "musical chairs"), Frisbee Toss and more.  There will also be award winning competitions for "Best Bark", "Best Costume", "Best Kiss" and other canine talents. 

Area rescues and shelters will be on hand to help those seeking a canine companion in the adoption process.  Many eager, homeless dogs will be there, looking their best in hopes of finding their "fur ever" homes with loving families.  There will also be many booths hosted by animal care professionals and vendors offering valuable information, pet care products and services.    

Maggie is a Pretty Girl currently Available for Adoption
at the Barry County Animal Shelter
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/25972783

Bark for Life volunteers are currently very busy lining-up even more canine related activities, services and demonstrations for the event.  We would like to encourage pet care professionals and vendors to take part in this event.  Reserve your booth today to participate in this important community outreach event to help us fight cancer, support cancer survivors and their families, and show our appreciation for our canine companions!  Sponsorship opportunities are still available in which your valuable contributions to Bark for Life will be appreciated with recognition on event t-shirts, signs and more.  

   

Ringo - A Handsome Analotian Shepherd currently Available for Adoption
at the Barry County Animal Shelterhttp://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/25948734

 Who can participate in a Bark For Life event?

The heart of the Bark For Life Relay is the relationship between survivors and their canine companions.  Every family, co-worker, friend, or community member who has been close to a cancer experience and has a dog in their life, is invited to support the American Cancer Society by registering and fundraising through the Bark For Life.  If you are the proud owner of a loving canine companion and would like to spend a fun day with your pet while supporting the fight against cancer please sign-up as a team today!

To sign-up or for more information about Barry County Bark for Life please contact:  Bonnie Meredith at bonnie.meredith@gmail.com or 269-838-6762

or Jodi Stiles at jodi_stiles37@yahoo.com or 269-317-8812

You can also look for us on-line on Facebook:  Barry County Bark For Life 

or at www.relayforlife.org/barkbarrycountymi.

Chance - A Playful Boy currently Available for Adoption at the Barry County  Animal  Shelter http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/25554864

If You're a Dog Lover and

You Haven't Already Signed-Up

 to Participate with Your Favorite Canine Companion – 

Please Consider Signing-Up Today! 

We Need Teams So that We Can Help Fight Cancer

 and Support Our Awesome Animal Companions!

Earl - A Handsome boy currently Available for Adoption
 at  Barry County Animal Shelter

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/25030709

Are you in need of a Canine Companion to make up your Bark for Life Relay Team?

Please look no further than your local shelter or rescue.  All of the dogs with photos featured in this story (and many more of their friends) are currently available at the Barry County Animal Shelter.  Please remember Don't Shop, Adopt!

By Laura Satterfield

An Invitation to the Barry County Bark For Life Event

Barry County 

American Cancer Society

Volunteers 

along with 

Dog Walker Rescue

would like to invite your organization to the

Barry County Bark for Life Relay Event

Area volunteers for the American Cancer Society are teaming up with local canines and their owners and advocates for the

 Bark for Life Relay Event

 on Saturday, June 1, 2013 from 12:00-4:00 p.m. 

at the Barry County Expo Center in Hastings.

Bark for Life is a fundraising event that promotes dual causes - cancer awareness and the importance of canine companions in the lives of those who suffer from cancer. 

Why Bark for Life?

While participating in Bark for Life teams will be celebrating cancer survivorship and honor people who have lost their lives to cancer, as well as fundraising to support the American Cancer Society's mission of eliminating cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. 
Raising awareness and support for the adoption of homeless shelter/rescue animals, animal welfare and the importance of spaying/neutering pets will are also promotional goals of this event.  Supporting Canine Companions is very important to cancer survivors because these dogs offer their owners joy, security, love and compassion and no judgements for cancer survivors abilities or appearances. 
 Dogs truly are "man's best friend" by giving us unconditional love and support especially when we really need it!
Canine Companions come in all breeds, colors, shapes and sizes, not unlike their human partners.  These companions may be caregivers, guide dogs, service dogs, rescue dogs, therapy dogs, cancer survivor dogs, diagnostic dogs, and family pets, who along with their owners are joining the American Cancer Society as Bark for Life Relay Teams.   

Earl - currently available at the Barry County Animal Shelter
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/25030709

What happens at a Bark For Life event?

Families and their dogs come together with other dog owners and advocates and their companions for an afternoon to complete a one mile walk to honor the care giving qualities of their canine "Best Friends" and cancer survivors.  

                    Other Highlights of the Event will Include:  

*  Doggie Games   *  Vendor Booths 

* Area Rescues

 and Shelters

 with Adoptable Animals! <3

*  Informational Booths 

promoting animal care,

advocacy and spay/neuter

"Chewy" a Barry County Animal Shelter Alumni

 

Who Can Participate in a 
Bark for Life Event?

• The heart of the Bark For Life Relay is the relationship between survivors and their canine companions.  Every family, co-worker, friend, or community member who has been close to a cancer experience and has a dog in their life, is invited to support the American Cancer Society by registering and fundraising through the Bark For Life.  If you are the proud owner and/or advocate of a loving canine companion and would like to spend a fun day with your pet while supporting the fight against cancer please sign-up as a team today!  If you are advocating for animals through a rescue or shelter your organization can benefit from developing a partnership with American Cancer Society Volunteers in participating in  Bark for Life Relay Event.  This event does more than just fundraise for cancer research it also raises awareness of the importance of companion animals in our lives.  Your organization can benefit from the exposure you will receive by participating in this event.  We want to support your work and your efforts in advocating for the welfare of animals.  Please consider joining us on June 1st by registering your own relay team with your favorite Canine Companion and/or hosting a booth at the event to promote your organization.  

  

  Duke - currently available at the Barry County Animal Shelter

  http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/25830384

  
  
  To sign-up or for more information about

  Barry County Bark for Life 

  please contact:  

  Bonnie Meredith 

  at bonnie.meredith@gmail.com or 269-838-6762
  or Jodi Stiles

   at jodi_stiles37@yahoo.com or 269-317-8812
  You can also look for us on-line on Facebook:  

  Barry County Bark For Life 

  or at www.relayforlife.org/barkbarrycountymi.

Barry County Bark for Life

American Cancer Society Presents

Barry County Bark for Life Relay

Area volunteers for the American Cancer Society are teaming up with local canines and their owners for the Bark for Life Relay Event on Saturday, June 1, 2013 from 12:00-4:00 p.m. at the Barry County Expo Center in Hastings.

Bark for Life is a fundraising event that promotes dual causes - cancer awareness and the importance of canine companions in the lives of those who suffer from cancer. 

Why Bark for Life?

While participating in Bark for Life teams will be celebrating cancer survivorship and honor people who have lost their lives to cancer, as well as fundraising to support the American Cancer Society's mission of eliminating cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Raising awareness and support for the adoption of homeless shelter/rescue animals will also be promoted by this event.  Supporting Canine Companions is very important to cancer survivors because these dogs offer their owners joy, security, love and compassion and no judgements for cancer survivors abilities or appearances. 
 Dogs truly are "man's best friend" by giving us unconditional love and support especially when we really need it!
Canine Companions come in all breeds, colors, shapes and sizes, not unlike their human partners.  These companions may be caregivers, guide dogs, service dogs, rescue dogs, therapy dogs, cancer survivor dogs, diagnostic dogs, and family pets, who along with their owners are joining the American Cancer Society as Relay Teams.   

What happens at a Bark For Life event?

Families and their dogs come together with other dog owners and their companions for an afternoon to complete a one mile walk to honor the care giving qualities of their canine "Best Friends" and cancer survivors.  

Other Highlights of the Event will Include:  

*  Doggie Games   *  Vendor Booths 

* Area Rescues

 and Shelters

 with Adoptable Animals! <3

*  Informational Booths 

promoting animal care,

advocacy and spay/neuter

 Who can participate in a Bark For Life event?

The heart of the Bark For Life Relay is the relationship between survivors and their canine companions.  Every family, co-worker, friend, or community member who has been close to a cancer experience and has a dog in their life, is invited to support the American Cancer Society by registering and fundraising through the Bark For Life. 

Human and Canine Bark Participants find:

• The opportunity to share heartwarming experiences 
• New support systems and Hope for cancer cures
• New care giving relationships
• The opportunity to become an advocate for a cancer free world by volunteering to grow the Bark For Life
• Bark sponsorships that involve new businesses and services that cater to dog and pet products.  Dog trainers, veterinarians, groomers, breeders, and dog rescue agencies are proud to support the ACS through support of the Bark For Life
• National pet food and supply chains are proud to donate and participate in the Bark For Life
  

  
  

  If You're a Dog Lover

   and You Haven't Already Signed-Up

   to Participate with Your Favorite Canine Companion - 

  Please Consider Signing-Up Today!

    We Need Teams

   So that We Can Help Fight Cancer

   and Support 

  Our Awesome Animal Companions!

  
  
  

  Please Look for 

  Barry County Bark for Life

   on facebook so 

  You Can Sign-Up Today!

  https://www.facebook.com/BarryCountyBarkForLife?fref=ts

Michele's Rescue at Pet Supplies "Plus"

Michele's Rescue with a
Little Help from Their Friends
from Dog Walker Rescue :)

at

3110 28th St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI
(Across from The Woodland Mall)

PSP Staff Member Holly with Moose

ADOPTED!  Moose with his proud new Owner!

Moose ready to go to his "Fur" Ever Home!

Max (PSP staff) with Maxx (dog)

Holly Loves Chip!

Kat Does Too!

So Does Shahla! (Dog Walker Rescue)

Chip - One Spoiled Pup!

PSP Customers Jill and daughter Alexa working their Magic on the Pups! :)

From Hyper Pup to Calm Boy - Way to Go Jill!

Chip Placed in the Zzzzone by Alexa!

Great "Mug" Shot Maxx!

Maxx - Chillin' with Sheen :)

<3 Chix and Pups! <3

Shahla Has a Chip on Her Shoulder and they Both Love It!

Tired Pup - Gave His All Greeting at PSP!

Michele's Rescue is at it again - 

They are at Pet Supplies "Plus" today!  

Go See Who Still Needs a "Fur" Ever Home!

On Most Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00-4:00 

You Can Find Michele's Rescue at Pet Supplies "Plus"

Please pay them a visit at PSP

and look for them  

 on-line to confirm dates and times!

http://www.michelesrescue.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Micheles-Rescue/199127395514

All About Earl

 All About Earl

      Earl arrived at the Barry County Animal Shelter just after New Year's. He was a nameless, neglected dog dumped in the drop-off intake pen during the weekend.  I was told that he was so filthy that shelter staff couldn't even tell what color he was let alone what breed he may be. When I was volunteering during that first week of January, I wouldn't have even known about Earl if I hadn't poked my head in the quarantine room.  I had just finished walking all of the dogs and had gone to the garage (where all of the overflow cats were housed) to spend some time with the cats.  I asked the staff who that dog was and why he was there. They told me that they thought that maybe he was sick or had worms.  I asked if that should prevent him from being handled and then got the go-ahead to walk him.  

     When I first approached his enclosure this sad, skinny, dirty dog looked up at me with hopeful eyes and a wagging tail.  I got inside the kennel and knelt down on one knee, talking softly to him and telling him that everything was going to be alright.  I extended my hand and he licked me and wagged his tail.  He let me know that he truly needed and wanted attention.  As we walked through the kennel to go outside, we passed a little Terrier mix puppy who's coloring reminded me of this poor dog. By the time we got out to the play yard I was in tears.  While this boy was doing his "business", I sat down in the corner of the yard and I cried.  To think that this emaciated, filthy, smelly dog had also once been a healthy, soft, sweet smelling puppy that someone had wanted as a pet!  I just can't wrap my head around how anyone can do this to an animal!  

Earl with his ribs and backbone visible -  obvious signs of neglect and malnourishment!

Other disturbing signs of neglect - missing hair and dry, scaly, scabby skin.
He also had sores on his haunches that offered proof that
he had most likely been tied-out and left to sit outside,
exposed to the elements, without proper or any shelter!

He hungrily ate every treat that I had in my pouch.  

     When we walked back inside to his kennel I just wanted to keep walking out the door and take him home to care for him.  It was hard to leave him as he barked, cried, and whimpered, trying to call me back as I left.  Shelter staff named this dog Earl which is fitting with his sweet personality and calm temperament. Since January he has gained weight and filled-out, but still needs care for his skin condition.  It has also been discovered that he is heart worm positive.  Earl will need treatment for these conditions but with time, care, and love he will recover.  

     In February and March Earl was a "greeter" at two Pet Supplies "Plus" adoption events in Grand Rapids.  He was very popular with PSP staff and customers.

Earl's first Meet and Greet at Pet Supplies "Plus"

Earl Looks Great in Green!

Also in March Earl and Jack, his fellow shelter buddy, had a spa week at the Green Street Veterinarian Clinic. During their stay Dr. Robinson and her staff bathed and groomed them, worked on training, and played with them.  Both dogs got so used to all the TLC that it was so hard to take them back to the shelter!  

Earl and buddy Jack Loving Life at Green Street!

Earl with Green Street vet tech Rachel - looks like the TLC goes both ways! :)

Earl - Too Big to be a Lap Dog?  We Think Not!

Just last week Jack was taken in by a foster family from

 Michele's Rescue and has since been adopted! 

Now it's Earl's turn! 

Can You Be that Special Someone 

to offer a Forever Loving Home

 and Care for this Special Dog?  

Please come to the 

Barry County Animal Shelter 

to find out 

All About Earl 

for Yourself!