2014 Bark for Life SWLA

This past weekend, our area held its 2nd Annual Bark for Life event with the American Cancer Society.

Just like humans, our canine friends can be affected by cancer, too. This event is to fight back against all forms of cancer and honors the caregiving qualities of our sweet and loyal furry friends.

Bark for Life is a much smaller version of Relay for Life  and involves animals. Our Bark for Life is a 3 hour daytime event and includes fun and games for dogs and kids alike. (If you aren’t familiar with Relay for Life, it’s a worldwide event put on by the American Cancer Society and is the largest overnight event in the world, raising millions of dollars for cancer research each year.)

Leading up to the event, I was incredibly worried about the weather. Last year, it was misty/rainy the entire time, so I was hoping for a better outcome this time around.

Friday night, a huge storm rolled through our area and stopped us from setting up ahead of time. Thankfully, we allotted plenty of time on Saturday morning to set everything up and before I knew it, we were well on our way into the event!  The only hitch with the weather this year was the wind. Tents that were held down with tent stakes were even uprooted from the ground. It was craziness. At least the sun was out – it was definitely nice to see the sun!

Pixie came out to play this year!

The city declared March 29th as “Bark for Life Day”!

Our emcee for the event was a local news morning show meteorologist – he did an awesome job!

This is Lil Bit. She’s our official 2014 survivor pet and was diagnosed with breast cancer several months ago.  Our pet/human survivors walked the first lap of the track and were followed by the caregivers/supporters.

We had a boneyard set up to honor and remember our special canine friends who have crossed over to the rainbow bridge.

The winner of our pet costume contest was Buddy. He’s a rescue and is one of the sweetest dogs you will ever meet…the total opposite of his costume!

Throughout the morning, we had several guest speakers – a local Pet Therapy group and the K-9 Unit. Both were great!

We also had egg races and an Easter egg hunt for the kids!

Lil Bit won the raffle basket and is completely deserving of every item inside. My heart goes out to this sweet baby and her momma.

My work group was a huge support – they are awesome and I was glad to have them out there at the event!

We would not have been able to hold this event without our wonderful volunteers and committee!

I appreciate each and every one of them, more than they will ever know!

Another year down…can’t wait to see what Bark for Life 2015 has in store!

Have you ever participated in Relay for Life?

2013 Bark for Life of SWLA

After months of meeting, discussing, documenting, and planning, Southwest Louisiana’s first annual American Cancer Society’s Bark for Life has come and gone!

If you haven’t heard or seen me mention Bark for Life in the past few months than consider yourself lucky – it’s all I’ve been able to talk or think about lately! I was the chair for the event and was incredibly nervous about sending off a good first impression, especially since we’ve never had an event like this in our area.

Think of it as a mini Relay for Life that’s not overnight and includes dogs.

Saturday morning greeted us with humid wet weather but we didn’t let it stop us!

Our Mayor opened up our ceremonies and declared March 23 as Bark for Life day!

He presented the Proclamation to our Bark for Life survivor/dog caregiver, Erin!

As part of our event, we also had an official Survivor dog. Meet Miss Millie….she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the jaw (very rare in her small breed and young age). She had surgery to remove the tumor and went through a full course of chemotherapy at a local veterinary office! She’s a fighter and a survivor! Since completing her treatments, she’s been 5 years cancer free! Yay!

As a part of opening ceremonies, I spoke a few words about the American Cancer Society and the services they’ve offered to patients in our area over the past year.

After opening ceremonies was complete, our survivor dogs/human survivors/caregivers walked a survivor lap around the track!

I thought this puppy was too cute for words!

The first guest speaker at our event was a local vet who works at the clinic that provided chemotherapy to Miss Millie. She spoke about cancer in dogs and caring for dogs diagnosed with cancer.

Our second speaker was a local K-9 unit who demonstrated how the “bite suit” works and allowed us to meet one of the dogs of their unit.

Throughout the morning, we also had a pet/owner look alike contest, a pet talent show, and a costume contest.

These guys won 2nd place at the costume contest! Samson is 196 pounds, but is one of the most gentle dogs you will ever meet! Such a sweetie!

The first place winners of our costume contest were these two sweet Dachshunds! So adorable!!

A few members of our rock-star committee! :0)

Despite the dreary weather, we had a great morning and really enjoyed spending time with our furry friends! We are looking forward to an even better 2014 (and hope the weather cooperates next time)!!

Have you ever attended a Bark for Life event? What were your thoughts?

No Rest For The Weary

After a whirlwind of a week/weekend, I jumped right back into another another crazy week!

Monday night was my only “night off” this week and I watched the Biggest Loser Finale, of course! By Wednesday, I felt as if I was coming down with something (from constantly being on the go, I’m sure), so I took a three hour nap after work. I was still exhausted by bed time and on Thursday morning, I woke up two hours after my alarm clock for work! Eeek! I wasn’t late, but still….yikes. Guess I needed the sleep!

This weekend is yet another busy one - our area is hosting its very first Bark for Life event!



Have you heard of Bark For Life? It’s an American Cancer Society Canine event that helps fight back against cancer. It’s basically like a Relay For Life plus dogs that doesn’t last all night long. :0)

I attended an area wide American Cancer Society convention in Nashville last fall and that’s where I originally got the idea for Bark. I text our director and asked why we didn’t have a Bark in our area and she responded, “Cause no one has stepped up to say let’s do it!” That’s all it took and now our area is hosting it’s first annual Bark For Life! SO excited!!

Monday, I met up with a survivor friend and her puppy dog (Buddy) to tape a Health Source for our local news!



The morning started off great – my hair was straight, I was excited, etc….then I stepped out of the car. Forgot to check the humidity levels and yep, it was bad.



Before, straight. After…not so much.

I could feel my hair growing each time the wind blew. Not fun. Ah well, the clip turned out cute anyway! Being with Erin also put a lot of things in perspective for me. I had absolutely no reason to complain or worry about my hair and actually felt quite silly for thinking it. There’s more things to worry about in life than weather or not your hair stays straight. Know what I mean?

Check out our Health Source here:




I also taped a radio clip a few weeks back that’s been playing on local radio stations in the area.

This whole experience has been so surreal! I really hope everything comes together for our event this weekend. The main thing I’m praying for is NO RAIN! (At the moment, there’s a 30% chance!) It can rain after 1:30 p.m., that’s all I’m sayin! :0) If you could squeeze in a few prayers for no rain this Saturday, they would be much appreciated! (Thank you in advance!)



I also spent Monday night putting together prize packages for the Bark Talent Show, Pet/Owner Look Alike Contest, and Fashion Show! My puppies felt as though some of the items should have belonged to them and they let me know it! (I did share a bone or two with them so they didn’t feel left out.) :0)



All done! :0)



On Wednesday during our lunch break, my co-workers and I made bows and bandanas for our team tent. Aren’t they cute?



We will be selling these on Saturday at Bark. I love the froggie bandanas! :0)

Here’s my weekend schedule:
Saturday – Bark For Life (all morning/mid day)
Sister in Law’s Baby Shower (afternoon)
Leaving for Houston, TX (2 hour drive) after the shower
Sunday -
The Color Run 5K in Houston, TX

I have a problem and it’s called “I don’t like to sit still” - I’d much rather keep busy all the time! (If you couldn’t tell that already!) I’m definitely NOT complaining at all, but whew I think I need a break soon! Thank goodness Good Friday is coming up!

What are your weekend plans? Have you ever heard of Bark For Life?