Bark for Life of Central NJ offers furry friends a chance to help fight cancer

Ilana Keller, Asbury Park Press
·2 min read

If dogs are man's best friend, it's only natural that they'd want to join in the fight against cancer, right?

You and your furry friends can do just that at the American Cancer Society's sixth annual Bark for Life of Central NJ.

The canine cancer walk, set for Oct. 15 at Mannino Park in Old Bridge, is part of a festival that also will include canine demonstrations, pet-friendly vendors, a variety of contests - including the annual Dog Costume Contest - and more.

The American Cancer Society says "Dogs, their families and friends from all corners of New Jersey and beyond are welcome to join this heartfelt event to celebrate cancer survivors and canine companions who provide comfort, respite and support to individuals facing cancer."

A furry supporter dressed up and ready for the Dog Costume Contest at last year’s Bark For Life of Central NJ. The event has been held for six consecutive years at Mannino Park, Old Bridge and is scheduled for Sunday, October 15, 2023.
A furry supporter dressed up and ready for the Dog Costume Contest at last year’s Bark For Life of Central NJ. The event has been held for six consecutive years at Mannino Park, Old Bridge and is scheduled for Sunday, October 15, 2023.

Bark for Life grew out of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, and it focuses on the companionship and love pets can offer people going through cancer treatment and recovery.

The first 100 participants to register will receive a free "Bark Wag Bag" and doggie bandana.

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Registration is $15 per dog and adult. Kids under 13 are free. Registration in advance is suggested but can be completed upon arrival.

All proceeds from Bark for Life will go directly to the American Cancer Society, which says funds will be allocated for cancer research, patient services, advocacy and the ACS mission of raising awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention.

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GO: Bark for Life of Central NJ; Registration 11 a.m., the event runs from 12 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15 (rain date Oct. 22); Mannino Park, 1 Mannino Drive, Old Bridge. To register, visit RelayForLife.org/BarkCentralNJ. For updates, visit facebook.com/BarkCentralNJ or Instagram: @barkcentralnj.

Ilana Keller is an award-winning journalist and lifelong New Jersey resident who loves Broadway and really bad puns. Reach out on Twitter: @ilanakeller; ikeller@gannettnj.com

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: American Cancer Society Bark for Life of Central NJ set for Oct. 15