ARLINGTON — The Arlington Relay For Life to benefit the American Cancer Society is staging its own “Bark For Life” event on Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Haller Middle School football field.

Bark For Life is a noncompetitive event during which dogs and their owners will walk around the track to help raise funds for the American Cancer Society, at an admission fee of $10 per dog, with additional donations gladly accepted.

“Bark for Life honors the contributions that dogs provide to cancer patients and their families, through emotional support and comfort, and as therapy and service dogs,” said Caryn Brown, organizer for the Arlington Bark for Life. “My husband and children were my true champions throughout my breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, but after finishing up my treatments, we decided as a family that we needed a change, something positive, a different way we could celebrate as a family, so we decided to adopt a husky. Jaden brought us together in a way. He was very therapeutic for us, in the sense that he was able to comfort us, and brought new joy to our family after we had gone through a very difficult time.”

The Brown family believed there might be others who have been affected by cancer, and sought comfort in their dogs, and as such, they wanted to organize an event where those affected by cancer can celebrate with their dogs.

In addition to the walk around the track, Bark For Life will offer food, a live band, face-painting, a chance to win raffle baskets, and prizes for contests including smallest and biggest dogs, best trick, best bark, biggest jump, bobbing for hot dogs, peanut butter-licking and the best costume. For more information, log onto www.arlingtonbarkforlife.com.

“Even if you don’t own a dog, we invite anyone to join us for a great time,” Brown said. “Come on out and walk, eat, enjoy the band, visit with friends and help raise money for the American Cancer Society.”