Crosscutters Boomer cheered 4 month old "Breyer", an Australian Shepherd owned by Susan May of Hughesville during a Sit and Stay contest.

MONTGOMERY- Prizes and rewards weren’t the only given benefactors, but hugs and joy were the dominant factors at this local canine event to fight cancer and raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Held for the second consecutive year at Montgomery Park on Saturday, August 27, 28 dogs came to show off their skills and compete at peanut butter eating contests, musical hula hoops, sit and stay contests, guess the number of doggie bones, and even a doggie look alike contest.

“Bark For Life is an American Cancer Society Relay for Life event that honors the care giving qualities of our canine companions,” said Mike Bieber who was the main facilitator for the program and announced the winners throughout the event. “With nearly 75 million dogs in the United States, we have dogs to honor as survivors of their own battle with cancer, dogs to remember who have lost their battle, and dogs to celebrate their love and companionship to their owners who are survivors.”

The event began with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and registrations were taken from 9 to 10 a.m. followed by a blessing of the dogs and a warm welcome with Dr. Warren Fisher, guest veterinarian and minister.

A relay walk took place before the festivities and contests. Jim Lundy of Hughesville provided music and sound equipment and several canine baskets with doggie goodies were raffled. Before acknowledging sponsors, doggie trivia questions were asked and prizes given to the correct responses. For example, do you know the name of Superman’s dog? “We were blessed with many prizes and sponsors,” said Karen Tempesco, one of the volunteers. Teams and sponsors organized the baskets.

All dogs who registered received a Bark for Life Bandana. Several Certificates of Appreciation were given out before closing activities, and the day was rewarded for both humans and canines with funds being raised for the American Cancer Society. Approximately $1,700 was raised at the event which is about $500 more than last year according to Bieber.