Dogs help in fight against cancer Sunday at Sears Centre
Steve Attenberg was not supposed have another dog. When the retired 43-year resident of Buffalo Grove and his wife, Joan, visited a South suburban breeder nearly eight years ago that thought went out the window.
As Attenberg was meeting the litter of golden doodles, Charli, as she came to be known, settled down on his lap and promptly fell asleep.
“I guess she chose me,” Attenberg said. “It must have been meant to be.”
Charli could be nicknamed “Charitable Charli” for all the community service the two do together.
“Since I’m retired I spend eight to 10 hours a day with my buddy,” Attenberg said, “and I try to include her in everything I do.”
Attenberg and Charli have volunteered with the Wheeling Township Friendly Visitor program, providing companionship to a senior citizen with diabetes, and the Jewish TOV program, offering friendly canine visits to Alzheimer and stroke patients in a nursing home. For the last three years they have walked together to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Bark For Life.
“My 91-year-old mother in Florida is a three-time cancer survivor, my 60-year-old cousin has survived two battles with bile duct cancer and is currently taking chemotherapy, and my wife’s mother lost her battle to cancer,” he said.
“Cancer is all around me, and I decided I’ve got to do something about it.”
Attenberg and Charli are on the planning committee for this year’s Bark For Life, which will be held Sunday, Aug. 19, at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates. This year, the family will walk the 1-mile course with their 7-year-old granddaughter, Isabel.
“It’s an event for all ages,” Attenberg says.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 9:30 a.m. There are all kinds of other activities, too, like pet trick competitions, pet photos, dog wash, best bark contest, dog costume contest, silent auction items and much more.
The event raises money for the American Cancer Society. Registration is $25 in advance or $35 at the event. Dogs must be up-to-date with their vaccinations. Limit one dog per owner and be prepared to clean up after your pet.
For more information, to register or to donate, visit relayforlife.org/barkforlifenwsuburbsil or call (847) 368-1166.