Dogs get their chance to help cancer victims Sunday in Arlington Heights

During the months and years of heart-wrenching diagnoses, debilitating treatments and painful recovery, many cancer patients turn to their dogs for comfort and companionship.

But until recently, the American Cancer Society's largest annual fundraiser, Relay For Life, was closed to man's best friend.

This year, cancer survivors and family members in Illinois will finally be able to pay tribute to the canine friends who helped them through their darkest days.

Following in the paw prints of similar events on the East Coast, the American Cancer Society is hosting eight Bark For Life events in Illinois this month, including ones Sunday, Aug. 15, in Arlington Heights and Libertyville.

Bark For Life is like the better-known Relay For Life - only for dogs. Dogs and their owners walk one mile around a track. Each event hosts activities for dogs and vendors catering to their owners.

"A lot of dogs function in a caregiver role for someone who has been diagnosed with cancer," said Kari Skloot, income development manager for the Lake County region of the American Cancer Society. "We're going to honor the impact, the role that dogs play in a cancer patient's life."

Organizers say they hope to raise at least $10,000 at each event - and the Lake County event is already halfway there. So far, 44 owners have registered their dogs for the event, which will feature dog yoga, a canine costume contest and even a "dog whisperer."

"She can communicate with dogs that are living and even those that have passed on," Skloot said.

The American Cancer Society is aiming to gain recognition for the event this year and set its sights higher next year in what organizers hope will become an annual event.

Bark For Life of the Northwest Suburbs will be at 1114 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, and information is at barkforlifenws.com.

Bark For Life of Lake County will be at Old School Forest Preserve, Libertyville, and information is at barkforlifelakecounty.com.

Bark For Life of McHenry will be Saturday, Aug. 22, at Lions Park, Cary and information is at barkforlifemchenrycounty.com All the proceeds from the Bark For Life events go toward the American Cancer Society's cancer advocacy and research efforts.