Bark for Life

Story by Lori Sharp, Photography by Lori Sharp & Amber Storey-Knight

Antonia’s Paw Spa Staff & Helpers

The 2nd Annual Bark For Life took place on Sunday, April 24th at Antonia's Paw Spa & Retreat. Antonia Haney, Chairperson of Bark For Life, along with her husband and co-chair Ron Haney and co-chair, Bonnie Chary (and spokes-pup "Juicy"), along with committee members - Gayle Gilbert, Troy Huffman, Chris Lay, Gina Long, Jackie Morgan, Dawn Perkins-Bannister, Melissa Roberts, Kaleigh Strickland, Kaley Humphrey and April Sweo, dedicated endless hours planning and executing this event. This year’s event, along with the Bark Booth at Relay for Life, raised close to $12,000, almost doubled last year. That's how Bark For Life "Takes a Bite Out of Cancer!" Some of the festivities included live music by "BoomerNation" and Scott Myatt, a silent auction, Juicy's Kissing Booth, and a dog show. The event was sponsored by: FirstBank, Tractor Supply, Only Photography, VIP Magazines, Elegant Events, Community Tire, Northside Animal Clinic, Achieve Medical Weightloss, Looking Good & Stylz, Medina Family Medical Clinic and Bowling & Skating Family Fun Center.

This year's event was inspired by and dedicated to Gary Doerge, owner of K-9 Kennels, and his canine caregiver "Lara." Doerge is a recent cancer survivor. His valiant fight against colon cancer was the inspiration for this year’s event. Gary and Antonia have been friends for nearly 20 years and he is the reason that Antonia moved to Jackson from California in 2008. Without Gary, Bark For Life would not be what it is today.

The Bark For Life Fall Festival & Costume Contest will be held Sunday, October 23. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/BarkForLifeMadisonTN.