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TARRYTOWN, N.Y. Cancer survivor and dog lover Georjean Squillante-Rego led the way at the first-ever Bark for Life cancer fundraiser in Westchester on Sunday because, she said, the event combined two or her biggest passions.
My dogs did help me as I battled to survive. They were my support, along with my husband and my family, said Squillante-Rego, who was the grand marshal and a committee member for the event.
Westchester residents turned out for the American Cancer Society (ACS) canine walk at Lyndhurst in Tarrytown to help raise money to battle cancer with their dogs by their side.
Squillante-Rego led the walk alongside her husband and her three Labrador Retrievers. She said her three dogs Hudson, a chocolate lab, Chesapeake, a yellow lab and Finn, a black lab puppy have been instrumental in her battle.
When youre not feeling well, they come over to you, give you a kiss, they put their paw on you, they put their head on you," she said. "It just takes your mind off your worries and your treatments and how youre feeling nauseous and you just smile because theyre there to comfort you.
Bark for Life helps acknowledge that dogs are often an important part of a patient's battle against the disease, said one ACS official.
Its all to benefit the American Cancer Society. The main point is to honor and celebrate cancer survivors and their canine caregivers, said Jamie Copperman, a staff partner for the ACS. A lot of people going through treatment and who are affected have their dogs as their main caregivers.
The half-mile loop brought out dog lovers from all over as people walked and chatted with other local residents and their dogs.
Ive been a dog walker for three years now," said Bruce Ballen of Smoochie Poochies, who said he worked on Wall Street or 40 years before that. Its the greatest job in the world.
After the walk, many enjoyed the lively atmosphere and basked in the sun by lying in the park with their dogs by their side.
I just read about it and its a good cause so I figured, why not, said Dobbs Ferry resident Sandy Curry with her German Shepherd, Stella.
While each dog was leashed by their owners, socializing was one of the largest parts of the event as residents walked around and chatted with other local dog lovers.
Its great, and next year is going to be even better. We just need to let people know about it, said Warwick resident Dorris Kohls with her Beagle, Henry.
Although it appeared as if rain my ruin the day, the weather held out and a huge crowd showed up to participate in the inaugural event.
As of Sunday afternoon, the event had raised more than $24,000 and Copperman said people can donate on the fundraisers page until August.
We are so truly amazed at the turnout," Squillante-Rego said. "We didnt know what to expect and I surely did not expect this, so I am just ecstatic.
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