It was a beautiful morning to celebrate life, love, family, and friendship. The annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure was held at the New York State Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 20, and PAWS of CNY therapy dogs were there to show their love and support for survivors and their families.
According to its website, The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is the world’s largest, most successful fundraising and education event for breast cancer. The race series includes more than 140 events on four continents, with over one million participants coming together every year to take part in the fight against breast cancer.
The annual event raises significant funds for the breast cancer movement, thanks to supporters and survivors around the world who step up and take action by fundraising for the cause.
At this year’s Central New York race, PAWS of CNY’s certified therapy dogs were proud to hold a place next to the survivor’s tent. For anyone who has battled cancer, or lost a loved one, even celebrations of life and opportunities to honor one’s memory can be emotionally straining. PAWS of CNY’s therapy dogs were there to offer their unique brand of love, support, and smiles. There were even dogs in attendance who were cancer survivors in their own right.
Race participants were thrilled to see the therapy dogs and their handlers, which included Peggy Byrne and her Golden Retriever Ellie, Eric Dayton and his Golden Retriever Cody, Celeste Dunne and her Yellow Labrador Sadie, Karin Laskowski and her Golden Retriever Piper, Jessica Marabella and her Chocolate Labrador Blue, Diane Rogers and Mary Berger and their Shi Tzu Sammy, and Sue and John Stepien and their Bernese Mountain Dog Stella.
There were cries of “I want to stay here all day!” and “I want to pet all of them!” and “It’s so amazing to have therapy dogs here!” As always, all the dogs were willing to share their love and affection. It was a wonderful event celebrating an important cause and PAWS of CNY was honored to be there to take part.
If you’d like PAWS of CNY to attend your next community event, please complete our event request form. To see photos from the event, click below to view our photo gallery.
