Community Corner

Herndon, Reston Relay Team Up for Bark for Life

Dog-friendly Relay event to take place Oct. 13.

Herndon Relay for Life and Reston Relay for Life are teaming up in October to host Bark for Life at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston.

It’s the first Bark for Life event for Herndon Relay and the second for Reston Relay. The event is set for Oct. 13 from 3-7 p.m.

Herndon Relay Chairperson Sheila Grooms said the two local Relay events decided to join together for Bark for Life, where local dog owners will be able to come walk with their furry friends to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

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Those who take part in the event can choose to participate for and donate their funds to Herndon Relay for Life, Reston Relay for Life, or for them to be split between the two organizations.

Grooms said the opening ceremonies will be at 3:30 p.m. and the dog walk starts at 4 p.m. Vendor booths and on-site registration open at 3 p.m. Since sunset is earlier in the fall, the luminaria ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m., Grooms said.

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Participants will walk along a short walking path, Grooms said. The event will include entertainment, a K-9 police dog demonstration, pet related vendors and rescue groups will be on hand with information about rescuing and fostering.

Grooms said the big event will include a pet first aid station for people to learn how to respond to pet first aid needs, as well as an Ask the Vet station for attendees to speak with local veterinarians.

Grooms said those who would like to take part in the luminaria but can’t make the event can purchase their luminaria online so they can honor a loved one.

The event will also include a food drive for both humans and animals, she said.

Those who would like to attend can register as individuals or as teams.

Grooms said the first Reston Bark for Life event was held in June and organizers found it was too hot for the animals so they thought fall would bring perfect temperatures for a pet friendly Relay event.

Pets can’t come to regular spring Relay for Life events, since most are held on school property that doesn’t allow dogs. Grooms said this event gives people the chance to participate in a Relay event with their furry friends.

She said the event will also serve to remind people about Relay earlier in the season. Organizers are well into planning the spring Herndon and Reston Relay for Life events, she said.

Registration for Bark for Life is $25 for the first dog and $10 for each additional dog. Registration can be found online by clicking here.

Luminaria bags are available for $5 each or three for $10. All activities and events are open to the public.

Grooms said in addition to the Bark for Life main event, Team Otis to the Max is fundraising with a dog wash at Weber’s Pet Supermarket in Fox Mill Shopping Center.

Between Oct. 15 and 27 $10 of every self-serve dog wash will be donated to the team for the Bark for Life event. Dog washes are $16 per dog, and Weber’s is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.


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