Dogs Go to Canton

Editor's note: Two names were transposed in the first version of this story: Morgan Reno and Jenna (a dog saved by Homeward Bound Rescue League volunteers), were inaccurate in the first version of this story. Patch's goal is accuracy in everything but we are not perfect. Canton Patch and editor Peg McNichol regret any and all errors and this one particularly.

Canton's first is officially a success, according to co-organizers Brenda Keiffer and Kathy McFry, both of Canton.

In a Facebook post late Saturday, they announced 75 dogs were registered for the walk and that more than $5,000 was raised for cancer research.

The two women decided to put the fundraiser together for two reasons.

"We wanted to show how the dogs reflect on owners that have cancer," Keiffer said. "Many have had dogs beside them the whole time."

Kathy McFry said that has certainly been the case since her 2009 diagnosis of stage 4 anal cancer and stage 3 thyroid cancer — her 2-year-old golden retriever, Bo, has been a constant companion."Bo and I are codependents," she said, grinning. "He's a great comedian, gives great hugs, loves to spoon. It's just hard to be down when Bo's around."

American Cancer Society fundraising continues:

Olga's, 41725 Ford Rd., is donating a portion proceeds from Tuesday's sales, said Canton Bark for Life co-organizer Kathy McFry.

People who would like to donate directly can do so online until the Aug. 31,  McFry said. 

On Saturday, though, Bo stayed home, McFry said, because he'd become sick with bordetella (sometimes called kennel cough, it is a form of whooping cough that dogs contract).

Though initial figures indicates Canton's inaugural Bark for Life succeeded, McFry said, "Hopefully we'll be better next year," going on to suggest 2012's Bark for a Cure would be more comfortable for dogs on the cooler autumn weekend.

"Relay for Life Canton's budget runs out on Aug. 31, so we had to do this before the deadline," she said.

Photographer Carolyn Wojcik of Westland's Glasswing Photography donated her services, as did members of the two bands performing at Heritage Park's amphitheater, Blue Surf Band and Hastings Street Blues Band.

Jessica Lloyd of Tecumseh, MI, said she participated this year for several reasons.Her dog, Abbi, 11, is undergoing radiation treatment after a cancerous nasal tumor was removed. Lloyd said she is a former employee of the Canton-based and Abbi has been treated at the Animal Cancer and Imaging Center in Canton. She didn't expect Abbi to walk more than one circuit around the park, she said. "When she's tired, we're done," Lloyd said.

Keiffer, who lost a dog to cancer, said research on humans can benefit dogs as well.

Meanwhile, across Veterans Way, another set of dog lovers gathered, for 's Best in Show Dog Show.

Library employee Brad Czerniak took photos of dogs with their families. The photo gallery will be posted on the library's website and Flicker page this week. Morgan Reno, 11, posed for one portrait with her mom, Pam Reno, and Jenna, an 11-year-old dog being fostered by volunteers from Homeward Bound Rescue League of Canton. Pam Reno, a Plymouth resident, said she fosters dogs and owns two more — she calls her own pets "foster failures" because she adopted them before anyone else could. Jenna was found in a cat trap, Pam Reno said, but is sweet-tempered, housebroken and knows a few tricks.

Homeward Bound Rescue League is scheduled to bring adoptable dogs and cats to Pet Supplies Plus from noon to 4 p.m. every Saturday through Labor Day weekend. After the holiday, volunteers will be at the store on the first and third Saturdays of each month.

For more on supporting pet rescues, adopting or fostering details, visit Homeward Bound online.

Information for Humane Society of Huron Valley is also online.

Marc Ressler, a volunteer for the Humane Society of Huron Valley, brought a pit bull-mix, Ashley, 10 months old, for a chance to get adopted.

Marcia Barker, the library's program coordinator, grinned as she surveyed the crowd, estimating hat "80 or so" people had come by, despite uncomfortably warm weather.

Heritage Park and the library were just two places showcasing pets in Saturday.

Jodi Peace, of Canton, sat quietly in a lawn chair, chatting with a friend and waiting for someone to notice Coco, a 4-year-old Pekenese. "She needs an owner with patience," Peace said. "She'll let me pick her up, but it's not her favorite thing to do."

Peace has fostered Coco for about two months. She started volunteering for Homeward Bound 18 months ago and estimates having cared for 10 to 12 dogs during that time.

Carrie Marsh, Homeward Bound's founder, said her volunteers are fostering about 100 dogs. For details on the dogs cared for through Homeward Bound, visit Homeward Bound online.