On Saturday, Sept. 16, Bark for Life returned to Tehachapi. Bark for Life is an annual volunteer-driven event allowing owners to take their dogs on a walk. All donations and money from dog registration ($20 on for preregistration, $25 for same day) go to the American Cancer Society. Meeting at the Tehachapi Railroad Depot, pet owners and their canine friend walk between one half and one mile around the downtown area. People showed their support by wearing purple clothing and dressing their dogs up.

Sponsored by local business of the year, Canine Creek, raffles were held filled with doggy goodie bags from their shop. Kellie Dudevoir, the owner of Canine Creek, explains why she shows her support. “It’s not just humans that get cancer”, Dudevoir’s explains. Dudevoir’s support has been seen in other fundraising events, such as the Healing Heart Sanctuary, an organization aimed at providing care to disabled rescue animals.

Canine Creek was not the only community support. Local business Carlos Donuts provided free donuts, and the local Starbucks offered coffee and free puppuccinos. The event also found assistance in Adventist Health Tehachapi, Kern Family Health Care, And Tehachapi Mountain Dog Fanciers.

Vincent Bivona, owner to Maizee and Preacher explains he comes every year. “It’s a good opportunity for the dogs to socialize, and I like to support the cause.”

Also at the event was Bark for Books, held by Marley’s Mutts – a non-profit organization that rehabilitates abused dogs, saving animals that otherwise didn’t have another chance. Bark for Books encourages children to better their reading skills and provide emotional enrichment to dogs by reading stories to them.

While the date for next year hasn’t been updated, Dudevoir notes that every year “it just keeps getting bigger and better.”