ROME TOWNSHIP — It’s a chance to show the value of dogs as a support system for those fighting disease and raise money for cancer research.

That’s the purpose of the inaugural Bark for Life set for Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds.

“My dad has been involved with Relay for Life for 10 years,” Ashley Floyd, one of the Bark for Life organizers, said. “His mother is a cancer survivor and she outlived the diagnosis by 10 years.”

The Bark for Life will be a miniature version of the regular Relay with dogs and their owners walking on the fairgrounds track for the first hour, taking breaks as they wish. This parallels the Relay event where someone from every team stays on the track to show that cancer is a disease that never sleeps.

That will be followed by a contest where prizes will be given out for best dressed, most obedient, best trick and dog/owner look a like contest.

All money raised will go to the Ridge Runners Relay for Life team.

“A lot of dogs help with care-giving and just by being there (for those who are sick),” Floyd said. “They are important to the survivors.”

Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. with the walk starting at 11 a.m. Cost is $25 and all dogs must be on leashes.

For more information contact Ashley Floyd at 304-634-2057 or Jessica Kelley at 304-634-8101.