Charlie, a 10-pound, 10-year-old miniature dachshund, revs up his walking pace for Bark for Life. (RECORD PHOTO/GREGG PARKER)

MADISON – Organizers for “Bark for Life” believe dogs are ambassadors of hope and can help in the fight for a cure for cancer.

Bark for Life is a fundraising event associated with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and “honors the care-giving qualities of canine companions,” event coordinators Kim Rice and Dawn McDonnell said.

The event will be held on April 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Discovery Middle School.

Registration will open at 12:30 p.m. Bark for Life will include a brief opening ceremony at 1 p.m. and the survivor lap at 1:25 p.m.

“The costume contest will start at 2:15 p.m.,” Rice said. Dogs will compete in three divisions: small — up to 25 pounds; medium — 26-50 pounds; and large — more than 50 pounds.

Dogs and their owners will walk around the designated course, while exhibitors, vendors and festivities are active on the Discovery campus. “We will conclude at 3:50 p.m. with a few hours of celebration, remembrance and barking back,” McDonnell said.

Organizers will reach out to veterinarians, individuals in the pet service industry and others to participate through sponsorships and staging an exhibit to sell products or services.

“Dogs are family members and, to many cancer survivors, they are caregivers as well,” Rice said. “Bark for Life gives everyone who has been close to a cancer experience and had a dog in their life a chance to fight cancer in a very unique way.”

In addition, individuals who normally do not get involved in relay activities can participate by walking with their dog. “It’s also a great opportunity for you and your teammates to participate with your canine companions,” Rice said.

American Cancer Society describes Relay For Life as a life-changing event that gives individuals a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer and remember relatives and friends who died from the disease (cancer.org).

To register for Bark for Life, visit relayforlife.org/barkforlifehuntsvilleal. For more information, visit Facebook/Huntsville Metro Bark for Life.