Top Dog raises over $1,000 for ACS
Jackson, a mastiff/pitbull mix, takes the Top Dog honor after raising the most money for The American Cancer Society.
SOUTH COVENTRY >> Every dog has his day and today it belongs to a South Coventry pup.
Jackson, a friendly 7-yearold mastiff/pitbull mix has taken the Top Dog honor this year after raising the most money for The American Cancer Society through Bark for Life Pottstown.
Overall, the Top Dog contest helped raise $1,800 for the American Cancer Society, of which Jackson and his owner, Linda Raifsnider, raised $1,384.
“I did not have as high an expectation as we reached. I set our goal at $200 but it surprised me how many people were anxious to contribute. Village Flower Shop in Pughtown, I took a ballot in there and asked if they want to support it. She said she collected $65 for Jackson by the end of the day and I certainly wasn’t
Jackson, a Mastiff/Pitbull mix from South Coventry, has been named Top Dog this year for raising over $1,000 for The American Cancer Society.
expecting it. I mentioned it to his vet, French Creek Vet Hospital, and he goes to daycare two days a week and they sent a sizable donation as well. Otherwise it was just spreading the word among friends,” said Raifsnider.
While Raifsnider and Jackson have participated in Bark for Life before, this is the first year they have entered the Top Dog contest.
“We rescued him in September 2012. We were at Diane’s Pets and we were there to look at another dog and the dog wasn’t the right fit. Jackson was in a cage and my husband saw him and he was just so handsome,” said Raifsnider about how she came to adopt Jackson. “He loves to go for walks, he’s good with kids and he’s just a very friendly dog.”
Honorable mentions go out to second place holder Jelly, who has since passed away, and her owner Cybil Scheidt raising $151. Bocephus “Bo”, and owner Stacy Pursel came in third place raising $141.
“I’ve had a lot of family members and close friends that have been touched by or succumbed to cancer and I feel anything we can do to further research can help. They’ve made a lot of improvements. I feel it’s a very good cause and
Jackson, pictured here with Santa and Mrs. Claus, is the winner of this year’s Top Dog contest to benefit The American Cancer Society.
I like to be supportive of our pets. I’m partial to dogs but would be caring of any animal. I just have a soft spot for dogs,” said Raifsnider.
Bark For Life of Pottstown this year raised $16,697.90 to help fight cancer. This money provides services in the forms of education, activism, and free rides to and from treatment. It also provides free or discounted places to stay while seeking treatment away from home at a Hope Lodge or partner hotel to anyone in our community who seeks the assistance of the American Cancer Society. Funds raised also help to provide a FREE 24/7 hotline, 1-800-227-2345, available to anyone diagnosed with cancer.