Meet Marshal (seen above): The nine-year-old Cabot resident is the beloved German Shepherd mix of Mike and Deanne Fortson, and was diagnosed with lymphoma in January. Marshal is currently undergoing his second round of chemotherapy at All For Pets in Cabot; yet, the strong pup will serve as the Canine Cancer Hero for this year’s Puppy Up! Canine Cancer Walk in North Little Rock on Nov. 3. Marshal will lead the charge at Burns Park, followed by a pack of pooches, owners and supporters. The event will also include vendors, entertainment, food, and silent and live auctions.

The Canine Cancer Walk is hosted by 2 Million Dogs, an organization which raises awareness of canine cancer. Fran Hickman, chair of the North Little Rock event, says the organization wants to celebrate Marshal and others like him who have suffered through cancer and survived. Hickman says 2 Million Dogs also plans to interview the Fortsons and their dog for a documentary this fall. According to 2MillionDogs.org, the organization is committed to discovering the common links between canine and human cancers and the causes of these cancers through comparative oncology research.

Can't Miss CabotFest

Since 1978, CabotFest has been a beloved city tradition. What began as a celebration of Cabot’s rebuilding process after the devastating 1976 tornado continues today, drawing more than 20,000 attendees each year.

The 2012 event is scheduled for Oct. 12-13, kicking off with a full carnival Friday night. Saturday’s festivities, from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. will include a variety of food and craft vendors, carnival rides, and kids’ activities and inflatables. This year’s live entertainment will include Crosspoint, Single Tree, Luke Williams, Price Crew and Corey Lamb. Riverbilly closes as the headliner, taking the stage at 5 p.m. Sat. Visitors can also check out a stage featuring performances from local dance, cheer and music groups. Festivities will be held on Second Street and on Main Street around City Hall. For info: 843-2136.

Beyond Boundaries To Hold Annual Fundraising Event

Need a parents’ night out? Mark your next date night on the calendar for Oct. 6, and get ready for fun and fundraising at The Mane Event at Little Rock’s River Market Pavilion. The event is the annual fundraiser for Beyond Boundaries, a nonprofit hippotherapy center in Cabot’s neighboring town of Ward.

Beyond Boundaries, established in 2003, uses horses for a therapy technique known as hippotherapy. The practice is beneficial for children and adults with a wide range of cognitive, physical and emotional conditions, and can help to increase specific motor, sensory, speech and behavior/social responses.

Funds raised at The Mane Event are essential to offset the organization’s operational costs. The evening will start at 7 p.m. and include a meal of smoked chicken and sides, drinks, live entertainment by Beebe-native Luke Williams, as well as silent and live auctions. KSSN’s Bob Robbins will also serve as this year’s emcee. According to Nikki Chumley, development coordinator for Beyond Boundaries, the auction and raffle will be stocked with items such as free trips, guns and Justin Bieber concert tickets.

Tickets are $50 per person, or $75 per couple. For tickets and info: NChumley@Allied-Therapy.com or BeyondBoundariesAR.com.