Kick off the start of fall by taking your canine pal for a walk at beautiful Wright Park (501 S. I St.) in downtown Tacoma. The spot will host the 2nd Annual Bark For Life walk on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The noncompetitive walk for both people and pups is intended to raise awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society, which created the event and holds them across the country, year-round.

The walk will be followed by demonstrations, contests and games all geared towards informing owners and keeping the dogs' tails wagging.

If you register by Sept. 8, the cost is $15 per dog and registration on the day of the event is $20 per dog. For more information, or to register, visit http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=35766.

On Saturday, Sept. 17, why not bring your dog out to the 9th annual Harbor Hounds Dog Walk in Gig Harbor? Dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds are welcome to come out take a stroll along the waterfront and have their entry cards stamped by event staff in order to enter prize drawings.

There will also be contests for both ‘beauty' (dogs in costumes) and ‘brains' (demonstrations of obedience training; entry into either contest is $5. Proceeds from the walk benefit the Prison Pet Partnership, Coalition: HUMAnE Spay and Neuter Clinic and the Rotary Club of Gig Harbor Midday.

Start times are flexible - simply check-in anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. that day, though you must register either in advance or onsite. For more information or to register to walk, visit www.harborhounds.com/registration.

The inaugural Dog Gone Bike Tour will happen at Sylvester Park (Capitol Way S and Legion Way SW) in Olympia on Saturday, Oct. 1. The three-course bicycle ride will offer a 20-mile family ride, as well as more intense 40-mile and 62-mile rides.

Even though they can't ride a bike, dogs are welcome to come out and be a part of the event. All proceeds will go directly to the Paws Against Cancer (501c) non-profit, which was founded to help pet owners when their beloved furry friend receives a cancer diagnosis.

Prices for the Dog Gone have not yet been released. Stay tuned to the event's Facebook page for updated information on registration, www.facebook.com/pages/Dog-Gone-Bike-Tour/209385679105081.