AIKEN - Unconcerned with Saturday morning's rain and cool temperatures, about 70 canines of all breeds and sizes milled around at the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center.

They were patiently waiting with their owners for the Eighth Annual Paws for Cancer Walk to begin.

The walk honors humans and pets affected by cancer. Its proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. More than $6,000 was raised this year, said Holly Woltz, whose veterinarian clinic coordinates the event each year.

"We (have) several human cancer survivors here today as well as those who have had pets die of cancer," she said. "Cancer is the primary killer of small dogs and pets."

Minutes before the race began, frolicking dogs and shivering humans lined up at the starting line as South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford kicked off the event with a few words. He then headed to the other side of the park for his annual 70-mile Family Fitness Challenge bike ride.

"I do admire the way you all are making a difference in the fight against cancer," he told the crowd. "Whether it's a human or it's a pet (who's affected), it's devastating."

Canines less than 50 pounds lined up for the first one-mile race. When Ms. Woltz shouted "go," one little dog decided to lie down and another bounded straight up like a spring. The race was on.

As the pint-size dogs and their owners got started, the larger dogs roamed around, waiting for their turn.

Carla Loftin of Aiken brought her two dogs - a 2-year-old Weimaraner named Shadow and a 5-month-old Australian Shepherd mix named Gypsy who was adopted two months ago.

"She's so excited," Ms. Loftin said about her new puppy. "She's never been around so many dogs before."

Ms. Loftin said she and Shadow attend the event every year.

"It's fun for the dogs, and it's for a good cause," she said.

Reach Michelle Guffey at michelle.guffey@augustachronicle.com.