On Sept. 18, 2012, Clackamas Community College volleyball mascot and family member Cougie Lucy Woods, a dog, succumbed to cancer and left this world. In honor of her loss Cougie’s mom, Coach Kathie Woods, hosts the “I’m Diggin’ Pink” event. Friday Oct. 24 was the third annual event to raise awareness and funds for pet cancer.

When Cougie died from cancer, Woods decided to make a difference in the lives of other families affected by this horrible affliction. The “I’m Diggin’ Pink” event is CCC volleyball and Southgate Animal Clinic’s way of raising cancer awareness to help enhance pet lives that are affected by cancer. Every year for the past three years the ladies compete with other local teams to support Cancer Awareness Month.

Donations from spectators at the event are used to enhance the loving pets’ lives that are affected by cancer, diabetes, abuse, and other illnesses. The funds will be spread out to those in need under the supervision of Kristen Shaw, veterinarian with Southgate Animal Clinic. Woods made a promise and printed it on every flyer for this event, “I am personally matching the highest donation up to $100.”

Although the event was to raise awareness for a serious subject, it was also a great time for CCC volleyball fans that attended. The ladies played hard and they played to win. No surprise, as Cougar volleyball is leading the league. At the end of all three matches the Cougars defeated the Southwestern Oregon Lakers by a significant margin.

“Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, we decided to still honor cancer awareness but do it for animals, in Cougie’s honor,” Woods said. “We started the event three seasons ago, soon after my beloved pet, companion and team mascot, Cougie, suddenly died of cancer. Tonight we had a decent crowd and I really appreciate everyone who came out in support of our cause. I felt the Cougs put on an awesome display of volleyball and I am very proud of them.”

For those who couldn’t make the game and want to contribute, they can do so until the end of the month. The donations can be made out to Southgate Animal Clinic with the memo “I’m Diggin’ Pink at CCC” and can be sent to: Kathie Woods, VB Coach Clackamas C. College/Ath. Dept. 19600 Molalla Ave. Oregon City, OR 97045. T-shirts can also be picked up at the athletic office and can be purchased for $12 or free for anyone that donates $50 or more. The Cougars volleyball has one last “I’m Diggin’ Pink” game on Wednesday Oct. 29.