Surf Dogs raise over $100,00 for orphaned animals at Surf-A-Thon
September 26, 2011 • Travel • Rescue
Surf's Up!
Helen Woodward Animal Center revealed hat more than $100,000 was raised during the sixth annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon presented by Eukanuba. The event, which was held Sunday, 09/25, at Dog Beach in Del Mar, is the largest surfing dog competition in the nation, attracting people and pets from all over the world. Eighty dogs competed but only one was named “top dog” – Surf Dog Buddy from Ventura. Buddy, who has won five of the six Surf Dog Surf-A-Thons also became the first inductee into the Surf Dog Hall of Fame during the event.
Bruce Hooker, Buddy’s owner, spoke during the Hall of Fame Ceremony stating that today was most likely the last race for the 14-year-old Jack Russell Terrier. “That last heat was probably the best of Buddy’s life,” said Hooker, who went on to say “Helen Woodward Animal Center hosts the best Surf Dog Competition and we are so proud to represent.”
More than just dogs surfing, the Surf-A-Thon featured a tribute to working dogs including police, search and rescue and service dogs. Other activities included the Beach Bum Bikini Babe Canine Costume Contest; Doo the Dah, where people and pets in costume surf together; and 70 vendor booths.
“It has been so exciting to see the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon grow and become more successful year after year,” said Nedra Abramson, the event organizer. “It’s a fun day at the beach for both people and pets and it is incredible that something this fun can be so beneficial to orphaned pets.”
More than 4,000 spectators gathered to watch dogs compete in four weight classes. The competition was judged by world champion tandem surfer Guy Takayama; Alex Gray from Volcom; Mike Emerson and Pat McGriff from the Swami’s Surfing Association and pro surfers Sunshine Makrow and Kristy Murphy.
Several celebrities were also on hand to help judge the canine costume contest including Tyana Alvarado from NBC’s The Apprentice, Craig Silke from ABC’s The Mole, Dennis Luciani from NBC’s Average Joe and Gillian Larson from CBS’s Survivor. Mike Munoz and Mark Munoz from CBS’s Amazing Race judged Doo the Dah.
Other standout surf dogs include second place finisher, Nani and third place finisher, Dozer, both from San Diego and who took home trophies and gift baskets full of dog toys and treats. Buddy won a giant “Best in Surf” trophy, a year’s supply of Eukanuba pet food and Tagg, the Pet Tracker for his first place finish.
Surf Dog Ricochet was also honored as the top fundraiser for this year’s Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, raising more than $6,000 for the pets and programs of Helen Woodward Animal Center. Helen Woodward Animal Center also received a $6,500 donation Snap Tracks, the makers of Tagg.
For those not familiar with Helen Woodward Animal Center: It is a private, non-profit organization where “people help animals and animals help people.” Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., the Center provides services for more than 57,000 people and thousands of animals annually through adoptions, educational and therapeutic programs both onsite and throughout the community. Helen Woodward Animal Center is also the creator of the international Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive and the Animal Center Education Services program, teaching the business of saving lives to animal welfare leaders from around the world.
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