Photo Credit: Dog Central (see link below for more photos)

I luva da dawgs! In September, the Fourth Annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon took place in Del Mar, California to raise money for the Helen Woodward Animal Center. About 4,000 dog lovers and thousand of their, “best friends” made the pilgrimage to Dog Beach in Del Mar for the world’s largest dog surfing competition. The “Surf Dog Surf A Thon” raised nearly $50,000 to support the Center’s programs for animals and people in-need.

“Best in Surf” went to a Jack Russell Terrier named, “Buddy” and his person, Bruce Hooker from Ventura. Second place honors went to, Ricochet, a Golden Retriever. Following at a close third place was, “Dozer,” an English Bulldog and member of the newly-formed San Diego Dog Surfing Association.

“It just doesn’t get any greater than San Diego showing its love for dogs and its love for surfing,” said Michael Arms, president of the Helen Woodward Animal Center, which organized the event. “What could be more fun?”

Hate I missed this wonderful event but, there is always next year and apparently the organization plans on taking the contest global with competitors from around the world. I bet that will be nice. For more information about Helen Woodward Animal Center or the Surf Dog Surf A Thon visit the Center at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe, CA, call 858-756-4117.

Press on the event:

• Helen Woodward Animal Center — Media (scroll down for Dog-A-Thon info)
• Dog Central — Dog Surfers (wonderful images from the event)
• North County Times — Hang 20: Dogs hit the surf for charity tournament

Video: 4 Dogs Ride One Board Tandem | 2009 Huntington Beach Surf City Dog Surfing Contest 579