Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (Sept. 27, 2016) – The new date for Helen Woodward Animal Center’s highly-anticipated Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon is less than a week away. The annual event, originally scheduled for September 11th, was postponed due to an unfortunate water contamination advisory at Dog Beach in Del Mar. The 11th annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon will now take place on Sunday, October 2nd, 2016 from 8am to 2pm PST. at Dog Beach in Del Mar.
(Sur-FUR dogs will beat the heat at this weekend’s Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon: Photo Credit – Helen Woodward Animal Center)
Although the switch of date originally felt devastating to Center staff and the hundreds of volunteers, vendors and special guests who had spent months preparing for the annual event, the health and safety of human and canine friends has always been first priority to Helen Woodward Animal Center and a postponement was the only solution. Now it seems that the new October 2nd date comes with a fortuitous silver lining. In addition to a weather forecast of clear skies and near perfect temperatures, this Sunday’s date will also be widely celebrated as Blessing of the Animals Day. Following the originally scheduled tributes to rescue heroes (including a Color Guard presentation, the National Anthem sung by Hospital Corpsman Third Class Grace Layugan, a San Diego Police Department K9 demo and a ceremony for first responder dogs), Deacon Peter Hodsdon (presently serving St. James and St. Leo Catholic Community in Solana Beach) will preside over a very special blessing for all dogs in attendance.
“It’s such a nice addition to the day,” stated Helen Woodward Animal Center Special Events Manager Regina Barrella. “It feels like someone is looking out for our furry friends.”
Along with the special tributes, over 70 dogs will participate in 10-minute heats based on weight class and will be judged on their ability to ride the waves, stay on the board, and have lots of fun. The freestyle feature surf contest returns this year with points awarded for creativity, and dog-and-family friendly activities scheduled throughout the day include live beach tunes, the pup-ular Canine Costume Contest, over 40 interactive vendor booths, and a special FREE Kid’s Activity area – with crafts, face painting, games and more!
Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon is held each year for one sole purpose – to raise funds for Center orphan pets and programs. For more information on the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, visit www.animalcenter.org or call 858-756-4117.
If you can’t be there in person, you can watch the livestream at animalcenter.org at 8:30am PT/11:30am ET.
WHERE: Dog Beach in Del Mar
WHEN: Sunday, October 2nd, 2016 between 8:00am – 2:00pm.
SCHEDULE:
Registration: 7:30-11:00am
Kick Off with Supervisor Roberts: 8:15 – 8:30am
(Color Guard/National Anthem)
Small Dog Heats: 8:30-9:10am
Medium Dog Heats: 9:15-9:55am
1st Responder Dog Tribute: 10:05 – 10:25am
(SDPD K9 Demo/ Plaques presented to men, women and canines from San Diego Harbor Police and Southwest Search Dogs)
Blessing of the Animals Ceremony 10:30 – 10:40am
Freestyle Surf Dog Contest: 10:45 – 11:05am
Large Dog Heats: 11:10 – 11:50am
XL Dog Heats: 11:55am – 12:35pm
Best in Surf: 12:45 – 12:55pm
Canine Costume Contest: 1:05 – 1:35pm
Surf Dog Hall of Fame Induction 1:35 – 1:45pm
Awards Presentation 1:45 – 1:55pm