Animal Center behind Harvey Rescue Holds Surf-tastic Annual Fundraiser
(Mohawked Maveric “Teddy” and Dog-Bun Dawning “Derby” Place 1st in Freestyle Competition Photo Credit – Charmaine Gray Photography)
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WHAT: Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (Sept. 15, 2017) – Helen Woodward Animal Center, which recently made news for taking in 64 animals displaced by Hurricane Harvey, held its signature beach event, the 12th Annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon this past Sunday September 10th. The Center and presenting sponsor Blue Buffalo welcomed thousands of human and canine spectators to beautiful Dog Beach Del Mar for the spectacular event which featured surfing dogs, an adorable canine costume contest, a creative “freestyle surf” competition, as well as food and interactive booths, all for the benefit of the pets and programs at the Center. In fact, surfing canines and spectators alike love this dog surf-competition in particular because it’s one of the few of-its-kind with 100% of the proceeds going towards helping orphan pets.
This year, the beneficiaries of the over $80,000 raised included sixty-four Hurricane Harvey rescue animals, which Center staff lovingly refer to as “the Texans”, who are currently receiving care and medical treatment from the Center before going up for adoption. The phenomenal success of the once-humble dog surfing competition, which has grown to include more than sixty surfing dogs, has turned ‘dogs on surfboards’ into a platform to raise life-saving funds and remind the world that “man’s best friend” can do phenomenal things.
Leading the pack of phenomenal Fidos this year was Sugar, who placed first overall, followed by Faith (a rescued pit bull) in second place, and Teddy (a blue-Mohawked maverick) in third. Thousands were raised by the surFURs, and prizes went to the top earners including Samson and Delilah, Team Cherie, Team Tristan, and the group SoCal Surf Dogs.
“Year after year this event is a blast and makes such a difference for our orphan pets. This year was extra special because of all the buzz about the Hurricane Harvey rescue. People came up to me all day asking how the animals are doing, thanking us for taking them in, and dropping off donations. Many of our staff members that have been working overtime to care for the Harvey rescues were on the beach making Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon a success too, so it was really nice to know that the hard work is recognized and appreciated,” said Helen Woodward Animal Center Vice President of Development Renee Resko.
ADDITIONAL SPECIFICS AND HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Life-vested canines competed in real surfing heats with 4 different weight classes!
- The freestyle surf contest where points were awarded based on creativity
o 1st Place: Teddy and Derby, 2nd Place: Samson and Delilah, 3rd Place: Sugar and Kiwi
- Land-loving pups showed-off at the Canine Costume Contest
o 1st Place: Bailey as Tiki Paradise, 2nd Place: Sir Ruffles Von Vicious, 3rd Place: Mary Jane
- The BLUE LAGOON by Blue Buffalo– A Special Canine Paradise with puppy pools, shading umbrellas, special protective doggy shoes, games, gifts, and photo backdrops!
- 50+ surfing dog-loving vendors joining in on the fun.
- A VERY SPECIAL Surf Dog Hall-of-Fame Induction with our first-ever human recipients, Peter Noll and Doug Hokstad of the SoCal Surf Dogs!
- Top Placing Surf Dogs Receiving plaques and awards!
o Best in Surf 1st Place: Sugar, 2nd Place: Faith, 3rd Teddy
CELEBRITY PARTICIPANTS AND JUDGES:
- Special guest from ABC’s The Bachelor in Paradise and owner of Zorn Fitness, Ben Zorn
- Shelby Detmers, professional surfer, surfing the World Surf League Qualifying Series and for the Mexican Nationals Team for Baja California South.
- Sunshine Makarow, member of the CSUSM national champion collegiate surf team, former US Surf Team member, two-time West Coast Women’s Surf Champion, founder and publisher of Surf Life for Women Magazine.
- Jagger & Kristi, hosts of the morning show on Magic 92.5
- KUSI Weatherman Mark Mathis
- Sunny 98.1 Radio Host Dave Mason
SURF DOG SPECIFICS:
- Dogs divided into 4 weight classes:
Small – 20 pounds or less
Medium – 21 to 40 pounds
Large – 41 to 60 pounds
Extra Large – 61 pounds or more
- 2 heats for the Small dogs….3 heats for the Medium dogs, 2 for the Large dog heats, and 3 heats for the Extra Large dogs. The winners announced are the TOP scorers of the total heats for each weight class.
- The top three finishers in each weight class receive medals.
- “Best In Surf” heat including the top finisher from each weight class.
- Judged based on form, length of ride, and enjoyment of the sport