Pups in the Pipeline: Part 2

Author’s Note:  This is Part 2 in a series about the Surf Dog Phenomenon in Southern California.

In Part 1, we met Buddy, the legendary Jack Russell Terrier who has been surfing with Bruce Hooker for the past 9 years. Buddy will be competing again this year in the Surf Dogs Surf-A-Thon to be held on September 13th at the Del Mar Dog Beach. We spoke with Holly Piper, event Sponsorship Assistant, who told us, “Everyone knows Buddy!” Spectators can look forward to another fascinating performance from this little terrier as well as from other pooches representing a large cross-section of breeds.

This year’s Surf-A-Thon marks the 4th in which these pups will surf to raise money for their furry friends. All proceeds are donated to the Helen Woodward Animal Center, a 12-acre facility providing a variety of services including educational and therapeutic programs for people and humane care and adoption for animals. Since the 1st Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, the event has grown by leaps and bounds. According to Holly, last year 70 dogs competed, clearing $50,000 for the non-profit Animal Center, which receives no government funding for the work they do to care for animals and foster animal-human bonds.

The Surf Dog events this September include three heats for each weight category:  Small – up to 20 pounds; Medium – 21 to 40 pounds; Large – 41 to 60 pounds; and Extra Large – 61 pounds and over. The fun starts at 8 a.m. and includes a canine costume contest, a human surfing/costume contest, and a celebrity surfing heat. The day wraps up with an award ceremony at 2 p.m. So, if you are part of a Surf Dog team or a human surfer willing to enter the water in costume, get registered! And, of course, all land-lubber spectators are also welcome. Come out and cheer on your favorite Surf Dog!

Coming up very soon is the first-time SurfinPaws Dog Jam to be held at Huntington Dog Beach on July 11th, starting at 9 a.m. Organized by Rene Bruce with the help of his spokesdog, Kia, these pups will be surfing to raise money for their furry friends at the Orange County SPCA. Time is short; don’t delay in getting your Surf Dog team registered! Surfer or not, stop by on the 11th for a fantastic show, featuring Nani, an 85 pound Bernese Mountain Dog, who was a big, quite literally, hit at the 2008 Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon.

Closing out the season is another first-time competition, also being held at Huntington Dog Beach. Surf City Surf Dogs will be held on October 11th, and registration has begun. The event will benefit several animal rescue organizations including Boston Buddies, Coastal German Shepherd Rescue , and Boxer OC Rescue . The organizer, Lisa Scolman, who has also been busy this year advocating for a dog beach in Oceanside, told us that the Surf City Surf Dogs event will include lots of exciting activities for land loving pets as well as Surf Dog teams. We’ll check back with her later to get you the latest scoop.

There’s sure to be lots of Surf Dog fun on the beach this summer in Southern California! Stay tuned for Part 3 of Pups in the Pipeline to learn about special products for Surf Dogs as well as some safety and training tips from the pros.

Do you have a Surf Dog or have you attended a Surf Dog event?  Tell us about it here!

Suzan Gridley

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