Dogs Set To "Make Waves" At 7th Annual Helen Woodward Animal Center Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, Sponsored By Iams

Surfing Dogs Attempt World Records at Canine Surf Competition   

RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif., Aug. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With beach season nearing its close, west-coast canines have one major event to make the summer feel complete – Helen Woodward Animal Center's 7^th Annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, held at Dog Beach in Del Mar, sponsored by Iams.  This year, pups aren't only aiming at "paw-sonal" glory.  Event organizers are setting out to secure two world records and, with the worldwide web watching "live" on a Google Plus Hangout, the surf competition is certain to make some big waves!  The Helen Woodward Animal Center Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon takes place Sunday, September 9^th, 2012 from 8am to 2pm PT.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120830/DC66144 )

Helen Woodward Animal Center's canine surf contest is the largest of its kind in the country and will feature Iams' Four-Legged V.P. of Canine Communications, Pawl Griffin, internet sensations Ricochet, Nani, Dozer, and Buddy along with more than 80 dogs surfing in four different weight class competitions.  "Iams strives to improve the lives of orphaned pets, so we're especially proud to partner with Helen Woodward Animal Center to sponsor an exciting and important event as the Surf-Dog-A-Thon, which brings together all types of dogs to raise awareness for homeless animals," said Laura Lewis, communications manager for Iams. "We're also excited to cheer on our very own VP of Canine Communications - Pawl Griffin - competing for top dog honors."  

Each "hang twenty" surf heat is judged by top riders from Volcom, along with other surfing aficionados including celebrity judges Michael Munoz from CBS' Amazing Race; retired pro surfer and actor Kalani Robb from Blue Crush and Forgetting Sarah Marshall; and TransWorld SURF Editor-in-Chief Chris Cote.

Other dog-friendly activities include the Beach Bum Bikini Babe Canine Costume Contest with celebrity judge Jenni Pulos, co-star of the Bravo reality show, Flipping Out; Doo the Dah, where people and pets in costume surf together to raise funds for the Center; and more than 40 interactive vendor booths.  All proceeds from the annual competition and activities go towards the animals and programs at Helen Woodward Animal Center.

For the first time ever, Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon enthusiasts can watch the competition "live" from anywhere in the world with a Helen Woodward Animal Center hosted "Google Plus Hangout."  Worldwide web viewers will get a bird's eye of all of the surfing heats and festivities, as well another Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon "first" when competing canines set out to attain two world records – Biggest Dog Paw-ty/Party Wave (most dogs on one wave, on separate boards) and Longest Canine "Hang Twenty" Surf Ride.   If you can't be there in person, watch the broadcast live at 8:30am PT/11:30am ET on the Helen Woodward Animal Center Google+ Page, or on the homepage of www.animalcenter.org.

For more information on the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, visit www.surfdog.kintera.org or call 858-756-4117.

SOURCE Helen Woodward Animal Center