New Surf Dog Hall-of-Famer Announced at 8th Annual Helen Woodward Animal Center Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon, Sponsored by Blue Buffalo!

RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif., Aug. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With summertime nearing its close, west-coast canines wouldn't dream of missing the singular event of the beach season – Helen Woodward Animal Center's 8^th Annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, held at Dog Beach in Del Mar, sponsored by Blue Buffalo.  This year, in addition to the "hang twenty" competition, local surFUR pups from gromMUTTs (beginners) to PAW-fessionals will unite with their sand-covered, sun-bathing, Frisbee-fetching counterparts to celebrate the induction of a brand new Surf Dog Hall-of-Famer. The Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon takes place Sunday, September 8^th, 2013 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT and is certain to make some very big waves!

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130830/DC72407)

Helen Woodward Animal Center's canine surf contest is the largest of its kind in the country and will feature more than 80 dogs surfing in four different weight class competitions.   Winners are selected based upon their ability to ride the waves, have fun and stay on their boards.  "Top Surf Dog 2013"-hopefuls will compete for the coveted title, wagging rights at dog beaches and parks, and a Top Fundraiser Grand Prize fishing trip to Mexico.  Each surFUR heat will be judged by celebrities, surf pros and aficionados. 

Other dog-and-family friendly activities scheduled at the September 8^th Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon include the Beach Bum Canine Costume Contest; a costumed Team Spirit Surf Competition – where people form surf teams with friends and dogs to raise funds for orphan pets; over 40 interactive vendor booths; and two NEWLY ADDED activities including a Flying Fido Frisbee Festival and a Special Kid's Activity area – with Sandcastle Building, Musical Towels, Hula Hoop Contests and more. 

The event has a lot to celebrate in its 8^th year as supporters are already breaking records thanks to sponsors and individual canine athletes and their families calling "all paws on deck" in an incredible push for participation and fundraising, which to-date has already raised over $68,000.  Many pooches who are "paw-ing it forward" by raising funds will sport blue "Rescue Hero" bandanas at the event to show their ongoing ohana commitment to their fuzzy friends still awaiting forever families back at the Center.  100% of the proceeds from the annual competition and festivities go towards the animals and programs at Helen Woodward Animal Center.

Adding to the feel-good vibes of the upcoming event, an as-yet-unnamed local Surf Dog legend will be inducted into Helen Woodward Animal Center's Surf Dog Hall of Fame, joining Buddy the Jack Russell Terrier as only the second inductee in the sport's history.   The surprise unveiling of the latest surFUR to make his mark in Surf Dog history will be honored in a special ceremony following the competition.

If you can't be there in person, watch the broadcast live at 8:30 a.m. PT/11:30 a.m. ET on Ustream.tv.

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