Sixth Annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon Rescheduled Due to Sewage Spill

The Biggest Surf Dog Event in the Country Has Been Rescheduled for Sept. 25, 2011

RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif., Sept. 9, 2011/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Helen Woodward Animal Center  announced today that the sixth annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon presented by Eukanuba, has been rescheduled due to a sewage spill caused by the unprecedented county-wide power outage. The spill, which dumped 3.2 million gallons of sewage into Los Penasquitos Lagoon, has forced the closure of several beaches including Dog Beach in Del Mar, where the event was to take place Sunday. The Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon will now be held on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"We are really disappointed to have to postpone the Surf-A-Thon," said Nedra Abramson, the event organizer. "The safety of both the pets and the people participating in this event is our biggest concern and there is no way the beach will be safe by Sunday."

The Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon features more than 80 dogs, including internet sensations Riccochet, Nani, Dozer, and Buddy hitting the waves in four separate weight classes to raise awareness of and money for orphaned pets. The event also includes the Beach Bum Bikini Babe Canine Costume Contest; Doo the Dah, where people and pets in costume surf together to raise funds for Helen Woodward Animal Center; and more than 70 vendor booths from some of the top brands of pet products and surf gear as well as other San Diego favorites including Eukanuba, Tagg, Playa Pup, Banfield Pet Hospitals, It's Just Lunch and Schubach Aviation.

During the awards ceremony honoring the top dogs of the day, Buddy, a 13-year-old Jack Russell Terrier from Ventura, becomes the first inductee into the Surf Dog Hall of Fame.

For more information about the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, visit www.surfdog.kintera.org or call 858-756-4117 ext. 312.

SOURCE Helen Woodward Animal Center