Surfing Dogs Raise More Than $100K to Help Orphaned Animals

Helen Woodward Animal Center's Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon Presented by Eukanuba Raises Funds and Awareness

Ventura Based Surf Dog Wins Top Honors

DEL MAR, Calif., Sept. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Helen Woodward Animal Center announced today that more than $100,000 was raised during the sixth annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon presented by Eukanuba. The event, which was held in Del Mar, is the largest surfing dog competition in the nation. Eighty dogs competed but only one was named "top dog" – Surf Dog Buddy from Ventura. Buddy, who has won five of the six Surf Dog Surf-A-Thons also became the first inductee into the Surf Dog Hall of Fame.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110925/DC74643 )

Bruce Hooker, Buddy's owner, spoke during the Hall of Fame Ceremony stating that today was most likely the last race for the 14-year-old Jack Russell Terrier. "That last heat was probably the best of Buddy's life," said Hooker, who went on to say, "Helen Woodward Animal Center hosts the best Surf Dog Competition and we are so proud to represent."

More than 4,000 spectators gathered to watch dogs compete in four weight classes. The competition was judged by world champion tandem surfer Guy Takayama; Alex Gray from Volcom; Mike Emerson and Pat McGriff from the Swami's Surfing Association and pro surfers Sunshine Makrow and Kristy Murphy.

Several celebrities were on hand to help judge a canine costume contest including Tyana Alvarado from NBC's The Apprentice, Craig Silke from ABC's The Mole and Dennis Luciani from NBC's Average Joe. Mike Munoz and Mark Munoz from CBS's Amazing Race and Gillian Larson from CBS's Survivor judged Doo the Dah where people and pets surf in costume.

Other standout surf dogs include second place finisher, Nani and third place finisher, Dozer, both from San Diego and who took home trophies and gift baskets full of dog toys and treats. Buddy won a giant "Best in Surf" trophy, a year's supply of Eukanuba pet food and Tagg, the Pet Tracker for his first place finish.

Surf Dog Ricochet was also honored as the top fundraiser for this year's Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, raising more than $6,000 for the pets and programs of Helen Woodward Animal Center.  Helen Woodward Animal Center also received a $6,500 donation Snap Tracks, the makers of Tagg.

For more information on Helen Woodward Animal Center and the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, visit www.animalcenter.org or call 858-756-4117.

SOURCE Helen Woodward Animal Center