You can lead a dog to water…But you can’t make it surf!

Dog Beach, Del Mar, California – An estimated crowd of several hundred dogs and more than 2,000 people was on hand (and paw) for the second annual “Surf Dog Surf A Thon” benefiting Helen Woodward Animal Center on Sunday, September 9. The event, held a Dog Beach in Del Mar, is being called a major success.

“We’re amazed by how large this event has grown in just two years,” says Helen Woodward Animal Center spokesman John Van Zante. “Last year we had a dozen surfing dogs and a few hundred spectators. This year there were 42 registered surfing dogs, 110 human surfers, and more spectators lining the beach than we could count.”

HWAC Sponsorship Manager Nedra Abramson says that Surf Dog 2007 netted almost four times more than the first Surf Dog event. “While we still have some donations arriving, more than $32,000 has already been raised to support the programs and services that Helen Woodward Animal Center provides for animals and people in-need.”

“Buddy the Surfing Dog” was named “Top Dog” of Surf Dog Surf A Thon 2007. The Canine Costume Contest was won by a pair of land-surfing Bassett Hounds named “Elvis” and “Dude”. The Beach Bum and Bikini Babe Canine Costume Contest was judged by San Diego Magazine Editor Tom Blair, “Tag for Dogs and Cats” owner Carl Gustafson, and “junior judge” Jazzy Jaffe.

Karl Eberhardt was the Top Individual Fundraiser followed by Bryce Rhodes and 6-year-old Malia Farmarzi. “Carly’s Golden Retrievers”, lead by 9-year-old Carly Rude, was the Top Team Fundraiser.

The Grand Prize of a trip for two to “K-59” Surf Resort in El Salvador went to Cynthia and Carly Rude. 11-year-old Lucas Foster won a G.T. surfboard donated by pro surfer Guy Takayama.

Prizes were also awarded for human surfers with the Longest Wave, Best Ride, and Best Wipe Out as determined by judges Guy Takayama and members of Swami’s Surfing Association. Pat Webber and San Diego Surfing Academy gave free surfing clinics for dogs during the event.

For more information visit H elen Woodward Animal Center at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe or call 858-756-4117. View photos of Surf Dog Surf A Thon 2007 here