FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Beth Downing Chee   
BethC@animalcenter.org
 858-756-4117, ext. 335 

**Photos and Video Available                                                                 

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, CA (Sept. 9, 2011) – 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, September 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 while promoting responsible pet ownership. 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, will become 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.  

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About Eukanuba

Eukanuba offers the most complete food lineup, delivering nutrition that is customized by breed and breed size as well as health and performance requirements. Eukanuba is a division of Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG). Visit us on the Web at www.eukanuba.com or at Facebook.com/Eukanuba. 

About Helen Woodward Animal Center

Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where “people help animals and animals help people.” Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., the Center provides services for more than 57,000 people and thousands of animals annually through adoptions, educational and therapeutic programs both onsite and throughout the community. Helen Woodward Animal Center is also the creator of the international Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive and the Animal Center Education Services program, teaching the business of saving lives to animal welfare leaders from around the world.

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