Dogs hang ten as part of canine surf competition

Sep 16 2009 By Katy Gordon

IT LOOKS like someone has gone mad with Photoshop, but these dogs are really riding the surf.

Around 80 four legged friends and their owners took to the waves for the Surf Dog Surf-a-thon to raise money for an animal shelter and to raise awareness about animal protection and care.

Boarders had the option to ride with their dogs, alone or as part of a team. They then had to pledge to catch a set number of waves (in a half hour time frame) and solicit friends and neighbours for financial support of their efforts.

Other competitions included costume contests for the pooches and owners and a dog agility course.

It is thought around 4,000 people turned out to watch the dogs give their best efforts.

This is the fourth year of the Surf-a-thon, held at a dog beach at Del Mar, and Michael Arms, of the Helen Woodward Animal Shelter who organised the event, said: "It just doesn't get any greater than San Diego showing its love for dogs and its love for surfing."

Source for story courtesy of MSN news: http://news.uk.msn.com/odd-news/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=149712641