This four-footed surfer is a real Moondoggie

Finally, here's some fun animal news.

The Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe plans three surf-dog clinics to prepare dogs and their human buddies for the third annual Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon fundraiser.

The fundraiser isn't until Sept. 7; the clinics are Aug. 9 and 23 in Del Mar and Aug. 16 in Oceanside. You can call for information at (858) 756-4117.

Last year, more than 50 dogs took part in the surf-a-thon. This year’s event is set to include help from Swami’s Surfing Assn., San Diego Surf Academy, pro surfer Guy Takayama and San Diego Pet Training.

While the contest is open to all dogs, experience has shown than shorter-legged ones have a better chance at balancing on a surfboard. A Great Dane was game last year but just too tall. Huskies and golden retrievers have done well. Bandit the Boston terrier and the pit bull Lucy (who surfs facing backwards) are among the veterans scheduled to be back.

The location of the surf-a-thon? Why, Dog Beach where Del Mar and Solana Beach meet, of course.

-- Tony Perry

Photo: Michael Schrager / Helen Woodward Animal Center

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[Helen Woodward Animal Center]

Ready to join in the fun? Register for the third annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon at www.surfdog.kintera.org