Dog Surf-A-Thon Held Virtually

An architect and the CEO of San Diego, California-based architectural company AVRP Studios, Douglas Austin has a passion for architecture and philanthropy. In his free time, Douglas Austin enjoys surfing.

Because San Diego has the warmest water on the California coast, surfing is ideal on its beaches. The warm water and beaches also attract dog owners to the annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, an event that raises money for the Helen Woodward Animal Center. Unfortunately, the event was virtual in 2020, but that did not stop the organizers from creating a lighthearted event for a good cause. Theowners of surfing dogs sent videos from all over the world to show their dogs’ skills in the open water.

For dogs that cannot surf, the organizers created an alternate way to participate in the fundraiser - a Couch Surfing Photo Contest sponsored by Naturally Fresh. This competition also brought in money for the Helen Woodward Animal Center, which supports orphaned pets and other animal-care programs.