Competitive dog surfing is a well-established sport on the West Coast, but the FIDSC will be the first dog surfing competition in the country with a cash purse. Where else could this Ultimate Paws Sporting Event take place but Cocoa Beach, the birthplace and destination of countless human surfing champions and now the home of the East Dog Surf Champion, Booker D. Surfdog!
Pet parents can register their canine companions to participate in any of the competitions scheduled for the weekend, including Dock Diving at ultimateairdogs.com/cocoa. A special Iron Water Dog Challenge with a cash purse of 250 bones (dollars) is winnable by all around best proficiency in dock diving, dog surfing and speed racing. General registration for the Pro/Am Dog Surfing is open to all dogs from beginners to those with advanced skills. There is a 250 bones (dollars) cash purse for the Dog Pro Surf Challenge. WaterDog Paddleboard Company, from South Carolina, will be demonstrating human and “surFUR” partner tandem surfing. If time allows, there will be a Dog/Grom Contest, which is a tandem contest dog and child team. Registration for all Surf Dog Competitions is at http://www.fidsc.com.
The Dog Pro, America’s first cash prize dog surfing competition, "Is going to draw contestants from all over the USA. The competition is really going to be RUFF, as East meets West for the first time. This event combines three of my favorite things: dogs, the beach and rescue," says Tina Valant, official phoDOGrapher.
Coming in from the West Coast, a Guinness World Record surf dog will be squared off with a first place winner in the Purina Incredible Surf Dog Competition, against East Coast Champion, Booker D. Surfdog and Onyx Shorepound, to see who rules the surf.
In addition to the high-stakes competitions scheduled, there will be family-friendly activities scheduled all weekend long. On Saturday and Sunday, from 1pm – 2pm, the main stage will feature Florida’s own renowned animal communicator, Eden Cross; discussing complete issues of therapy dogs vs service dogs vs emotional support dogs by master dog trainer Eric Wells; and world famous animal phoDOGrapher, Tina Valant, discusses life in the Dog Lane and what it’s like in the world of phoDOGraphy.
Animal Communicator Eden Cross says, "This is the PAWfect new event for Florida! It's time to get on the map, more FUN-SHINE pet events for those on the East Coast!"
Local heroes, Boaz and Koa, from Patrick Air Force Base are therapy dogs for the founders of the non-profit AVET Project will be competing in the Dog Pro. Garren Cone, of Sebastian, says, “Koa is simply a natural!”
An Adop-A-Thon is at the SPCA of Brevard Adoption Village, located at the South end of Lori Wilson Park, with adoptable animals from different animal rescue organizations on site from 10am – 4pm both event days, in hopes that many homeless pets will find homes. "Booker D. Surfdog wants to make 2014, the Year of No-Kill Brevard", says show promoter Pops Steinberg. "There were 6049 dogs and cats, healthy adoptable animals, killed last year in Brevard County. Of the thousands of dogs killed in Brevard, many are bully breeds, specifically pit bulls. Booker D. Surfdog is a testament to what bully breeds are capable of accomplishing if allowed to live. Let's not mince words; there is no good side to euthanasia. The SPCA of Brevard is the largest, private No-Kill shelter in this county. I'm hoping that the attention that the surf dog and dock diving competitions will bring, can translate into happy furever homes."
Beach access to the designated SPCA Dog Beach area will be available to non-competitor, well-behaved, leashed dogs that are up to date on vaccines. Hours will be 10am – 4 pm both days. There will also be a special Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, by Pastor Kevin Wright of Faith City Church from 10:30am -11:30 am on the SPCA Dog Beach, which the community is invited to attend with their furry family members.
For more information, schedule of events or to register to compete, please visit http://www.fidsc.com.
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About SPCA of Brevard
The SPCA of Brevard is a private, non-profit organization with the mission of “protecting and providing a voice to the homeless animals of Brevard County.” Founded in 1979 in Titusville, Florida, the SPCA is the largest private no-kill animal rescue group in Brevard, finding homes for more than 1,300 animals a year. It is the first adoption facility with free-roaming cat rooms in the County, allowing adopters to interact with the cats in a more home-like setting. The SPCA of Brevard Clinic also provides reduced-price vaccines to the public and has performed more than 50,000 low-cost spay/neuter surgeries since 1999.
