Pet Tags for Cowabunga Canines

It’s amazing the things dogs can do. In fact, when you see a service animal turning on lights, retrieving objects or guiding their owners, it’s easy to forget dogs are animals and not human beings.  For dog lovers the line between dog and human is always a little blurry.  Then you see a story about a dog riding a surf board or skate board and the line disappears all together.   A four-year-old Jack Russell named Oli, is on his way to becoming a surfing pro. According to his owner, Michael Naish, Oli enjoys his time riding the waves. "It was a bit of an experiment really, but Oli loved it. He adores the water and wasn't scared at all."   It will take a bit of time and plenty of tasty treats to turn a family pet into a surfing pro, but I’m sure both Oli and Naish will enjoy the ride.  The Loews Hotel surfing competition, one of many competitions held each year, benefits the San Diego Police Department Canine Unit.  Winners receive an ultimate pet vacation and bragging rights.  That’s just one more reason to go to San Diego this summer (as though I needed one).  Maybe I can teach Lila to catch a wave, since she refuses to catch anything else (except popcorn).   Of course all the pups are decked out in their most bitchin swim wear.  You can see poodles in pink bikinis or bull dogs in swimming trunks. A few more daring breeds will run along the beach au natural.  Life vests and pet tags are mandatory; cool shades are optional.  After hitting the waves, pups and their people can chill on the beach and watch the action, along with 2,000 spectators from as far away as Minnesota and Hawaii.