Photo: Abbie is the longest competing surf dog in the world. (Supplied: @abbiesurfs)
by Paige cockburn
The 10-year-old Australian Kelpie rescue dog has just taken first place in the World Dog Surfing Championships at Linda Mar Beach in California.
Abbie had a devastating start to life and was found on the roadside in the Silicon Valley, but was later adopted by Mike who introduced her to the beach in an attempt to rehabilitate her.
“We never planned this … originally we were just doing sports together as a way to bond because she had so much trauma,” Mike says.”She was even afraid of the dark and men, including me at first.
“But doing sports together I could actually measure how much closer we were getting … it built her trust in me.
“Since learning to ride the stick, Abbie has medalled in every competition she has entered and even set a new Guinness World Record for longest wave surfed by a dog — an impressive 107 metres.
But before this, it took some hard work from Mike to change people’s attitudes towards dog surfing and actually consider it a real sport rather than a novelty.
Photo: (Supplied: @abbiesurfs)
“We tried to push it to be more of a sport … but we did get accused of being competitive,”
Mike says.“However, now everyone is competitive! “The same people who were pissed off at us are now fighting for trophies.
“The transformation has been massive and the world of dog surfing has officially moved from a dress-up event in the shallows, to a truly athletic competition.”
You bet. “Chook” Preece says hello to you mate.He asked me why you wouldn’t be coming to the Luncheon. I told him anything south of the Cross Keys Pub was out of bounds for Nick.
Rod
Hello, Chook – hope you are well.
The Bulldog didn’t mention YOU were going to the lunch when I saw him today.
And don’t take any notice of derwombat – I have ventured past the Cross Keys on occasions, albeit rare occasions!
How awesome
LikeLiked by 1 person
Australian Breed and World champ surf dog.
Great.
Thanks Rod
LikeLiked by 1 person
Us Aussies can do anything!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You bet. “Chook” Preece says hello to you mate.He asked me why you wouldn’t be coming to the Luncheon. I told him anything south of the Cross Keys Pub was out of bounds for Nick.
Rod
LikeLike
Hello, Chook – hope you are well.
The Bulldog didn’t mention YOU were going to the lunch when I saw him today.
And don’t take any notice of derwombat – I have ventured past the Cross Keys on occasions, albeit rare occasions!
LikeLike
I think Chook will be making contact with the Bulldog very soon.
Rod
LikeLike
Righto.
LikeLike
This is so cute!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cute, Brave, Trusting. That’s a dog for you.
Rod
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, he is! So amazing
LikeLiked by 1 person