Surfing dogs in Southern California hit the waves for a good cause

From dachshunds to Dalmatians, dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds came out to catch a few waves Sunday in Del Mar, California.

The adventurous pups were participating in the 13th annual Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon, benefiting the Helen Woodward Animal Center, a no-kill shelter. More than 70 dogs competed to be named Top Surf Dog 2018, judged on how well they stayed on the board and their spirit.

Kentucky Gallahue, who brought his dog Derby to the event, told Inside Edition he never intended on teaching him how to surf. "I was actually learning to surf when I got here and he kept following me out and I pushed him on a wave and he rode all the way in," he said. "I was kind of mad but proud at the same time because he learned how to surf before me." Unfortunately for Derby, he wasn't the day's big winner — Sugar from Huntington Beach came in first, followed by Surf Gidget, a pug, in second place, and golden retriever Turbo in third. Catherine Garcia

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Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.