This Saturday, hopeful Stand Up Paddle “Pawers” will head down to dog beach in Del Mar to try out the hottest new dog sport hitting the water!  Helen Woodward Animal Center, known for their annual Surf Dog lessons, is leading the pack by offering classes for the PUPular new canine-craze.  Perfect for dogs that prefer smooth waters to white water surf, pups and their owners have the opportunity to learn from one of the best.  Laura Nativo, Pet Trainer and Pet Lifestyle Host of Hallmark Channel's Emmy-Nominated Series, Home & Family, also happens to be a Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Semi Pro and this Saturday’s class instructor.   Those who wish to try Fido’s latest favorite fad can enroll to receive SUP instruction this Saturday, August 9th, Sunday, August 17th or Saturday, August 23rd.  All classes begin at 8:30am.

Considered one of the leading voices in animal-related entertainment, Laura Nativo leapt into the pet-world spotlight on the CBS hit reality show, Greatest American Dog, alongside her Pomeranian pup, Preston.  Laura and Preston finished in the top seven and their lives officially went to the dogs.   Since that time she and Preston have hosted a live, interactive show for dog lovers, Preston’s Planet L!VE; traveled the country to work with other amazing dogs and their humans filming The Adventures of Laura & Preston; hosted a dog competition one-hour special for the Game Show Network, Dog Park Superstars; and much more, ultimately landing on Hallmark Channel’s Lifestyle Series Home & Family.  Through it all, Nativo has been passionate about promoting the importance of the human-animal connection and volunteering with pet-focused charities around the country. 

In her spare time, Nativo has managed to establish herself as a semi-pro paddleboarder and she and Preston bond “on board.”   Now, Helen Woodward Animal Center, a longtime friend of Nativo’s and grateful recipient of her dedication to the animal welfare world, has asked the duo serve as Paddleboard Ambassadors, at the Center’s upcoming Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, sponsored by Blue Buffalo, on Sunday, September 7th, 2014.  The annual canine surf competition is the largest of its kind and has earned a reputation for attracting four-legged, ocean-obsessed athletes from up and down the coast.  This year, for the very first time, the beloved event will feature a Stand-Up Paddle Paws Parade, as well.  Nativo and Preston will kick off the event by leading that parade.

All Helen Woodward Animal Center Stand-Up Paddle Boarding lessons are limited to 5 dogs per class and run 70 minutes in length.   All classes cost is $45 with a $10 discount offered off any additional lessons and include the required canine life-vests and paddle boards.   Lessons are scheduled at 8:30am.