Carlsbad professional surfer Scott Chandler, known for his expertise in conquering mammoth 70-foot waves around the world, took to gentler surf recently with his dog Zoey and 10-year-old daughter Tyler to tape a segment for the upcoming special “Tales for the Pet Lover’s Heart.” The one-hour special broadcast, which will air nationwide this fall, is the culmination of Nestlé-Purina and Kroger’s/Ralphs second annual joint campaign celebrating the human-animal bond. The program highlights the beneficial relationships participants have with their pets and animal-welfare groups. In addition to surfer Chandler, this year’s guests include a pet photographer, an inner-city veterinarian and a greyhound rescue volunteer. The television special coincides with in-store promotions sponsored jointly by the two corporations emphasizing the relationship between people and their companion animals. A related Web site provides additional information on homeless pet adoptions, pet communications tips and opportunities for visitors to contribute their own pet tales. As part of the promotion, Nestlé-Purina and Kroger’s/Ralphs will donate $150,000 to shelter and rescue groups around the country, including organizations close to each of their seven program participants. Surfer Chandler gained Purina’s notice through his involvement with the Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Dog Competition. On June 20, he and daughter Tyler won their fourth consecutive first-place award in the tandem category along with their 5-year-old Jack Russell terrier, Zoey. For Chandler, whose two other dogs and pot-bellied pig also surf, the surfing experience is all about building closer relationships. “It’s one of the best ways of bonding and building trust with a dog,” he says. Chandler, a professional board shaper, also builds surfboards for dogs. They include a special traction surface enabling dogs to stay aboard by gripping with their feet and nails. Chandler recommends taking dogs out only in small surf conditions, no more than waist high. He introduced his dogs and pig to surfing with light surf on a lagoon near their North County home. Zoey’s technique involves sitting on the board’s nose when they surf together. “She squats down and gets in position with her front feet hanging 10 and we surf straight to the beach, with her head facing the beach and her tail to the water,” he explains. Chandler has no doubt that the greatest benefit of surfing with his dogs and daughter is an enhanced family bond. For more information about the broadcast and to share personal pet stories to help raise more money for animal welfare organizations, visit the show’s Web site at www.TalesForThePetLoversHeart.com.
