Winter 2011 • V ol. 45 No. 4 - San Diego Humane Society and SPCA

Abbie
&Me
The story of how Abbie
changed Michael’s life.
Class is in Session!
Here comes the big one!
(At the recent humane education classroom dedication, left to right:
Michelle Quigley, Director, San Diego Humane Society North Campus;
Doug Dawson, Executive Director, Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation;
Dr. Judith Muñoz, Interim President, San Diego Humane Society)
A child’s face lights up as they gently touch a dog for the first time. A
family learns how to stabilize their pet in a medical emergency. Home-
Abbie Girl is a 5-year-old Australian Kelpie. She was
adopted from the Humane Society Silicon Valley
after a rough start to life. Her dad, Michael, has
since then integrated Abbie into his day-to-day life and activities.
Together they share a passion for sports and outdoor adventure.
Abbie started her surfing career in 2008 and since then she has
won several surfing competitions all over California, set the first
Guinness World Record for dog surfing, and even appears in
national commercials. Michael and Abbie now live in San Diego,
so we wanted to share this heartfelt story with other animalloving
members of our community.
The story of Michael and Abbie is one that captures the
impact that people and animals have on each other, and the
bond that is shared…
The story of how I met Abbie isn’t well known. It’s simple
but we hope it inspires everyone to incorporate their pet into
their everyday life, whatever that may mean.
In 2007, I was going through a difficult time. I had never
had a dog before, so I went to the Humane Society just to look.
I visited a few times but never fell in love. One day I tried again
and I saw Abbie. Amidst a paddock of excited, barking dogs,
Abbie sat calmly, eyes studying me. Then she cocked her head
to one side, as if to say, “Well, what are you waiting for?”
They say the dogs pick you, not the other way around.
The staff emphasized that she was traumatized and needed
socialization. Their parting advice was, “Bring her around
with you, so she starts to see the world.” I took that advice
and brought her everywhere. I took her jogging, rollerblading,
cycling and swimming in the ocean. In the beginning, she was
afraid of other dogs, loud noises, men and even dark rooms.
But through sports, Abbie slowly came out of her shell. She
gained confidence in herself, and learned to trust me by working
together as a team.
Bonding through sports was successful; Abbie’s life began to
change from rehabilitation to adventure seeking. On runs and
bike rides, she learned to listen to me for guidance. We started
tackling more complex activities.
In 2008 Abbie entered her first surfing contest. Like
everything we do, we follow three basic rules: 1) it’s about
exercising together, 2) Abbie’s participation is voluntary, and 3)
we communicate interactively.
As a result, Abbie enjoyed surfing so much she developed
a style unique to the sport. I don’t place her on the board; she
jumps on herself. Treats and toys aren’t used to keep her on the
board; surfing IS her treat. While we’re in the water, I have a
few phrases I say to her so she knows what’s going on – “wave
coming,” “turning around.” We even have a secret ritual before
I push her into a wave, and once she lands on the beach. The
more we interact, the more fun it is for her.
Surfing has become the center of our relationship, but
we do many other sports together, including sheepherding
and paragliding. If a timid dog like Abbie can become the top
surfing dog in a few years and set a Guinness World Record,
then every dog has endless potential if they have love and
encouragement.
My relationship with Abbie is special to me because it’s
grounded on activity and adventure. Her life has changed a
lot, but so has mine. I used to do extreme sports for my own
excitement. Now, I do it just to see that little tail wagging and
the big grin on her face. I’ve done more as an athlete with her
Good girl Abbie!
“
They say the dogs pick you,
not the other way around.
”
than before we met. We are both having fun, and I can
say she’s changed my life for the better.
People often ask me why anyone should adopt an
animal. My answer is, “Because they rescue you right
back”.
This article was written by Abbie’s dad, Michael
Uy. More information about Abbie can be found at
www.abbiesurfs.com. This story was submitted for
Purina’s “Tales From the Pet Lovers’ Heart” contest,
which benefits 20 animal organizations across the
country, including the San Diego Humane Society.
schooled students come together to discover facets of our ecosystem and
our vital role in protecting it.
In July, the Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation made a generous
grant to support construction and equipment costs of a humane
education classroom at our North Campus, Airport Road location. Now,
these moments – moments that can strengthen the human/animal bond
for a lifetime – can be a daily reality in the new classroom.
“As an educator for many years, Miss Ellen Browning Scripps
appreciated the lifelong impact of education,” notes Doug Dawson,
Executive Director of Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation.“Humane
Education sparks curiosity and compassion, provides an accessible toolkit
for safe and meaningful interactions with animals, and fosters a positive
relationship with animals and the world around us. The Ellen Browning
Scripps Foundation is pleased to invest in the San Diego Humane Society
and SPCA by supporting a venue for this worthy endeavor.”
When she opened the doors to the completed classroom for the first
time, Dr. Annie Petersen, Education Manager at the San Diego Humane
Society, didn’t have words – she simply sang with joy. “It finally gives
us a space to offer the North County community humane education
programs that we couldn’t offer before,” Dr. Petersen continued.
Under the direction of our humane education staff who have more
than 75 years of combined teaching experience, the available array of
activities in the new space are growing quickly. Upcoming programs
include “Tots and Tales,” geared for preschoolers, “Animal Adventure
Camp” for multiple age groups, interactive classes meeting California
curriculum standards for home-schooled students, and several adult
education seminars such as “First-Aid for Dogs and Cats” and the
“Happy Hour” lecture series.
Please visit our website at www.sdhumane.org or call (619) 299-
7012 for a complete schedule of activities and registration information.
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AnimalFare • Winter 2011
AnimalFare • Winter 2011
www.sdhumane.org
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