Little Dude, my third surf dog son - went home two different years with top surf dog prizes at the Loews Coronado Surf Dog Contest. That was in 2007 and 2009, surfing in San Diego, California at Imperial Beach. Check out the action of cool dogs, including Dude, in this YouTube - Dude rides about 1:30 in:

Dude was the underdog of the family - Elvis, my alpha basset hound was first in the lineup for this contest- but he chickened out when he saw the storm surf that day. I don't blame him - it was awful weather and a challenging rip tide had us all worried about safety.

Dude proved that #2 tries harder. He stepped right up, and took it all in stride. He rode wild waves - all the way to shore - with a remarkable laid-back style.

That was the day we dropped "Little" off of his name - from that day forward, he was the Dude.

He won awards for surfing waves by himself - and surfing tandem with me. But hey- we're not about winning - we're all about sharing the fun. Sharing the ride.

Dude and me at the Surf Dog Contest.    Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DOgDiary.org — **Dude and me at the Surf Dog Contest.** Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DOgDiary.org

Years later, Dude went blind. And still he surfed.

He stepped right up - and took it all in stride. He taught me more than anyone else about overcoming adversity. About not letting setbacks hold you back. About riding the ups and downs - the waves of life.

Here he is, pup SUPping (standup paddle boarding) with his two dog brothers and I on the Columbia River. He also windsurfed blind. No biggie.

Dude lived aloha spirit, each and every day. He was always up for an adventure.

Dude lives forever in our hearts - he may well be my most amazing surf dog of all. RIP Dudester. We miss your heart, your snores and your laid back style!