Hello friends.  We're sorry to announce that the 2020 Woof-a-thon has been canceled.  We waited as long as we could to see if this crisis might pass before our August date, but it appears that things are far too unknown at this time, and are likely to take longer to get back to normal than originally anticipated.  
We just sent out the linked press release to local newspapers.  Let us know if you have any questions.  
Thank you for all your support of our event and fundraising over the years.  We hope to see you all soon!  In the meantime, feel free to direct interested persons to our website where they can read details, make a secure donation online and more.  
Stay safe and well!  All our best from the Woof-a-thon board of directors.  
Patrick Spike
Board Member

Our thanks to the North Coast News!  

​https://www.northcoastnews.com/news/dog-day-afternoon-annual-woof-a-thon-in-ocean-shores/

Thank you Angelo for the coverage and your support!  Read full article at the link below:

North Coast News - Click to access full article

Check out some of the fabulous baskets that have been donated so far for the 2017 Woof-a-thon!  More are yet to come!  Come out to the big event on August 12th 2017 starting at 10am at the North Beach Jr / Sr High School outside of Ocean Shores WA, buy your raffle tickets and drop them on the baskets of your choice to win! 

We are happy to announce the 2017 selected beneficiary charities! These worthy organizations will share in the total proceeds of our fundraising efforts for the year. Please show them some love on their Facebook pages linked below, and support them all you can. They are:

West Coast Search Dogs of Washington 
- http://www.westcoastsearchdogs.org/

Harbor Rescue 
- http://www.harborrescue.net/
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Gentle Paws Hospice & Sanctuary 
- http://www.gentlepawssanctuary.org/

PAWS of Grays Harbor 
- http://www.pawsgh.org/

We LOVE our volunteers... and they help us make the Woof-a-thon event and fundraising successful each year. We couldn't do it without them!  

Come join us Tuesday June 13th at 6:30pm at the Elk's Club in Ocean Shores for an informal gathering of former and new volunteers to hear about different opportunities and the fun!  

​If you're not able to attend, we'd still love to hear from you. Visit the volunteers page here on the website and contact us with your interest!  

There was a bit of confusion with the city schedulers this year and unfortunately North Beach Park got double booked. Well sometimes such mishaps lead to great things.  This year, instead of at the park, the Woof-a-thon will be held on the grounds of the North Beach Junior / Senior High School just outside the Ocean Shores front gate.  Plenty of space, restrooms, water and power... all the things we need.  We'll see you there on August 12th!  

From founder Wilma Spike
​The Two Lives of Pearl

I adopted Pearl from a rescue group up near Spirit Lake. She wasn't the dog I'd originally gone down to see, and in fact I was ready to leave when they brought out Pearl at the last minute, scared stiff (literally) and sad. I left her there and drove away – then decided I wanted to see her again and turned around. That was the beginning of our wonderful 6 years together.

Pearl had spent the first 8 years of her life at a puppy mill, in a crate, being bred constantly. She was not socialized, not potty trained, truly a blank slate, and very sad and scared. There were times that I loudly said maybe I would take her back (potty training was tough) but of course, I didn't! She gradually got the idea, and living in a condo, it takes a little time to get her outside. When I realize how far that must have seemed to her - -

Our walks were slow and so eye-opening for me. If we heard a bird or saw one, we stopped and watched. Grass was different, other dogs greeting her... It was all new to her! It was so heartwarming to see how she reacted. She was always so inquisitive (or snoopy) and was very willing to try anything.

When I founded and chaired the Ocean Shores Woof-a-thon event, it was natural for her to be part of the logo art. She was and is on all ads, promotional items, and of course, came to every event. The event has gone on for 5 years and has raised over $55,000 for four beneficiary animal related organizations. She was every bit a partner in this, and enjoyed the events. And why not? She was carried around all day like the princess she was!!

How do I write down the wonderful times we had.? I am so grateful for those years, and the memories I have of her. She made me smile just looking at her. She was a great traveler, and went everywhere with me. She also became the mascot to other condo owners here at Dreamscape. She loved them all, and they loved her. For a 5 pound dog, she left a huge paw print in this town and on all of us. She will be missed by all. Anyone who has loved an animal knows the pain of losing them. My feeling is that life will never be quite as good again without her.

I have never had a dog who got more attention than Pearl. She was a blue merle Pomeranian with one blue eye. She was a beautiful girl, and so many asked what she was. Miniature Husky? Artic Fox? On and on. Her coloring was so unusual for a Pom.

Her death was unexpected. It appeared she had a stroke. She had had a good day prior to that. I was holding her and whispering to her when she passed away. Peacefully. Yes, I gave her the second life that she was living and loving, but she also gave so much to me. We had a totally wonderful 6 years together, and I am so very grateful for that and having her in my life. I will miss her forever. RIP – my little Pearl girl.

The North Coast Journal article on the passing of Pearl.
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​www.northcoastnews.com/life/in-memory-of-pearl-woof-a-thons-icon/#civil-comments