I never planned to raise a surf dog, but she had been in a kids’ pool at eight weeks old and showed great balance on a boogie board. Surf dog contests were becoming popular in southern California and someone suggested she take part in one, at Ocean Beach in San Diego.

The change means cats, dogs and rabbits sold by retailers cannot be sourced from breeders, only from animal shelters. A couple hoping to adopt a cat from a San Diego shelter on Friday, told NBC News the move was a step forward for the state.

Two sisters in San Diego had been begging for a dog for years, so when their parents surprised them with a puppy, the two were overcome with squeals and tears of joy. TODAY’s Hoda Kotb has the Morning Boost. Read More