Face 6: Ricochet “A Miracle With Paws”

The other day my Aunt Karylee sent me an e-mail, as she does everyday. I get movies to put at the top of my list, word of the day, the latest news and of course the feel-good forward e-mails. I appreciate and read all of them. However, one stuck with me a little more than the rest.

It was a video on YouTube of a dog surfing. Wait, dogs don’t surf? Well, actually, yes- they do.

Soon enough the investigator in me took charge and before  I knew it I was having a phone conversation with Judy, the owner of Ricochet- the surfing dog.

Ricochet’s journey began shortly after Judy brought her in as a young pup to begin her training as a service dog. As Goldens are great at this by nature, Ricochet seemed like the perfect fit. But for some reason, Ricochet had a fascination with birds. Loving birds, meant chasing them, too. Chasing birds was a big ‘no-no’ for qualifications of being a service dog.

It’s okay though. God had other plans for Ricochet. Turns up the pup liked surfing. Mixing passion with purpose Judy and Ricochet made a plan. Ricochet could continue being of service to people with disabilities- just in the water instead of the land.

Ricochet’s first miracle work was with Patrick, a quadriplegic. He needed extra help to surf and after five waves Ricochet was able to jump on the same board as Patrick.  This was Ricochet’s first fundraiser, and was able to raise $10,000 for Patrick to help pay for his own service dog as well as physical therapy.

Ricochet and Patrick

Since then Ricochet has raised another $3,500 for a Christmas toy drive, in which 638 toys were purchased for Children’s Hospital and Domestic Violence Shelters.

‘Service Dog turned SURFice dog,’ Ricochet will continue to fundraise and help the world through her charm and surfing skills.

Click to Watch Ricochet’s Inspiring Video