Surf Dog Ricochet, the much beloved therapy dog who learned to surf, has passed away in Southern California. The Golden Retriever was 15 years old and over her lifetime helped raise over $1 million US dollars for charities and a donation of more than one million bowls of food for homeless animals.
She also helped war veterans and children while riding the waves. Her owner Judy Fridono said that Richochet initially trained to be a service dog, but she enjoyed chasing birds and being outdoors more than assisting with household chores. On a fateful day in 2009, Ricochet jumped on a surfboard with quadriplegic surfer Patrick Ivison and became a viral sensation.
“That day she hopped on the board with Patrick, she was reborn,” Fridono said in a 2012 interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune. “She kept running back to the water with her tail wagging like she could finally tell me, ‘This is what I want to do.”‘
And do it she did much to the delight of kids with special needs, veterans with trauma, and other people in need of emotional support. Ricochet also won the hearts of dog lovers across the globe. She inspired and positively impacted many people during her life.
Last year (in 2022), Ricochet had her final surf as she encountered health challenges. She was diagnosed with kidney disease and then liver cancer last August.
Surf Dog Ricochet passed away peacefully on Friday. She leaves behind a lasting legacy of love and compassion.
Here’s a look back at Ricochet with her superpowers in action.
Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links.