​Surf Dog Ricochet’s protégé, Cori provides canine-assisted swimming to reduce
the number of drowning deaths among kids with autism and other disabilities. 
​

​Surf Dog Ricochet recently acquired a new Labrador retriever puppy named Cori. The first time Cori encountered a swimming pool, she was 16 weeks old and terrified. It took time, patience and baby steps, but her fear transcended into a life-saving initiative. 

​​She started showing an instinct for water rescue when she was 9 months old. She is very focused and attentive when kids are in the water, and has a natural tendency to jump in when she hears splashing.  

​Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4. However, the danger of drowning is much higher for children with special needs, specifically those with autism. 

​Like her predecessor, Ricochet, she has chosen her own life purpose… canine-assisted swimming for kids with special needs.

She works with organizations that teach kids with special needs to swim. Cori is an added benefit to their program and provides assistance like only a dog can!

​Cori is able to break down barriers often experienced between swim instructors and students. 

​Some kids have refused to get in the pool with an instructor, but they willingly get in with Cori.

Because Cori had a fear of water herself, she’s able to motivate kids to get over their fear too… “if Cori did it, so can I”. 

​Parents who have been taking their kids to swim lessons for years are thrilled to see improvement after just one session with Cori.

​​Kids become more inclined to try things when they know Cori will keep them safe. 

​Cori wears a special lifejacket made for water rescue. There are two handles on the back where the child can hold onto while practicing their kicking, etc.

​Because Cori’s lifejacket has multiple handles, she can tow more than one child at a time, making it a fun experience for siblings too.

​Various buoys are used as Cori tows kids to the steps

​Kids are able to reach their full potential through fun, sensory based exercises that are geared to reduce fear and apprehension while improving confidence, social interaction, life-saving skills and more

​Cori's physical presence and interaction in the water also reduces anxiety.

​Her innate concern and focused attention for kids in the water gives them a sense of added safety.

​To get kids closer to the pool and ease their trepidation, they are encouraged to throw balls or toys for Cori to retrieve. 

​The kids are also urged to sit on the side of the pool with Cori, dipping their toes in the water to get acclimated. 

​It’s also easier for Cori to get a child to wear goggles! 

​And, kids are more willing to wear a life jacket when they know Cori does too. 

Canine-assisted swim lessons always include human-canine bonding between Cori and the child to build rapport and trust.

​Fear is replaced with excitement as kids come up with ideas for towing!

​Before you know it, the child is laughing, having fun, and learning to swim!

​Cori also participates in beach events as some kids have more fear in the ocean. 

​Kids love when Cori tows them to shore

​She also does mock water rescues with the kids

​A credentialed swim instructor is always leading the activities

Cori’s canine-assisted swimming is part of Ricochet’s Waves of Empowerment program so beach activities also include surfing with Ricochet, mock water rescue, towing, safety awareness, water games, retrieval exercises and more.

We have corroborated with Special Fishies Aquatic Freedom and Education, a non-profit organization in San Clemente, CA.

They focus on safety as well as building a child’s confidence, increasing self-esteem, and creating a lifelong love of the water. Kids learn through play and each class is tailored to the child's needs and goals. 

​91 percent of all wandering-related deaths among autistic children are due to accidental drowning. Because of these statistics, Cori also raises awareness of water safety and drowning prevention. Please help her reduce these numbers by sharing this info… and help save a life.  

If you would like Cori and/or Ricochet to participate in your swim lessons or beach activities, or you'd like to have your kids part of canine-assisted swimming, send an email to pawinspired@aol.com.

For more information, go to http://www.surfdogricochet.com/canine-assisted-swimming.html
Facebook.com/SurfDogRicochet/
Instagram.com/surfdogricochet/

Hi res photos & video clips available upon request

If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, please click the donate button below. Your donation will help cover the costs of equipment, pool/site rental fees, insurance, program management, etc. But, most importantly, your donation could save a life! Thanks for your support.
Wish list

Cori also has a wish list on Amazon. Just go to http://a.co/dwGXP4C
​

Ricochet has been providing therapeutic assistance and creating unique surfing experiences for kids and adults with disabilities for over seven years. In that time, we have witnessed some pretty amazing life-saving, and life-changing transformations in the people that she has helped. Those transformations led to an organic evolution with Ricochet’s newest program called Waves of Empowerment (WOE). 

The WOE program is about inspiring and empowering kids with special needs, people with disabilities and military with physical and emotional challenges like PTSD to help themselves by helping others. These individuals are now volunteering to assist new people with disabilities who want to surf with Ricochet. The interactions in the water or on the beach cultivate renewed spirits and a sense of purpose for both the participants and volunteers. 

​Last Sunday, Ricochet hosted a surf session at La Jolla Shores in San Diego. Individuals who volunteered were matched one-on-one with new participants who are also disabled. 10 year old West has autism and first surfed with Ricochet in 2013. He used to be afraid of water and dogs until Ricochet helped him overcome his fears. He was matched with Adaptive Jim who recently lost his leg in a motorcycle accident.

​
​Janina, a military veteran originally met Ricochet through a Canine Inspired Community Re-Integration program through Paws’itive Teams. She was matched with Alesha who has cerebral palsy. 

Every 65 minutes a veteran with PTSD takes their life by suicide. We are dedicated to improving the lives of our physically and emotionally wounded war heroes.

Military service members like Esther volunteer to be on the water team to help K9 assisted surfers like Alesha. This responsibility fosters trust and gives them both a sense of connection to each other and the team. 

One of the effects of PTSD and other disabilities is social isolation. We provide a safe environment where participants and volunteers are embraced with an abundance of compassion, encouragement and positivity. So much so, that service members Amy and her husband were eager for their two year old son to surf with Ricochet. Scroll to the bottom of the page to watch video of Aiden catching a wave! 

​
​We focus on facilitating engagement and building new relationships which fosters camaraderie and belonging. 

​West has become Ricochet’s junior handler and took Jim under his wing to show him how to ride with her. 

​Things didn’t go exactly the way West had planned, but an incredible bond formed between the helper and the surfer. Click the video below to watch their mutual concern for each other, and Ricochet when they wiped out. 

Then, Jim changed gears and became a helper for Alesha's next ride. Ricochet originally met Jim in Lake Tahoe at a dog friendly resort. His leg was amputated due to a motorcycle accident. Since then, he’s become interested in adaptive sports and is active in the amputee community & Amputee Coalition of America. 

Alesha has cerebral palsy. This was the first time she’s surfed without another human on board. She became so empowered, she rode a couple waves on her own!! Scroll to the bottom of this page to see Alesha's video!

Six year old Sasha has autism. Kids with special needs typically have an adult supervising them at all times. But when they surf with Ricochet, it’s often the first time they’ve done something completely on their own, which can be very empowering for them. Scroll to the bottom of the page to see Sasha's rides. 

​After Sasha was finished with her rides, she changed into a pink Ricochet shirt and was ready to help others!

​10 year old Makena also has autism. She is pretty much non-verbal so she can't tell her parents what she likes or wants to try. In this case, we had an adult on board to monitor her reactions. Her mom later shared that it was a thumbs up! Scroll to the bottom of this page to see video of Makena's rides!

Amy has Xeroderma Pigmentosum/trichithiodystrophy complex. It is extremely rare, life-threatening and progressive. She was matched with military service member, Esther. Amy has surfed before, but never without another human on board.

​Amy was able to kneel on her first ride with Ricochet

She stood up on her next ride with her service member, Esther cheering her on! Then, she ditched Ricochet and rode her next wave totally alone! Talk about empowerment! Scroll to the bottom of this page to watch video of Amy surfing solo!

​
​13 year old Ian McFarland (on the left) first surfed with Ricochet in 2009. He suffered a brain injury in a horrific car crash that claimed the lives of his parents. He used to surf with his daddy, but was afraid to go back in the water until Ricochet gave him the confidence to conquer the waves. Now he offers encouragement to other kids.

​Ian cheers on other surfers, and gives them a pep talk before hitting the waves. 

​Everyone involved is developing relationships with each other as they are working side-by-side. They tend to start interacting more, their social skills improve and their compassion & empathy are enhanced. Safety is of utmost importance and there is always seasoned instructors in the water that have years of experience and expertise in adaptive surfing. 

​Siblings are a big part of this program. Offering them volunteer opportunities keeps them involved, active and an essential member of the team. Here, Sasha’s brother Ben is making sure her wetsuit is zipped up all the way. 

​
​When kids are are allowed to help other kids surf with Ricochet, it gives them a sense of worth. Their self-confidence blossoms and their accomplishments are endless. Lauren and Lexi encouraged Alesha with a sign.  

​
​Reese is West’s sister and was an instrumental "Rip Curl Registrar" volunteer. She made sure everyone who attended was registered and she distributed "paw it forward" wristbands.

​We urge kids of our volunteers to become helpers too. They typically assist at the shoreline, catching the board when it comes in, and screaming cheers of encouragement. 

​Sometimes taking a day off from school to help on the beach is warranted as kids learn a great deal about compassion and community service. They gain such powerful values that can't be taught from a book.  

​
​Bonds between the kids & military are powerful. Brandon, is a Marine who worked with Ricochet in the Canine Inspired Community Re-Integration program. He often handles Ricochet on the beach, showing kids just how strong her healing power is! 

​
​Sasha is given a helping hand. Although they started off as strangers, their bond quickly grew. Trust is paramount when you’re surfing!

Leslie met Ricochet through the Canine Inspired Community Re-Integration program. She has experience with autism, so it was a perfect fit for her to be matched with Makena. 

​
​There are many other volunteer opportunities for those who prefer to stay dry like military service member Monica. She first met Ricochet through the Cainine Inspired Community Re-Integration program.

​Raising awareness is a big part of this program. Every child or adult that surfs with Ricochet has a cause. Whether it’s directly related to their disability or just something they truly believe in. We are grateful to the media for helping us with this. 

​
​Ricochet always offers an abundance of love and paws-on healing during these surf sessions. She knows what each individiual needs and provides it. Personal tragedies are turned to triumphs through the healing power of the ocean, and the healing power of a dog. 

​
​Although not every participant or volunteer fought in war, they have all fought health battles. Please join us as we take our first step in celebrating all warriors, regardless of their battle.   

If you are an active duty service member or veteran that would like to volunteer to help Ricochet surf with kids who have special needs, or if you'd like to become a volunteer, or if you have a disability, PTSD or a child with special needs that would like to surf with Ricochet, please send an email to pawinspired@aol.com. 
​
In addition to our veteran and disabled volunteers, we are always looking for water men and women, photographers, videographers, cheerleaders and friends! Just send us an email if you’d like to volunteer in any capacity. 

For additional information and to follow Ricochet on social media, click the links below:

SurfDogRicochet.com

https://www.facebook.com/SurfDogRicochet

https://www.instagram.com/SurfDogRicochet

Photo & video credit:
Barb McKown
Jordan Hedrick
Vernon Gilmore

Note to media: High resolutions photos and video clips are available. Contact Judy Fridono at pawinspired@aol.com or 707-228-0679

Notice how Ricochet keeps looking at 9 year old West until he makes eye contact. It appears she is concerned about his well-being after jumping from the surfboard. Her behavior reinforces the concept that dogs are sentient beings capable of empathy. Not only that, but West is deliberate in locking eyes with Ricochet. It's like an unspoken ritual of concern for each other. 

It has been said that individuals with autism have difficulty with eye contact and communication. Although the interaction between Ricochet and West is brief... it's extremely powerful. As I've said many times... dogs are always communicating, we just have to listen. West is clearly listening, and so is Ricochet. They don't need language to interact, communicate and connect on a very deep level. 

For more information on Ricochet's work with children who have autism and other special needs, go to Paws-on Healing 

Please share this post so others can see the magic that is happening right under our noses! I'm sure we'll all have revelations about the behavior of our dogs and children... if we listen. Thank you!

And please leave a comment with your thoughts!

Follow Ricochet on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. 

Life experiences can cause imbalances in our physical, emotional and spiritual energy fields which result in sickness or stress. Reiki is a form of energy healing that can regain that balance. We all have access to this energy, as it flows through each and every living being. So, Reiki is actually spiritually guided life force energy that is channeled for the benefit of others. It goes to where the person needs it most at that moment in time.

While in Sedona, Ricochet received a Reiki attunement... an initiation to the universal life energy. In addition, she received the “distance” symbol, making her an official level II Reiki practitioner. This symbol allows her to send healing energy across time and space. 

Until we went to Sedona, it never occurred to me that Ricochet might have the power to heal people from a distance. But, since we are all inter-connected energetically, and made of universal life force energy, I thought it would be interesting to find out.

So last month, we tried Ricochet’s paw at distance healing with the help of Nedra Abramson, a Reiki practitioner from Acupressure for all Creatures. The session was carried out with the compassionate intention of connecting energetically to produce the highest good for all involved. The only requirement was that each person granted permission for the energy to flow to them, and that they had a sincere willingness to receive and benefit from it. All it took was the belief that love, blessings, intentions or prayer can be sent through the power of energy.

These positive affirmations are encouraging because if Ricochet is able to provide healing from a distance, she can help more people. We are now conducting an experiment with a number of veterans with PTS and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). We link an article of their clothing, such as a sock or bandana to their energy field. By doing this, Ricochet will be able to use her scenting ability as well as her intuition and empathy to detect the individual’s persona. People with PTS typically produce high levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) which keeps them in a constant “fight or flight” state.

If Ricochet is able to reduce their cortisol levels from a distance, their anxiety and stress should decrease as well. Balance should be re-established and the emotional grip of PTS should be eased. We are hopeful that this holistic approach may provide a unique enhancement to the healing power of dogs!

If you are a veteran, or know one who would like to participate in this experiment, please email pawinspired@aol.com. And, if you would like to read more about Ricochet's healing abilities, go to her other blog entry Unleashing a Surf Dog's Healing Power and Paws-on Healing.

Guest Blog by Jordan Walker

Author: Jordan Walker


Jordan is the lead content curator for Coops And Cages as well as a couple of other pet related blogs. His passion for animals is only matched by his love for 'attempting' to play the guitar. If you would like to catch him, you can via Google+ or Twitter: @CoopsAndCages

By Judy Fridono

On Sunday, July 20th, Surf Dog Ricochet surfed with pro surfer, Rob Machado. Rob is one of the worlds greatest surfers. He was consistently amongst the top seeded competitors while on the ASP World Tour. With 12 career WCT victories.

Rob has been among the elite top ten most popular surfers since 1996 on Surfer Magazine’s Surfer Poll and was inducted into the Surfer’s Hall of Fame in 2000 and re-inducted in 2006.

To say it was an honor to have him surf with Ricochet is an understatement. His beautiful caring soul was very evident, not only through his energy, but through his two amazing daughters who accompanied him to the beach.

As the biography on Rob's website states "Rob is known for his Zen-like flow both on land and in the water.

If you’ve read Ricochet’s best selling book, you know that she's very intuitive, empathic and mirrors the emotions of others. When she surfs with children with special needs, people with disabilities, wounded warriors and veterans with PTSD she is always very focused. She rarely has a smile on her face because she takes what she’s doing very seriously. She knows that she has their life in her paws.

But, when she surfed with Rob, she was completely at peace. Totally zen. She has NEVER laid down while surfing in the 5+ years she’s been doing it. She could feel Rob's Zen-like flow and took it on as her own.  She knew Rob didn’t need help, so she just enjoyed the ride! It was a beautiful sight, and joy rippled through the water, onto the beach, and into the hearts of all who watched. Sigh...

Check out the video!!

 

I'm not really competitive, but it's always fun to win a contest. But you know what's even better than winning? Donating your prize to the San Diego Humane Society! The 1st place prize was a $250 Unleashed by Petco gift card, and gift basket filled with $250 worth of merchandise.

2nd place for tandem was a $50 Unleashed by Petco gift card and Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc. gift basket with $100 worth of food.  To me and Antonio, it wasn't just surfing... it was saving lives!!!!!!

During our tandem surf, we dressed as Miss Pig Doggie & Kermutt. We had two good rides, and then the current go the better of us, and we lost my wig & Kermutt's head!

I find that surfing with purpose is much more fulfilling. So, when I surfed in the contest yesterday, I was surfing in memory of Sonny Miller. He passed away a few days earlier at only 54 years old from a heart attack. He was the camera man during the ESPN filming. I also have a surf angel named Caleb that keeps me safe in the water.

My water helpers are incredibly kind hearted and giving. I think they love me as much as I love them. Dave is my main water handler. He's been surfing me for several years, and we know each other very well both in the water and out. His son Austin also helped yesterday, along with Ryan and John.

Thanks to all my virtual cheerleaders, there was so much positive energy in the water. I had a lot of fun, and I can't wait til next year.

Here are some videos and pics! Hope you enjoy them. More coming soon!

Ricochet takes to the waves to compete in the Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition, previously known as the Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Contest.

She will be in the second, medium dog heat at 12:00pm, and then she'll be surfing in the tandem heat with Antonio from the K9 Kahuna's at 1:35pm. Ssssssh, we can't tell you what they're going to be dressed as, but they'll be in costumes so be sure to check them out!!

The contest benefits the San Diego Humane Society, which is near and dear to Ricochet's heart because she was a recipient of their Animal Compassion Award for an extraordinary human-animal bond and extending compassion to others in the community.

Ricochet typically places in the top three spots in surf dog contests, and won 1st place at this contest in 2012, and 2nd place with celebrity, Cameron Mathison in tandem.

Come be a (cheer)leader of the pack and cheer Ricochet on!! Hope to see you there!! Scroll down for schedule, directions and more.

Pro surfer, Taylor Knox is a judge this year. Ricochet had the honor of surfing with him in the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge several years ago. Paw-abunga!!

Competition schedule

• 11:00 am - Large Surf Dog Heat starts
• 11:45 am - Medium Surf Dog Heat starts
  
• 12:30 pm - Small Surf Dog Heat starts
  
• 1:15 pm - Tandem Heat starts
  
• 2:00 pm - Awards Ceremony

What? Your dog doesn't surf? That's ok, there's plenty of other activities for your doggies and kiddies!!


Other dog and family-friendly activities

• Sandcastle sculpting
• Chill zone
• Kid zone
• Beginners agility course
• Dog wash

• Dog adoptions
• Retailer booths
• Off-leash play area
• Beer garden
• Food trucks
  

Directions From 5 North or South
Exit Palm Ave.
Stay left as the road splits, continuing on Palm Avenue
Turn left on Seacoast Drive
Event is on the right next to the pier Parking You can either find street parking or park at the Mar Vista High School parking lot a few blocks away. There is no cost to park in the lot. Limited spots are available. A complimentary shuttle from the lot to the beach will run from 9 am to 3 pm.

Parking Address:
Mar Vista High School
505 Elm Ave
Imperial Beach, CA 91932

I call it the 4th of Bejeebers! I don’t like pop noises to begin with. So, when the 4th of July comes around, I run for cover! You should NEVER take your pets to a fireworks show. Even if they seem calm, they may be displaying subtle behaviors of anxiety like yawning or licking their lips.
Try to act as normal as possible because your pet can pick up on unuusal behavior. Stay calm, happy and cheerful so positive energy is surrounding your pet.

Here are a 10 tips that help me feel more comfortable and safe that you can use with your pets too…

1. Exercise your pet earlier in the day.
2. If possible, stay home with your pets.
3. Keep your pets indoors. When they need to toilet, be sure to go outside with them in case an un-expected fire cracker pops. Many pets will bolt, seeking refuge to get away from the noise.
4. Close windows, blinds or drapes.
5. Turn on the air conditioning.
6. Turn on a radio or TV to drown out the noise, or
7. Use sound therapy music designed especially for pets. Through a Dog’s Ear has CD’s to reduce pet anxiety.
8. Create a safe, comfortable place for your pet. When scared, pets typically like small, enclosed spaces like a crate. It’s a good idea to cover the crate with a blanket to provide extra comfort. If they already have a favorite place, put down extra blankets.
9. Make sure your pets are wearing their ID tags. If you haven’t microchipped your pet, doing so before the 4th of July is highly recommended.
10. Give your dog something fun to do to occupy his mind, like a meaty bone or filling a Kong with his favorite treats. Freeze it beforehand so it lasts longer.
11. Use ear phones like the ones used for dogs on planes to drown out noise, such as Mutt Muffs
12.  Use aroma therapy such as Canine Calm
13. If you have an exceptionally anxious pet, talk to your veterinarian about possible anti-anxiety medication.
14. Get a Thundershirt for your pet which has been shown to reduce anxiety. Their website reports that over 85% of Thundershirt users see significant improvement in noise anxiety symptoms.
15. Make sure there is plenty of water available, as anxious dogs tend to pant  more.

If you have additional suggestions, please leave them in a comment below.

Also check out this FREE e-book, “Dogs and Firewords Help Guide” and FREE MP3 of firework sounds to de-sensitize and counter-condition your pet at  http://www.dogsandfireworks.com/

Stay safe!

Surf Dog Ricochet, the SURFice Dog's® book will be officially released on June 3rd! She's having an online launch pawty & YOU'RE invited! Win $150, pawtographed copies & other prizes! Register here!

Purchase on 6/3 from http://www.RicochetTheSurfDog.com/ & you'll get hundreds of dollars of bonus gifts with your purchase!

If you love animals and enjoy heart-warming stories about courage, joy and the spirit of giving—you are in for a life-changing treat.

In her new book, Ricochet: Riding a Wave of Hope with the Dog Who Inspires Millions, Judy Fridono shares the emotionally-moving story of Ricochet, the beloved golden retriever who went from puppy prodigy to service-dog dropout before becoming an inspirational phenomenon and Internet sensation.

Judy Fridono is a service dog trainer and Founder of Puppy Prodigies, a unique program that trains puppies from an early age to be service dogs. She is also the guardian of Ricochet, the amazing surf dog who is a philanthropic hero, fundraising marvel and goodwill ambassador.

A one-of-a-kind dog, Ricochet has surfed her way into millions of hearts with her message of hope, healing, living your purpose and pawing it forward. Ricochet herself is a shining example of the rewards that come with being true to yourself and making the most of your gifts.

From her birth, Ricochet seemed destined to be a special service dog. With boundless energy she surpassed every other pooch in her Puppy Prodigy class. However 15 months into Ricochet’s training, her passion for chasing birds forced her to leave the program because her instinctive impulse to run after them could endanger those she was assisting.

At first, Judy Fridono was frustrated and saddened. But then she felt a stirring within that told her she needed to just let go and allow Ricochet to live her own purpose—which she did one day by unexpectedly jumping on a surfboard with 14-year-old, Patrick Ivison, who is quadriplegic.

It wasn’t long before Ricochet became the world’s only SURFice dog®, participating in numerous charity events that changed the lives of a sea of very grateful people.

JUNE 3RD ONLY DURING THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF “RICOCHET” YOU’LL RECEIVE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS OF BONUS GIFTS WITH YOUR PURCHASE OF THIS LIFE-ENHANCING BOOK! Click here to learn more about the book, bonus gifts and ordering.

Through her extraordinary gift of surfing, Ricochet has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities and those in need. With every wave she rides, she heals hearts and transforms lives by teaching people to believe in themselves and follow their heart.

Because of Ricochet’s fund-raising events a teenager with a debilitating spinal cord injury received treatment that allowed him to walk at his high school graduation; a young boy with autism found his voice; and a soldier burdened by post-traumatic stress regained his freedom.

These are just some of the wonderful stories of how Ricochet has taught so many to thrive by tapping into the vast potential that lives within us all. Her triumphant tale of hope teaches enduring life lessons that enable you to:

• Follow your heart and pursue your dreams
• Allow your destiny to flow to you gracefully
• Become a force for love and good in the world
• Experience the heartfelt splendor that comes with surrender
• Open yourself to the beauty of life’s endless ‘paw’sibilities
  
  

“Ricochet will bound right into your heart. Her story inspires us all to find our purpose!”
--W. Bruce Cameron, author, A Dog’s Purpose

The story of Ricochet is one of purity, synchronicity, our interconnectedness and opening ourselves to life’s ‘paw’sibilities. It will motivate your spirit to make the most of the gifts hidden within you—so you can shine your light on the world and paw it forward!

P.S. This life-affirming and inspiring book will still be available after the June 3rd special launch event, but the bonus gifts are only available for 24 hours--so order your copy today! Click here for more information about the book, bonus gifts and ordering! http://ricochetthesurfdog.com