WHO IS SURF DOG RICOCHET
Little surFUR girlL
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When Surf Dog Ricochet was eight weeks old, in addition to her service dog task training, she began balance and coordination training on a boogie board in a kiddie pool. Then, in the spring of 2009, she began going out to Fiesta Island, taking small paw steps before taking the giant leap to the ruff waters of the ocean.
She had been in the ocean about three times when she got a last minute call to compete in the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge Surfing dogs Competition on June 12, 2009. She was still quite a novice grom at 15 months old, but managed to win 3rd place in the large surfing dog category. She was only one point off from the 2nd place winner. Not bad for a new surf dog amongst the more experienced surfing dogs. The Purina Incredible Dog Challenge invitation came at a pivotal time in her life, as it occurred during a period of serious discussions about her future. It was already evident that she wasn't fulfilling the expectations as a traditional service dog due to her interest in chasing critters... and there was disappointment about what she couldn't do, or become. |
But, when she won third place that day, new thoughts of what she COULD do came to the forefront. The presumed dead end became a journey of infinite possibilities when Surf Dog Ricochet found her doggie destiny. Several weeks later the final decision about releasing her from her service dog role was made. The idea of becoming a SURFice dog was born that day on the beach during the contest, and we're forever grateful to Purina for inviting Surf Dog Ricochet to be one of the surf pups in the contest! Talk about new (doggie) doors opening!!
Surfing dogs & contestsSurf Dog Ricochet was one of the original southern California surfing dogs when dog surfing competitions started. She competed for several years, and typically won first, second or third place, including the Loews Coronado Bay contest (now called Unleashed by Petco Competition), the Helen Woodward Surf Dog Surf a Thon, Surf City Surf Dog and the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge. Some of the dog surfing contests held fundraisers in conjunction with their events, and Surf Dog Ricochet was always the top fundraiser. She also surfs for fun, but her passion is surfing with purpose... focusing on people with disabilities, and kids with special needs in a non traditional way! |
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Board jumper
Surf Dog Ricochet's first tandem surfing adventure was with Patrick Ivison, a quadriplegic adaptive surfer. The first time they surfed, the plan was to surf the same wave, but on their individual boards. They did that a few times, but then one time when they reached shore, Surf Dog Ricochet took a leap of faith (literally), and jumped off her board, and onto Patrick's.
Service dog, therapy dog, hero dog
Surf Dog Ricochet was one of the original southern California surfing dogs when dog surfing competitions started. She competed for several years, and typically won first, second or third place, including the Loews Coronado Bay contest (now called Unleashed by Petco Competition), the Helen Woodward Surf Dog Surf a Thon, Surf City Surf Dog and the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge.
Some of the dog surfing contests held fundraisers in conjunction with their events, and Surf Dog Ricochet was always the top fundraiser. She also surfs for fun, but her passion is surfing with purpose... focusing on people with disabilities, and kids with special needs in a non traditional way!
Some of the dog surfing contests held fundraisers in conjunction with their events, and Surf Dog Ricochet was always the top fundraiser. She also surfs for fun, but her passion is surfing with purpose... focusing on people with disabilities, and kids with special needs in a non traditional way!
Adaptive surfing, surf therapy & ocean therapy
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Prior to Surf Dog Ricochet, there weren’t any dogs committed to adaptive surfing, surf therapy or ocean therapy. Therefore, she became the Canine Ambassador for Surfers with Disabilities®. In the last couple years, other dog owners both locally, and as far as South Africa have become inspired by her self-chosen career. They would like to share the stoke of their dog's healing power too. But, we highly recommend that each dog receives professional training and becomes credentialed as a certified or registered therapy dog with a legitimate national organization before embarking on this endeavor. And liability insurance specific to surfing with a dog is a must because there are risks associated with this type activity.
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Paws-on healing
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But what makes Surf Dog Ricochet extraordinary is her powerful ability to make immediate, deep, heart-to-heart connections with the individuals she interacts with. She intuitively and empathically alerts to their emotional and physical changes which allows for profound paws-on healing interventions.
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Supporter
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Surf Dog Ricochet is an ambassador for, or supports the following organizations:
Anti-bullying Autism Surf Camp Beautifully Flawed Retreat - Friends of Bethany Hamilton Best Day Foundation Canine Inspired Community Re-integration (CICR) Free Kibble Helen Woodward Animal Center ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation Life Rolls On Living The Dream Foundation Make A Wish |
Marine Corps Exceptional Family Member Program
Morris Animal Foundation Navy Life SW Fleet & Family Readiness Program Ocean Healing Group Paw it forward Pay It Forward Day SICS School of Water Rescue Dogs Surf for SMA Surfers for Autism Surfers Healing Veteran's Adaptive Sports Camp - Surf Clinic |
Philanthropist
In addition to Ricochet's surfing, she's raised more than $1 million dollars for over 250 different human & animal causes. She also inspires people to allow themselves and others to be who they truly are... without judgment or intention to change. To focus on what they CAN do, which allows for a celebration of pawmazing outcomes! She promotes staying true to yourself, anti-bullying, kindness, charity, philanthropy, and social responsibility.
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Out of the box“Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” ― Apple Inc. |
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Well, Ricochet isn't "people", but she certainly sees things differently, does things differently and no matter what, she stays true to herself and her purpose so she can change the world!
She was told she couldn't be a service dog because she likes to chase birds. So, she did something different than the status quo. She jumped on a surfboard, and has been surfing with people with disabilities ever since. Plus, as the years went by, she started helping military with PTSD as a service dog. So, she went full circle! She's an empath, and has been blessed with the ability to instantly bond with anyone she interacts with. She intuitively knows exactly what each individual needs, even if they don't. In her world, she does things differently than most. She has her own ideas, beliefs and life purpose. She doesn't follow the status quo. |
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SURFice dogBecause of Ricochet's unique, and highly skilled background of service, therapy and surf dog training, She's the only SURFice dog® on the planet who surfs with kids with special needs, people with disabilities, wounded warriors and veterans with PTSD.
CelebrityRicochet has been featured in hundreds of media sources all over the world showcasing and raising awareness of her causes and surfing, such as the Associated Press, The Oprah Winfrey Network, The Today Show and many more. For a complete list with links, please visit her news page.
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Inspiration
Ricochet also inspire millions of people with her SURFice dog® video, which went viral and has over 14 million views on
YouTube and Facebook!
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Author
Ricochet is living proof that if you let go of your expectations, and let others be who they truly are... it may turn out better than you could have ever imagined! If you have a dog... a cat... or any other animal... or even a human, please give them a chance! Give yourself a chance... live your life true to yourself, and not the life others expect of you.
Ricochet is also a model, actor, author & celebrity. She's available for casting calls, TV, commercials, films, documentaries, live appearances and more.
Ricochet is also a model, actor, author & celebrity. She's available for casting calls, TV, commercials, films, documentaries, live appearances and more.