All dogs bring joy into our lives, but some were destined to do a whole lot more.
Ricochet, the Golden Retriever with a heart as golden as her fur, made her mark in the world of therapy dogs. This inspiring certified therapy dog from southern California changed the lives of so many people who struggled with disabilities and mental health issues. One such fortunate soul was Iraq War veteran Randy Dexter.
“After the first meeting with Ricochet, I knew I wanted a service dog,” Dexter said. “I went from someone who wouldn’t talk, to someone who wouldn’t shut up. Before Ricochet, I thought about suicide all the time. She was my last hope.”
Dexter served 10 years, nine months and two days in the Army. He did two tours in Iraq as a combat medic. Only a couple months into his first deployment in the spring of 2005, his unit hit an improvised explosive device, leaving Dexter with a traumatic brain injury. It took four years for him to receive a PTSD diagnosis.
Judy Fridono, Ricochet’s owner, says she provided “healing energy” for people suffering invisible trauma. Dexter verified that was exactly his experience with this amazing Golden Retriever.
Ricochet’s Beginnings
Born in January 2008, Ricochet’s journey from a service dog in training to a globally recognized therapy and “SURFice” dog is a story of transformation, healing, and hope. Sure, Ricochet was a surfing dog. But more importantly, she brought so much hope to people with disabilities, children with special needs, and veterans with PTSD. She gave them a sense of empowerment, joy, and emotional connection through her unique ability to share the surfboard with them.
Initially, Ricochet was groomed to be a service dog, demonstrating exceptional prowess in navigating complex tasks such as opening doors, switching lights on and off, and even unzipping clothing. Her potential as a service dog was undeniable, but her spirited nature and love for chasing birds suggested that her calling lay elsewhere. It was this boundless energy and love for life that eventually led her towards the waves, finding her true purpose as a “SURFice dog.”
The transformation from a service dog in training to a surfing companion for individuals with disabilities was serendipitous. Ricochet’s instinctual step onto a surfboard with a quadriplegic boy when she was just eight weeks old made her a social media sensation.
A YouTube video showcased the incredible therapeutic potential of canine-assisted surf therapy. This act of independence marked the beginning of a new chapter where Ricochet would become a beacon of hope and healing on the surf.
Good luck keeping your eyes dry after watching her life story:
Through her surfing activities, Ricochet raised nearly $400,000 for a variety of charitable causes. Her intuitive ability to connect with people on a deep, emotional level allowed her to provide unique support and comfort, particularly to veterans with PTSD. Fridono described this intuitive connection as a “powerful ability to make immediate, deep, heart-to-heart connections,” a testament to Ricochet’s empathy and sensitivity.
Her notoriety and influence have been recognized through numerous accolades, including the AKC Award for Canine Excellence, the American Humane Association Hero Dog Award, and the ASPCA’s Dog of the Year. Ricochet’s story has captured the hearts of many, leading to her features in documentaries like “Going the Distance” and an IMAX film Superpower Dogs. Her appearances on the JumboTron in Times Square, participation in music videos, and even her role in throwing out the first pitch at a San Diego Padres game highlight the wide-reaching impact of her story.
Beyond the accolades and media appearances, Ricochet’s true legacy lies in the lives she touched. Programs like Waves of Empowerment exemplify her role in bringing together veterans and children with special needs, fostering a sense of purpose, service, and mutual healing. Her ability to adapt and respond to the emotional states of veterans, keeping them away from situations that could elevate their anxiety, underscores her remarkable understanding and empathy towards the challenges faced by those who struggle with PTSD.
Ricochet’s journey is a compelling narrative of how one dog’s unique talents and instincts can be harnessed to bring about positive change in the lives of so many people. It’s a story that transcends the sport of surfing, delving into the profound therapeutic benefits that can emerge from the bond between humans and animals. With every wave she rode, Ricochet not only brought joy and healing to those she surfed with but also inspired a broader conversation about the innovative ways animals can contribute to human well-being and therapy.
Her work has not only made her a legend in the dog surfing world but has also set a precedent for the role animals can play in therapeutic settings.
Fridono was approached about writing a book on Ricochet, and in June 2014, Ricochet: Riding a Wave of Hope With the Dog Who Inspires Millions was published.
Ricochet’s story continues to inspire and educate, showing that sometimes, the most impactful healing comes on four legs and with a wagging tail. Her legacy is a testament to the power of unconditional love, empathy, and the deep, unspoken bonds we share with the animal world.
In August 2022, Ricochet was diagnosed with liver cancer. She died on March 31, 2023, at the age of 15.
In reflecting on Ricochet’s journey, it becomes evident that Ricochet, the SURFice dog, stands as a symbol of hope, showing the world that the power to make a difference can come from the most unexpected places.
