Surf Dog Ricochet has been helping people with special needs surf for a decade now. The beloved golden retriever who constantly wags her tail when she’s near the water will be featured in a new IMAX film being released in the spring of 2019 called “Superpower Dogs.” 

The film will highlight other courageous four-legged stars who make life better for humans, like dogs that brave avalanches and earthquakes, and sniff out disease.

As for Ricochet, the “Surfice” dog was enrolled in training to become a traditional service dog  immediately after entering this world. She excelled at 8 weeks old, according to her owner, Judy Fridono, and reached service dog milestones well ahead of her canine peers. However, at 16 weeks, she lost interest. But, found a new love for the ocean.

So, Fridono parlayed that into another opportunity for Richochet to help those around her.

The pup got her start as a surfice dog by riding a surf board next to a quadriplegic teenager named Patrick Ivison during a fundraiser. They rode the same wave on two separate boards, but at the end of the wave, Ricochet jumped off and climb onto Ivison’s board. And, the rest is history.

Today, Richochet uses her weight to balance the board for kids and adults with special needs. For example, the dog will surf and adjust her positioning depending on who she’s riding with whether it’s a child with autism, a wounded warrior with PTSD or someone who’s missing his or her legs.

“She’s a very ordinary dog with an extraordinary spirit,” Fridono told ESPN in 2013.

With some insightful help from her human, Ricochet expressed why the sport is fulfilling.

“…it’s pretty much my life purpose. But, it’s not just the physical aspect of balancing a surfboard… it’s my ability to instantly connect with others on a deep soul level, which fosters healing, empowerment and transformation… thereby balancing lives!” Fridono typed on SurfdogRicochet.com.

 

 

So, stay tuned for Ricochet’s debut on the big screen. It will shine the light on her superpower and her Waves of Empowerment program, which helps those with special needs not only learn to surf, but teach others to surf as well.

Two thumbs up, err, I mean claws up, for all this dog is doing in the world.