Ricochet (dog) explained

Ricochet
Known For:Surfing, empathic & intuitive healing, raising awareness and funds
Species:Canis lupus familiaris
Breed:Golden Retriever
Gender:Female
Birth Date:25 January 2008
Birth Place:San Diego, California, U.S.
Employer:Puppy Prodigies
SURFice dog
Owner:Judy Fridono

Ricochet (January 25, 2008 – March 31, 2023) was a female Golden Retriever dog from San Diego. She was one of the original surfing dogs that started the whole dog surfing circuit. She entered her first surf dog competition when she was 15 months old. She was a competitive surfing dog for several years and typically placed in one of the top three spots of competitions.

Ricochet helped people with disabilities through surfing and community outreach. Ricochet's popularity on social media originated from a video of her surfing with a boy who is quadriplegic that was posted on YouTube. As of May 22, 2016, the video has more than 12.5 million views on YouTube and Facebook.[1]

When Ricochet was 8 weeks old, she climbed on a boogie board in a kiddie pool and was able to balance on her own.[2] [3] [4] [5] She has surfed ever since. She started entering surf dog contests in 2010. On June 10, 2011, she surfed with surf pro, Taylor Knox.[6] On June 16, 2012 she surfed with actor, Cameron Mathison in the Loews Coronado Bay Resort surf dog contest and won 2nd place.[7] In August 2012 Ricochet surfed with a goat named Pismo.[8] On July 20, 2014 she surfed with surf pro Rob Machado.[9]

Ricochet was also the canine ambassador for surfers with disabilities and referred to as a SURFice dog, because she surfed as an assertive aid with children with special needs, people with disabilities, and veterans who were wounded or who had PTSD.[8]

Early life

Ricochet was raised and trained by Judy Fridono as part of Fridono's non-profit 501(c)3 organization, Puppy Prodigies Neo-Natal & Early Learning Program. The organization trains dogs to be service dogs for people with disabilities. She started training to be a service dog but as she grew, her instinct for chasing birds and other wildlife increased and she was dropped from the program.[10] On August 20, 2009, she jumped on a surfboard with a 14-year-old boy named Patrick Ivison who is quadriplegic.[11]

Ricochet was 15 months old when she started her competitive dog surfing career at the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge Surf Dog competition, where she won third place.[3] Ricochet went on to win additional Purina Surf Dog contests as well as contests held by the Helen Woodward Animal Center's Surf Dog Surf-a-thon,[12] Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Dog Contests (now known as Unleashed By Petco's Surf Dog Contests)[13] and Surf City Surf Dog surf contests.[14]

Canine research

Ricochet was involved in dog-human communication research with Dr. Brian Hare at the Duke University Canine Cognition Center.[15] In May 2015, Ricochet appeared in Nat Geo Wild's "Is Your Dog A Genius" hosted by Dr. Hare. In this show, Dr. Hare explained canine cognition and how Ricochet uses empathy (the ability to understand and share the feelings of others) while identifying, responding and communicating with veterans who have PTSD.[16]

Community outreach

After Ricochet's video went viral she turned the attention into a platform for raising awareness and funds for human and animal causes.[17] She has appeared at many community events in the San Diego area. She has served as the Grand Marshal at the Navy Woof Walk in 2014 and 2015.[18]

Ricochet was an ambassador for Pay It Forward Day,[19] The Best Day Foundation,[20] Life Rolls On[21] and Team PossAbilities para-Olympic team.[22] She has held more than 150 fundraisers and donated funds to more than 250 different causes.[23]

Ricochet performed therapy dog work with active duty military service members who had PTSD, traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities as a result of combat.[24] She participated in a PTSD Battle Buddy program with retired Staff Sergeant Randy Dexter.[25] She was also active with the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation's Ocean Therapy program,[26] wounded warriors,[27] and challenged athletes foundation.[28] Ricochet had an extraordinary and powerful ability to intuitively and empathetically identify and alert to the emotional and physical changes of the individuals she interacts with. This ability allows for remarkable healing interventions.[29]

Ricochet was featured on ABC for her ability to take commands from a synthesized voice on an iPad from children with autism.[30]

Ricochet was also a registered therapy dog with Therapy Dogs Incorporated, a certified therapy dog with Paws’itive Teams and has the highest therapy dog title with the AKC. As of April 24, 2015, she has raised over $457,000.[31]

Death

Ricochet was diagnosed with liver cancer in August 2022. She died on March 31, 2023, at the age of 15.[32]

Merchandising

Health Communications Inc approached Fridono about writing a book about Ricochet. In June 2014, Ricochet: Riding a Wave of Hope With the Dog Who Inspires Millions was published.[33] The book was released in paperback in May 2015, and a Japanese edition has also been published in Japan.[34] [35] Ricochet also appears in 13 other books, including A Year With National Geographic: Yearbook 2014, Animals and the Kids Who Love Them, The Power of Wagging Tails, A Book of Miracles, Devoted, Surf Dog Miracles, San Diego North Coast and Daisy to the Rescue.

Ricochet's branded merchandise includes calendars, T-shirts, a stuffed animal, stickers, "paw it forward" wristbands and trading cards.[36]

Media appearances

Print

Ricochet was featured in more than 40 magazine articles including People Magazine,[37] Guideposts,[3] Dog Fancy, Fido Friendly,[38] Modern Dog,[39] Cesar's Way,[40] AKC Gazette,[41] Woman's World,[42] and many more.[43] In addition to the articles, she has been on the cover of Pup Culture,[44] San Diego Pets,[45] K9 Reporter,[46] American Dog,[47] Scholastic,[48] Woof[49] and Animal Wellness.[50]

Television

Ricochet appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Network,[51] [52] Nat Geo Wild,[53] an MTV special called "Made"[54] and was a Jeopardy question.[55] She also appeared in two Bark Box commercials.[56] [57]

Ricochet was featured on Good Morning America,[58] ABC Evening News With Diane Sawyer,[59] ESPN,[60] Associated Press,[61] NBC,[17] ABC,[59] CBS,[62] Fox News,[63] Animal Planet.[4]

Film

Ricochet appeared as an extra in the movie Marmaduke.[23] She was also cast as the "cheese obsessed dog" in the movie "Rina's Magic Bracelet" that featured Bailey Madison, Jackson Rathbone, J.K. Simmons, Hailee Steinfeld, James Van Der Beek.[64]

Ricochet was in a documentary called "Going the Distance", produced by David L. Brown.[65]

Ricochet was featured in an IMAX film produced by Daniel Ferguson about "super hero" dogs, released in 2017.

Notoriety

Ricochet's surfing was featured on the Jumbo Tron in Times Square three times. She was also on the Jumbo Tron on the Las Vegas strip.[43]

Ricochet appeared on two billboards. Once with three other surf dogs. And another time with a goat.[43]

Ricochet threw out the first pitch at a San Diego Padres game in August 2013.[66]

Ricochet appeared in two music videos, "Seven wonders of the world"[67] produced by the Make A Film Foundation and "San Diego Dogs"[68] which is a parody of California Girls by Katy Perry produced by Surf's Up Studios.

Recognition

Ricochet won many surf dog contests, fundraising and top dog awards.[69] These are just a few:

Surf Dog Ricochet won the American Kennel Club's Award for Canine Excellence in 2010.[70]

The ASPCA named Ricochet 2011's Dog of the Year.[71]

Ricochet won the American Humane Association's Hero Dog Award in the emerging hero category at the 2011 Hero Dog Awards.[2] She was escorted down the red carpet by Victoria Stillwell from Animal Planet's "It's Me or the Dog". Ricochet also rubbed paws with celebrities including Peter Fonda, Orlando Brown, Michelle Forbes, Jason Lewis, Anna Trubanskaya, Rin Tin Tin and Betty White.[72]

Bibliography

Fridono, Judy and Pfaltz, Kay (June 3, 2014). Ricochet: Riding a Wave of Hope With the Dog Who Inspires Millions. Health Communications, Inc.

Further reading

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Why This Surfing Dog Maybe Better Than You've Seen. NBC News. 10 May 2015.
  2. https://abcnews.go.com/US/Sports/surfing-dog-ricochet-helps-disabled-people-surf/story?id=14358354 "Surfing Dog Helps Disabled Surf".
  3. http://www.guideposts.org/inspirational-stories/surf-doggie-0 "Surf Doggie".
  4. http://blogs.discovery.com/animal_news/2009/12/rip-curl-ricki-the-surfice-dog.html "Rip Curl Ricki, the SURFice Dog"
  5. https://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/imperial-beach-crowns-the-best-canine-surfers "Imperial Beach Crowns the Best Canine Surfers".
  6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc5KGHRnuKg "Surfing with Taylor Knox"
  7. http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/press-release/ricochet-wins-1st--2nd-at-surf-dog-contest--guiness-record-set_71943/ "Ricochet wins 1st and 2nd at Surf Dog Contest".
  8. http://sdsurfboards.com/blogs/sdsurfboards/14951729-surf-dog-ricochet "Surf Dog Ricochet".
  9. http://www.surfersvillage.com/content/rob-machado-sessions-surf-therapy-dog "Rob Machado Sessions With Surf Therapy Dog".
  10. Web site: Service Dog Reject Ricochet Becomes Surfer Dude. San Diego Tribune (AP). 15 October 2009. 5 March 2017.
  11. Web site: Surf Doggie. Guideposts Magazine. 23 August 2011. 10 May 2015.
  12. https://helenwoodwardanimalcenter.wordpress.com/2012/09/19/surf-dogs-surf-dog-surf-a-thon-helen-woodward-animal-center/ "Surf Dogs Make Waves at the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon".
  13. https://unleashedby.petco.com/surfdog "Unleashed By Petco".
  14. http://landofpuregold.com/surfing.htm "Golden Surfing Dogs".
  15. http://www.wa2s.org/the-visionaire/wa2s-films-contributes-to-natgeo-wild-series-is-your-dog-a-genius-hosted-by-dognitions-dr-brian-hare-3-episodes-to-air-in-may-2015?gclid=CjwKEAjwndqrBRC16IyeqPicp3ASJAB-vB-cOreZVeSw3qKfBMwZ8kRvDv32fLXqKfqWLORdrFJyFhoCdVXw_wcB Is Your Dog A Genius
  16. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNNdZ-vg64I YouTube Video: Is Your Dog A Genius
  17. http://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/ruff-waves-ahead-surfing-dog-helps-disabled-kids-boogie-board-n166096 "Ruff Waves Ahead: Surfing Dog Helps Disabled Kids Boogie Board".
  18. http://navylifesw.com/woofwalk/ "Navy Woof Walk".
  19. http://payitforwardday.com/about/ambassador-ricochet/ "Pay it Forward Day".
  20. http://www.bestdayfoundation.org/ambassadors/ricochet/ "Best Day Foundation".
  21. http://www.liferollson.org/site/c.9rJLK3MLJfLWH/b.7881235/k.21B1/VideoMedia.htm "Life Rolls On".
  22. http://www.teampossabilities.org/ "Team Possabilities".
  23. http://www.surfdogricochet.com/about.html "About Surf Dog Ricochet".
  24. http://fox5sandiego.com/2013/12/11/surf-dog-helps-treat-solider/#axzz2nEw9vKzl "Surf Dog Helps Soldier Heal".
  25. Web site: Our Therapy Dogs Help Veterans with PTSD. Fridono. Judy. Paws'itive Teams. 2 December 2018.
  26. http://jimmymillerfoundation.org/family_day/ "Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation Ocean Therapy Program"
  27. http://www.10news.com/news/surf-dog-spends-new-years-eve-helping-wounded-warriors-special-needs-kids-12312013 "Surf Dog Spends New Year's Eve Helping Wounded Warriors, Special Needs Kids".
  28. http://mobile.surfline.com/#!/surf-news/article-title/95778 "Surf Dog Ricochet Makes a Splash to Assist Spinal Cord Injured Boy Swim for Fundraiser May 4th".
  29. https://news.yahoo.com/video/wounded-warriors-ride-waves-surf-025100226.html "Wounded Warriors Ride Waves with Surf Dog".
  30. https://news.yahoo.com/video/ricochet-takes-command-ipad-help-031200570.html "Ricochet Takes Command from iPad to Help People".
  31. Web site: Dog Surfs With Disabled Boy . Animal Planet . 10 May 2015.
  32. News: Ricochet, San Diego’s beloved surfing therapy dog, dies at 15 . 2 April 2023 . The Los Angeles Times . 2 April 2023.
  33. https://www.amazon.com/dp/0757317723 "Ricochet: Riding A Wave of Hope With The Dog Who Inspires Millions".
  34. https://www.facebook.com/SurfDogRicochet/photos/pb.178108649370.-2207520000.1430024191./10153264391759371/?type=3&theater "Ricochet: Riding A Wave of Hope With The Dog Who Inspires Millions".
  35. http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/press-release/ricochet-wins-1st--2nd-at-surf-dog-contest--guiness-record-set_71943/ "Ricochet Wins 1st and 2nd at Surf Dog Contest".
  36. http://www.surfdogricochet.com/stuff-for-sale.html "Stuff For Sale".
  37. http://www.peoplepets.com/people/pets/gallery/0,,20596252_21161544,00.html "America's Got Talented Pets".
  38. http://www.fidofriendly.com/blog/surf-dog-ricochet-receives-award-at-the-star-studded-hero-dog "Surf Dog Ricochet Receives Award at the Star Studded Hero Dog".
  39. http://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/rip-curl-ricki-surfing-dog/7897 "Rip Curl Ricki the Surfing Dog".
  40. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150244700264371.344815.178108649370 "Ricochet Paws it Forward".
  41. http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/0358a328#/0358a328/15 "Paw's Up".
  42. https://upload.facebook.com/SurfDogRicochet/photos/a.178322734370.120607.178108649370/10152622544179371/? "The Angel Disguised as a Dog".
  43. http://www.surfdogricochet.com/media.html "Media".
  44. http://issuu.com/pupculturemagazine/docs/pupculturedec_jan?e=3552608/2988455#222222 "Surf Dog Ricochet Inspiring Others to Paw it Forward".
  45. http://issuu.com/sandiegopets/docs/sdpm0811 "Ricochet, A Story of Bouncing Back".
  46. http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1u7r0/TheK9ReporterIssue5/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl= "A Moment With Ricochet and Judy".
  47. https://www.facebook.com/americandogmag/photos/pb.104975967266.-2207520000.1430065502./10152733620047267/?type=3&theater "Celebrity Dogs".
  48. http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3757235 "Animal Heroes".
  49. http://www.woofmag.in/ "The Dog That Surfs For a Good Cause".
  50. http://www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/articles/ricochet-hangs-ten/ "Ricochet Hangs Ten".
  51. http://www.fidofriendly.com/blog/surf-dog-ricochet-to-appear-on-oprah-video "Surf Dog Ricochet to Appear on Oprah Winfrey Network".
  52. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlqk0QCk1Ls "Beyond Belief".
  53. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvaUsVx8yHY "Caught in the Act".
  54. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwaFF1q38g0 "Made".
  55. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7b7828GGAI "Jeopardy".
  56. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxlkOpoOBas "Bark Box Commercial".
  57. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKtbqdrLkE0 "Bark Box Holiday Commercial".
  58. https://gma.yahoo.com/photos/terminally-ill-boy-dog-fetch-photo-171929015.html "Terminally Ill Boy, Dog Fetch a Wave for Surfing Wish".
  59. https://abcnews.go.com/US/Sports/surfing-dog-ricochet-helps-disabled-people-surf/story?id=14358354 "Surfing Dog Ricochet Helps Disabled People Surf".
  60. "Story of Ricochet the surfing dog is pretty awesome". LarryBrownSports.com. May 19, 2013. Retrieved April 26, 2015.
  61. http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2009/oct/15/us-fea-pets-surfer-dog-101509/ "Service Dog Reject Ricochet Becomes Surfer Dude".
  62. http://www.cbs8.com/story/24707570/terminally-ill-teen-wishes-to-surf-with-ricochet-the-dog?auto&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=9835046 "Terminally ill teen surfs with Ricochet the dog".
  63. http://video.fox5sandiego.com/Surf-Dog-Makes-Teen-With-Cancers-Wish-Come-True-25616535#.Uvw3XbSISdk "Surf Dog Makes Teen With Cancer's Wish Come True".
  64. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lz0eoqI1wkc "Rina's Magic Bracelet".
  65. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iIv5t2qKL4 "Going the Distance".
  66. http://www.fidofriendly.com/blog/surf-dog-ricochet-pays-tribute-to-slain-baseball-player "Surf Dog Ricochet Padres Game".
  67. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SV_uUplkvOM "Seven Wonders of the World".
  68. https://vimeo.com/120976834 "San Diego Dogs".
  69. http://www.surfdogricochet.com/surfin--fundraising-awards.html "Surf Dog Ricochet Awards".
  70. http://www.akc.org/press-center/press-releases/five-canine-heroes-honored-with-akcr-humane-fund-awards-for-canine-exc/ "Five Canine Heroes Honored with AKC Humane Fund Award for Canine Excellence".
  71. http://www.northcountrygazette.org/2011/11/18/ricochet_honored/ "ASPCA Honors Outstanding Animals, People".
  72. http://www.fidofriendly.com/blog/surf-dog-ricochet-receives-award-at-the-star-studded-hero-dog "Surf Dog Ricochet Receives Award at the Star Studded Hero Dog".

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