logo

Ricochet the surfing therapy dog is helping children with severe debilitating conditions

Rebelander Basilan
Sep 05, 2018
09:35 P.M.

Ricochet, a registered and certified goal-directed therapy dog, surf with children with special needs to heal their hearts and souls.

Advertisement

The golden retriever also took on a mission to surf with people with disabilities, wounded warriors, and veterans with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Ricochet began to surf with a purpose when she surprisingly jumped on a surfboard with a boy who is quadriplegic in 2009.

Ricochet’s owner, Judy Fridono, told The Surf Channel: “There is something special about her. I always say she is an ordinary dog with an extraordinary spirit.”

On August 3, 2018, Ricochet once again brought happiness to many kids with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) at the 4th annual “Surf Away SMA With Ricochet” event held in San Diego

Advertisement

Follow us on our Twitter account @amomama_usa to learn more.

SMA is a genetic disease that affects the part of the nervous system which controls voluntary muscle movement.

Children who suffer this disease can't hold the head up, stand, sit, crawl, walk, swallow food effectively, or breathe.

Though there is no cure yet for SMA, treatments and therapies are available to help improve an affected individual’s quality of life.

Advertisement

Because one available therapy is surf therapy, here's where Ricochet comes in.

The kids were put on a bath chair that was attached to a surfboard during the “Surf Away SMA With Ricochet” event.

They then ventured out into the surf with the assistance of Ricochet and the team of skilled volunteers.

Under the watchful eyes of a skilled surfer, and Ricochet herself, those with more mobility were allowed to ride on a wave without the chair.

Advertisement

Children with SMA earned a sense of worth through the surf therapy.

“The ocean has a healing element, so just being in the water and being on a surfboard allows people with disabilities to feel a sense of freedom,” said Fridono.

“The emotion I see most is pure joy.”

Ricochet has been featured in countless articles. Her fame helps to raise awareness for numerous different causes.

Ricochet has won several awards such as the ASPCA Dog of the Year, The American Humane Association Hero Dog Award and the AKC Award for Canine Excellence.

She has also been inducted into two surf dog halls of fame, and one animal hall of fame.

Ricochet is not the only dog who can rip some waves. On August 4, 2018, about 45 surfer dogs battled to take home the medal at the third World Dog Surfing Championships.

The annual event organizes several categories for the dogs. One category has the dog surfing alone, and another one with their owner or with a fellow dog surfer.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Vince Neil’s Girlfriend Rain Hannah Is a YouTuber and Fitness Enthusiast

December 14, 2023

Sarah Rafferty Displays ‘Majestically Shaped’ Legs in Black Outfit Paired with ‘To Die For’ Shoes

November 23, 2023

How Pauley Perrette's Life Changed since She Left 'NCIS'

January 16, 2024

Wendy Lang Is Cenk Uygur's Asian-American Wife & a Therapist with a Heart for Gifted Children

December 04, 2023

10 Celebrities Who Vacationed at Sea in 2023

January 31, 2024

Why Sting Won't Leave Any Fortune to Daughter Who Raises Child with Disability Alone after Divorce

February 08, 2024

‘Full House’ Star Candace Cameron Bure Flaunts Her Curves in Figure-Hugging Black Dress on Night Out

January 29, 2024

People Rack Their Brains over the Purpose of These Objects & Get Surprising Answers

November 09, 2023

Boy Walking Home From School Spots Stranger Tail, Uses His Mother's Trick to Outsmart the Pursuer – Story of the Day

December 18, 2023

'Life Goes On' Star Andrea Fay Friedman Passed Away after Months of Being Unable to Speak

December 07, 2023

Soledad O’Brien’s Husband Brad Raymond Started a Charity Foundation with Her

January 26, 2024

Am I Wrong for Checking My Husband's Dashcam Footage on His Car without His Consent?

January 30, 2024

What Happened to Starsky from 'Starsky & Hutch' Who Raised Son Following Death of His Wife & Daughter

January 09, 2024

This Ex-therapist Has Been a Great Actress' Spouse for Years & Stayed by the Star's Side after Her Car Crash

February 26, 2024