Ricochet, San Diego’s Surfing Therapy Dog, Dies At 15

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Ricochet, the beloved Golden Retriever who discovered her calling as a remedy canine when she realized to surf, has died in Southern California.

The 15-year-old canine helped numerous veterans and youngsters throughout greater than a decade offering remedy within the waves off San Diego, in line with her proprietor Judy Fridono.

The canine, who died Friday, was recognized with liver most cancers final August, she mentioned.

Ricochet was skilled to be a service animal, however the energetic pup was extra keen on chasing birds than aiding with family chores, Fridono mentioned.

The canine’s mission grew to become clear in 2009, when she acquired on a surfboard with quadriplegic surfer Patrick Ivison. A viral video of their trip acquired greater than 6 million views.

“That day she hopped on the board with Patrick, she was reborn,” Fridono mentioned in a 2012 interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune. “She saved working again to the water along with her tail wagging like she may lastly inform me, ‘That is what I need to do.’”

For the remainder of her life, Ricochet helped children with particular wants, wounded service members and households of fallen veterans.

She labored as a remedy canine for Pawsitive Groups and the Naval Medical Heart San Diego the place she supported folks with trauma, anxiousness and different emotional challenges, the Union-Tribune mentioned.

As well as, Ricochet helped increase $1 million for charity and the donation of greater than 1 million bowls of meals for homeless animals, the newspaper mentioned.