This Adorable, Ocean-Loving Service Dog Found An Original Way To Use Her Special Talents

by N/A, 10 years ago | 2 min read

Ricochet is a dog that trained her entire life to be a service dog to those in need, but after failing her schooling she found a new career path in the same vein. In fact, what you'll find out is that she's much happier in her new found professional field, and her skill set is helping much more than just the people she works with–she's helping raise funds for many others though her efforts.

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Meet Ricochet...

She's so adorable, right?! Ever since she was a puppy she's been training to be a service dog for people with disabilities. Like this still frame above, she learned how to do tasks for those in need, such as opening doors.

Or helping them get dressed, by zipping or unzipping clothing items.

She truly was a a "puppy prodigy" as explained by her trainers, but as she grew older, so did her natural instincts.

Ricochet's instincts for chasing birds were too much, and she simply couldn't help herself. It's natural and rather adorable to watch her do it, but sadly it's problematic if in service.

If she were to take off like this while serving a person with disabilities, it could cause a real problem for her owner.

But instead of focusing on this personality trait and giving up on Ricochet, her trainer focused on what she was good at: surfing.

And now, she's using that skill set for the greater good she's always been training to do.

That's right, Ricochet is now a SURFice dog, and helps people with disabilities ride the waves.

Her first surf was with 15-year-old Patrick Ivison, a quadriplegic, and to raise money for charity.

Here she is guiding him into the waves with her protective and well-trained eye.

Oh, and by the way: "Rip Curl Ricki" is her aptly chosen nickname.

She wears the name well we think.

So, we don't want to give away her whole backstory, or the incredible amount of money she helped raise by surfing with Patrick quite yet. Instead, watch this short video–it may melt your heart.

Just how incredible is her story? It's truly remarkable in our book.

You're truly an inspiration Ricochet.

Don't ever stop your SURFice.