From Service Dog to Surfer Dog (VIDEO)

Yesterday we showed you a service dog trained to help her wheelchair-bound mistress do the things she couldn’t do for herself. You agreed that we need to train more dogs for this kind of service.

Well, here is Ricochet, born into a puppy prodigy’s early learning program where dogs learn to provide help. Watch as she learns to open doors, turn on lights, and fetch and perform the other tasks that will make all the difference to a disabled person.

But wait. Ricochet decides what she really likes to do in life — chase birds. And service dogs can’t chase birds.

So Ricochet drops out of the service training program and learns to do something else she really enjoys — surfing. And this new skill is put to great use when she starts fundraising for causes and earns $10,000 for a paraplegic surfer.

How’s that for service?

Read more: animal welfare, charity, dog, Ricochet, service dog, surfing dog

Photo credit: Cynr

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Manuel V.

8:11AM PDT on May 12, 2011

I don't know who owns this video (SME ?!?), but it's very sad if they expressly blocked for viewing it in other countries "due to copyrights" ... hope it's only a mistake.

send a green star

mary l.

5:17AM PST on Feb 26, 2011

Wonderful story.

Jadell D.

4:12AM PDT on Nov 5, 2010

Incredible great. I do believe dogs have many wondeds to teach us, they give us beatiful lessons about loyalty and sacrifice. More dogs to join this one!

Petra L.

1:09AM PDT on Oct 26, 2010

Not only are dogs eager to please, I think they get called for certain types of work too.

I think Ricochet went past any expectations any program could do with her. How much better of a service dog could she be? I think she's better than perfect.

Nellie K A.

7:40PM PDT on Oct 21, 2010

Great story

Diana F.

11:45AM PDT on Oct 16, 2010

This is a grate story. More dogs should be traind for all types of handycaps for all types of people. And made more affordable.

Xochitl L.

11:41AM PDT on Oct 13, 2010

Amazing dog and relentless instructor. Most of us are "surfer dogs" that haven`t found our calling. Great example. Paraphrasing 300: "Never give up. Never surrender!"

Linda H.

10:11AM PDT on Oct 13, 2010

Great story! thanks!

Carol C.

8:35AM PDT on Oct 13, 2010

Absolutely. Wonderful dog.