Ricochet: Riding a Wave of Hope with the Dog Who Inspires Millions Paperback – May 5, 2015

I love dog stories that sums it up...

I cannot honestly say when I first became aware of Surf Dog Ricochet, the SURFice dog. I don’t know what or who recommended the YouTube video that explained how this surfing therapy/service dog came to be but remember that I was fascinated and touched. When I finally broke down this year and joined Facebook (what can I say, sometimes I’m a slow adapter), I again came across Ricochet. My fascination and heartfelt affection for this dog continued to grow. Over the course of the last few months, I learned more about what Ric, her 4 legged companion Rina and human mom Judy have accomplished, but still did not know the whole story. During the wildfire crisis in San Diego earlier this year, Ricochet’s FB family watched & prayed through the evacuations. We continued to watch & pray as Ricochet went through necessary dewclaw surgery. Then came the book launch and I decided to buy the book, especially since a portion of the proceeds will be used for causes supported by Ricochet.Well, in spite of the fact that I’m an avid and quick reader, it took me over a week to get through the entire 274 pages of this book (and that’s with many pages of pictures, mind you). It wasn’t that it was a hard read, it wasn’t that it was uninteresting, it wasn’t that it was poorly written. Quite the opposite. It was difficult to get through because I was crying so much I could do little more than a chapter or two at a time. To learn of the hardships Judy Fridono has endured, both emotional and physical, made me admire this woman I have never met more than some people I have actually called friend in my lifetime.Ricochet is a Service Dog Dropout who was allowed to find her true dog path in life when Judy learned to let go of preconceived ideas of what the dog should be and do. We all know dogs that have empathy for lesser-abled or troubled humans that provide needed therapy on levels we can never really understand. Ricochet has an amazing capacity to recognize exactly what a person needs, whether they are a teen battling a life threatening disease, an autistic child, a PTSD veteran. Through surfing, she brings people out of dark holes and into the sunshine. You may not understand some parts of the book (such as dog communicators) but there is no denying the far reaching success that Ricochet has had in raising money, raising awareness, and assisting in the healing process for so many.The lesson of Ricochet (and Rina and Judy) is quite simple – don’t give up. If you fail at one thing find another calling or passion or purpose. That purpose doesn’t need to be anything lofty; it can be as simple as being a good & caring person, as long as it feels natural & right. If you get knocked down, do your best to get back up, the journey will be worth it. Most of all, if you are a Round Peg, don’t let “them” force you into that Square Hole. And if you are still in doubt, just look into the eyes of this amazing dog and you will see the light.

The partnership between Ricochet and her mom, Judy, is a story that keeps giving, even when the tale has been told. It just allows a heart to feel like paying forward, promoting a show of kindness and goodwill along the way. It is a very special read.

It was so uplifting and encouraging. It was a great read. I loved it

I first saw Ricochet on my news feed on Facebook. I resisted liking her page on Facebook. I am mostly on Facebook to support dogs that are from puppy mills or are abused by other means. I thought it was wrong to intentionally breed dogs when there are so many in shelters that could be trained to be a service dog. Then came the San Diego fires and I saw she was requesting money for gas masks for the dogs so they would stay safe. I gave a donation for that and read about Ricochet. I had thought she was a boy. It is not very rational but since she was a girl it made me like her a little more. I liked her page and read all about her and started following daily stories.When the book came out I ordered it on the first day. I spent one day reading it. I really didn't know about service dogs and the training and commitment it takes to become one. For the dog and the trainer. I can understand now the breeding for these types of dogs. I read with sadness how Ricochet's mom had such a hard life. And the fact that Ric herself did not want to be a service dog in the traditional sense. It was amazing to read about her training at such a young age. She couldn't even see, but yet she began. I also never thought much about surfing or dogs that surfed. I actually did not know that they could. I also thought that even so, how would that help a person. I was so wrong on how that helps the disabled. I think one of the most uplifting quotes of the book is when Patrick (the first boy she surfed with who was confined to a wheelchair) said that "I look back on the beach and I can see my empty chair. I am free out there." Ricochet helped him surf and helped him raise money. So special.The book continues with more and more people that Ric helps. For me the underlining message of hope and to make a difference in the way you know how captured me the most. I think you will be inspired by the goodness in people and dogs if you read this book.

I love how this book not only told us more about Ricochet, butalso introduced us to Judy and Rina. I really got a whole newappreciation for this trio, because one could not work withoutthe other.Judy is a brave lady, to share what she went through and alsoto spread awareness for those living with a chronic illness. Ireally appreciated her bringing out the fact, that she lives withJRA and being real about it. I know that gentle Rina, has beena real source of comfort and a great companion to her. Youcan just see it.I was just amazed how Ricochet knew what to do, when shefirst met someone who had been traumatized or had gonethrough something horrific. Her gentle nature and intuitiveness,were things I have never witnessed or read about before. Sheis truly inspiring.Anyone who reads this book, will become a better person. Howcould you not? I cried many times while reading this book. It isjust that touching of a story.How everyone in this book became a large extended family, isjust so heartwarming.So while Ricochet's journey turned out much differently thanwas originally planned, I think she knew all along what shewas born to do and that was to inspire and to spread hope,and having fun all at the same time, out on the waves.

Ricochet, a Golden Retriever , an extraordinary dog, has the amazing gift of being able to bring comfort, purpose and joy to numerous people with special needs at a time when they are struggling to overcome obstacles in life. It is difficult to put into words just how gifted this dog is but for me, It is one of the best animal books I have ever read.. and definitely a keeper to read again and again.. If you want to see Ricochet , the surfing dog for yourself, then he can be found on U Tube and I am sure this will inspire you to want to read the book yourself. Guaranteed to make you smile and even raise a few tears , an unforgettable joyful read about finding a purpose in life and making our world a better place.

Restored my faith in humanity. Eye opening and heartwarming. Tissues are a requirement. Absolute must read. The work they do is incredible. Such a vital resource.

Beautiful book to read...such a special story...and such a special dog!

I've been part of Ric's group for years and have always loved her, her sisters and her Mom. I'm still in the process of reading this book, but with every page I am falling more in love with them all. Fantastic spirits, so resilient and an inspiration to so many.

Arrived in perfect condition. Love this book and this dog!