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Ricochet: Riding a Wave of Hope with the Dog Who Inspires Millions

Ricochet Book Cover Ricochet
Judy Fridono
Pets
HCI
2015-05-05
312

Ride the wave of hope with Ricochet – the only SURFice dogTM in the world who chose her own purpose! She surfs with children with special needs, people with disabilities, wounded warriors, and veterans with PTSD as an assistive aid and intuitive muse, healing hearts and souls on every wave. This tears-to-triumph story takes readers behind the TV and video sensation and shares the true journey that went from promise to disappointment before ultimately finding life's purpose. The gorgeous golden retriever Ricochet seemed destined to be a service dog from the moment she was born. She approached her training with boundless energy and surpassed every other dog in her Puppy Prodigy training class. Unfortunately, her love for chasing birds could prove dangerous, for those she would assist. Fifteen months into her training, Ricochet was released, leaving a frustrated owner and a dog without a direction. Yet through a twist of fate, Judy realized that flunking out of school wasn't the end of the world—and in fact, could be the beginning of a new one. Once Judy learned to let go and let Ricochet be who she really was, they found her true calling as a SURFice dog. Ricochet's story is one of synchronicity, our interconnectedness, and opening ourselves to life's 'paws'ibilities. Embracing her true calling, Ricochet began to help others, including those with traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress, and physical disabilities, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for charitable causes and inspiring people to believe in themselves. Ricochet does more than steady the board: she offers hope, comfort, healing, and a reason to keep fighting. What gives this story such extraordinary potential to become a publishing sensation? Ricochet is the only SURFice dog in the world, there is no other story quite like it!

 

Review:

Knowing of Ricochet and a bit of her story thanks to YouTube, I was very happy to receive a copy of “Ricochet” to review.  I’m having trouble even typing this review without getting emotional.  Don’t worry, it creates tears, but of the very best kind.

“Ricochet” is an inspiring story that covers not only her story, but the story of her person, Judy, and “sister” Rami, along with the stories of many they have all impacted in their unique mission.  As someone with mobility challenges of my own, I cannot imagine how freeing it must be to feel the surf around you while you catch a wave with Ricochet.  She isn’t a traditional rescue dog, but that makes her story that much more special.  She does what she does because she was unable to be what others felt she had to be.  Once she was allowed to be herself, a whole new world of possibilities opened up to her and anyone she meets.  As any dog lover can tell you, it’s easier to take advice from a dog than a human.  Who could resist any message that face tries to give you?

As a short side note, I really appreciate Judy’s advocacy of positive training methods for service dogs.  While traditional methods may work for many, I have seen some training that was more than a little heavy-handed, and it is nice to see other training options put out there.

“Ricochet” is inspirational, and about dogs helping those with disabilities, as well as those without disabilities.  If you’re in any way inclined to frown at frolicking puppies, laughing children, the sound of the ocean, or merriment in general, I would skip this book.  If you want something to make you smile and want to hug your dog, or get a dog, then pick this one up.

This is an honest review based upon a complimentary copy won through the Goodreads First Reads program.

 

Content Warning:

Note: Even though it is listed as an adult book, there is nothing in the content to make “Ricochet” inappropriate for middle grade readers.