Synopses & Reviews
Ride the wave of hope with Ricochet - the only SURFice dog™ 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
"What an awesome dog and story. Kudos!"
--Josh Duhamel
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"Dog lovers, meet your newest hero--Ricochet."
--Diane Sawyer
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"Grab the tissues! From service dog to SURFice dog!"
--Alyssa Milano
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"This is a beautiful story from start to finish about the journey of one very special human/canine team and the powerful impact they have had on so many human lives.
Ricochet is a truly inspirational read that will not only make you laugh and cry, but also confirm what great love, trust, and dedication can achieve."
--Victoria Stilwell, author of Train Your Dog Positively Endorsements
Review
"If you've ever loved an animal, this book is a must-read. It will lift your heart and keep you turning the pages with its insights about love, loss, keeping your faith, making a difference, and the intangible but incredible connection we have with our animals."
--Dr. Marty Becker, "America's Veterinarian" Endorsements
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"Ricochet's awe-inspiring story is a celebration of the healing power of the human-animal bond. Judy's personal journey with Ricochet is a moving story of hope with a four-legged champion of compassion who continues to touch many lives. This is a must-read tribute to real American heroes on both ends of the leash!"
--Robin R. Ganzert, Ph.D., president and CEO, American Humane Association Endorsements
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"Ricochet is a must-read for everyone who wants to be inspired in a challenging world in which inspiration is much-needed. I've never met a dog being like Ricochet and I hope one day to do so. Thanks to Judy Fridono for sharing this wonderful story of a most amazing savior. Ricochet is a very special dog whose story must be circulated and shared globally."
-- Marc Bekoff, author of Why Dogs Hump and Bees Get Depressed
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"What a wonderful story! Ricochet is everything anyone could hope for in a dog--friend, coworker, and surf buddy--to name a few of her many qualities. This amazing dog and her incredible human partner found their purpose in life together. They will make you want to spring into action with your own natural talents. This book is a blessing!"
--Allen and Linda Anderson, founders of Angel Animals Network and authors of Animals & the Kids Who Love Them
Review
"Ricochet will bound right into your heart. Her story inspires us all to find our purpose!"
--W. Bruce Cameron, author, A Dog's Purpose
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"Judy Fridono recounts story after story of lives forever changed, her own included, with the help and presence of her furry canine companion, Ricochet, whose
soul purpose is to encourage and comfort anyone who dares to dream of riding the perfect wave. Profound and uplifting, the story of Ricochet is not so much about a dog who surfs but about the impact she has in the lives she touches, one paw at a time."
--Susan Sims, publisher, FIDO Friendly magazine
About the Author
Judy Fridono is a dog trainer with an associate's degree in service dog training. She is the founder of Puppy Prodigies, a unique program designed to provide a long-term advantage at an early age for service dogs and pets. She is also the guardian of Ricochet, an internationally renowned, award winning surf dog who has become an inspirational phenomenon, philanthropic role model, internet sensation, fundraising marvel, community advocate, goodwill ambassador, and muse to millions!