We are saddened to report that the beloved pup, Ricochet the Surf Dog, has passed away after battling liver cancer. The very good girl’s dedicated owner, Judy Fridono, shared the devastating news on Instagram. The post, uploaded on April 1, showed her walking with her late canine companion on the beach. In the caption, Fridono revealed that “Ricochet has made the journey to Rainbow Bridge 🌈.” 

“My heart is full of sadness and gratitude today. Sad because Ricochet is physically gone, and grateful for the long and triumph life she lived to the fullest… helping millions along the way. I’m also filled with gratitude for all of YOU as you were such a big part of her life,” read a portion of the caption. 

While she only graced this earth for 15 years, the gorgeous Golden Retriever certainly made an impact. The sweet pup gained notoriety after becoming a competitive surfer before she was 2-years-old. Not only was she an incredible surfer, but she also worked with veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and children with special needs. 

In 2019, Woof Republic had a chance to speak to Fridono. During the interview, the dog owner explained that she had trained her pup “to be a service dog for an individual with a disability.” While “she was a brilliant puppy,” her canine companion “shut down and didn't want to train.” However, Fridono knew her dog would be a positive presence in people’s lives. 

“It wasn't until she jumped on the board of a 14 year boy named Patrick who is quadriplegic. She did that of her own volition and I got to experience her joy. She was finally able to show me what she's on this earth to do. She didn't want to help just one person, she wanted to help millions,” shared Fridono. 

The Founder & Executive Director of Puppy Prodigies Neo-natal & Early Learning Program also acknowledged that her furry friend starred in the 2019 documentary “Superpower Dogs,” which focused on the lives of some incredible pups. She explained that she “chose to be involved with this film to save lives.”  

“Ricochet works with service members and veterans with PTSD,” explained Fridono. “The statistics of suicide among veterans with PTSD are staggering... every 65 minutes a veteran takes their life by suicide. I'm hoping this film will show them and their doctors, clinicians, families, etc that dogs can make a difference. My goal of the Ricochet sequence in this film is to raise awareness and save lives.”

Ricochet caught her last wave seven months before her passing. CBS 8 San Diego aired the poignant footage in August 2023. The Golden Retriever was assisted by Jose Martinez, who is a Gold medalist in adaptive surfing. While speaking to CBS 8 San Diego, the veteran explained why it was significant for him to help Ricochet on her final day of surfing. 

“I was pretty much told I would be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life and for me to be able to help the dog who helped me kickstart my surfing career, my surfing life is just like I’m filling up her cup as much as she filled mine,” shared Martinez. 

Rest in peace Ricochet, you sweet girl. We hope the other side of the rainbow bridge has plenty of surfboards.