There are all kinds of therapy dogs out there, but one pup named Ricochet just made history this week by surfing with Patrick Ivison, a quadriplegic teen ten years after their first ride together. Back in 2009, Ricochet independently decided to jump on the then-five-year-old’s surfboard, and the two caught waves together.
That 2009 stunt went viral, and now the video, which has racked up more than 12 million views on Facebook and YouTube, is offered with a “Kleenex alert” because of how emotional everyone gets after watching it.
“I will remember that day at the beach forever,” Ivison said in a statement. “Ricochet and I caught a few waves side by side, and then she decided she wanted to ride with me. When she hopped on my back it was a magical experience. We were in sync and could keep the board stable by helping each other. It was crazy and amazing.”
Patrick has since graduated from college, while Ricochet continues to surf with disabled children. “I can trace everything in my life back to surfing with Ricochet. I’ve loved watching other kids get involved, and I love seeing their faces as they surf with Ricochet. I know that she is changing kids’ lives as much as she changed mine.”
Photo: Daniela Kalwarowskyj on Unsplash
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