'Failed' Service Dog Takes up Surfing

'Ricochet' is a Golden Retriever who is now better known as 'Rip Curl Ricki!"

She was born to lead a life of service.... but, despite receiving the best possible training from the Puppy Prodigies Neonatal & Early Learning Program in San Diego, California, her penchant for chasing birds resulted in elimination from the program.

Rather than focus on what this dog couldn't do.... her trainer decided to focus on the dog's strengths and turned disappointment into a new direction. Ricki is now a surfing dog who not only helps the disabled, she also helps raise money for charity!

If you need inspiration to help you set new directions for the New Year, this video of Ricki riding the waves in the California surf is sure to bring a smile to your face and tears to your eyes!

HomeSafe for USA veterans

While most HomeSafe blog postings focus on humans keeping their companion animals safe, we know you'll love this story,... canines keeping people HomeSafe!

In February of 2005, a group of disabled veterans from the Dallas VA Hospital asked well-respected dog trainer, Lori Stevens, to assist them in training their own service dogs. This is where Lori learned about the plight of disabled veterans in need of service dogs.

In February of 2006, Patriot PAWS Service Dogs was established and now holds provisional membership in Assistance Dogs International (ADI). B the end of 2009, the association will have placed a dozen dogs with US veterans.

Most service dogs are initially selected from local animal shelters, rescue groups, and service dog puppy raisers. They are carefully evaluated prior to selection and only the best of the best become candidates, graduate, and are certified. It takes 12 to 18 months to properly train just one service dog. The cost of the care and training for that one service dog during these months is approximately $20,000.

To find out more about this amazing organization and the equally amazing dogs they work with, click on the heading above.