SURF DOG RICOCHET PAYS TRIBUTE TO SLAIN BASEBALL PLAYER
August 26, 2013 • Video
FIDO’s friend Surf dog Ricochet, the SURFice dog is usually pitched into waves with disabled surfers, but last Friday she found herself in a much different pitching environment. She, and her disabled surfing partners, Patrick Ivison and Ian McFarland threw out the first ceremonial pitches at the Padres game against the Chicago Cubs. Ricochet dedicated her first pitch to Chris Lane, the Australian college baseball player who was tragically shot to death in Oklahoma last week by three “bored” teenage boys.
The Padres honored this surfing trio as the ceremonial first pitch coincided with Ricochet’s $300,000th dollar raised for human/animal causes.
It was also the 4th anniversary of the first time Ricochet jumped on a surfboard with Patrick and made history. She’s the only dog in the world who surfs with kids with special needs, people with disabilities and wounded warriors as an assistive aid and SURFice dog.
The plan was for both boys to throw their pitch to the catchers while Ricochet ran to home plate. This action was to symbolize her efforts in raising awareness to strike out violence on behalf of Chris Lane.
But, in pure Ricochet fashion, she had other plans. As soon as catcher, René Rivera squatted down to prepare for Patrick’s pitch, Ricochet tenderly sauntered to his arms where he responded by holding out his hand, and giving her an affectionate pat. Was this a spontaneous behavior on Ricochet’s part? Or did she know Chris Lane was on a baseball scholarship at East Central University where he was the team’s CATCHER!?
Either way, her message of unconditional love and peace resonated with the crowd. She also advocates for pawing it forward, anti-bullying and getting kids involved in volunteer opportunities.
See this heartwarming moment below – it’s our video pick of the week!
Surf dog Ricochet dedicates her 1st pitch to Chris Lane at Padres game
Ricochet dedicated her 1st pitch to Chris Lane, the Australian baseball player who was killed by 3 Oklahoma teens earlier in the week. The plan was for her to run to home plate to "strike out" violence. But, Ricochet had other plans. As soon as the c
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