Surfing Dog Leads Paddle Out Memorial For Teen Who Died Of Cancer
A few months ago, The Dodo featured the story of Caleb Acosta, a teen with terminal brain cancer, and Ricochet, the therapy dog who helped the young boy's dreams come true. With the help of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Caleb was able to fly to San Diego to go surfing with Ricochet, who regularly helps kids with disabilities enjoy riding the waves. Sadly, just six weeks later, Caleb passed away. He was only 15 years old.
As devastating as Caleb's story might be, Ricochet is helping to mend together the hearts that have been broken. On Sunday, the SURFice dog joined Caleb's family and friends, along with other children she's helped, in a memorial paddle out held to celebrate Caleb's life. Dozens of people flew to La Jolla to surf alongside Ricochet, whose trainer, Judy Fridono, is working on a book -- or, rather, a "pawtobiography" -- about the therapy dog's life, in which she's including a chapter about Caleb.
NBC San Diego
Surf Dog Ricochet Facebook "When we came to California in February with Make-A-Wish, never would I have expected to develop such a bond with Ricochet, Judy, and the whole group of water helpers and friends who came out to support us," Caleb's mother, Cathy Franco, wrote in her Facebook group, PrayForCaleb. "They have become our family. Our lives are forever intertwined. ... We are forever blessed. We gained family, and an opportunity to have millions read about Caleb and get to know his loving spirit and his message of hope."
PrayForCaleb Facebook