Sisters Bellamy, 19, and Savannah Arturburn, 17, both suffer heart problems resulting into losing their mobility. Both of them wanted to try surfing which seemed impossible because of their terminal disease.
The girls, who have Friedreich’s ataxia, a degenerative neuro-muscular disease, heard about Ricochet ,a SURFice dog, who surfs with veterans, people with disabilities and children with special needs, and wanted to experience it too.
Since they couldn't afford a trip to San Diego, Ricochet and Dave, ricochet's human water-handler, raised funds to cover the travel expenses of the girls, which generated enough money within 24 hours.
Ricochet's Facebook fans, Scott and Sharon Brandstadt, donated 100,000 Southwest Airline miles. Meanwhile, Hotel Indigo, Del Mar donated a room and other fans of Ricochet on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram sent in cash donations to cover attractions, activities and dining.
The two girls arrived on the beach in wheelchairs. They were carried on to the surfboards by Richochet's team. Both screamed with delight and excitement as their dreams came true.
Since the girls had very little upper body strength, they had difficulty clinging on to the surfboard. It was Richochet's job to counterbalance the surfboard and help them stay afloat.
"Even though I'm sick and dying, I don't let it stop me living my life," Bellamy said, according to Bored Panda. “I’ve always wanted to surf and then I found out about Ricochet and it made it more special. It just felt so good, like I was free.”
Aside from the girls, their father Donovan was also given the chance to surf. For a few moments, the single dad left his worries behind.
Ricochet has indeed made the girls feel special, but it isn't just the act of surfing that had an impact to the girls. Rather, it is the dog's powerful paws-on ability that "makes immediate, deep, heart-to-heart connections with the individuals she interacts with," wrote The Dodo. The dog also provides support and healing energy to those who needs it.
“People come up and there’s a heart to heart connection. There’s an interaction on a very deep level. It’s on a level that humans can’t put into words,” said Judy Fridono, Ricochet’s owner, according to Time of San Diego. "[Ricochet is] a very special gift and I want to share that gift. There’s a purity and essence of energy. I’m glad that we could give them the experience.”
