PSI's Working Class K9 Hero Award

Tweet

Take Your Dog To Work Day® creator, Pet Sitters International (PSI), announces the 2011 award recipients of its first ever Working Clas K9 Hero Contest.

This contest was held to honor a special group of canines—dogs who work every day to improve the lives of others.

Congratulations to the 2011 award recipients!

Surf Dog Ricochet, Puppy Prodigies

Three-year-old Ricochet was slated to be a service dog for a person with a disability. She was a brilliant puppy, having learned many of her service-dog cues by eight weeks of age. Unfortunately, her interest in chasing birds and other prey made her ineligible to become a service dog.

Rather than focus on what Ricochet would be unable to do, her owner Judy Fridono focused on what she could (and loved) to do-surfing! Ricochet's title went from would-be service dog to SURFice dog. She is the only known dog in the world who surfs with disabled surfers and special needs children for therapeutic purposes!

Over the last three years, Ricochet has become an inspirational phenomenon, philanthropic role model, internet sensation, community advocate and goodwill ambassador! Her inspirational YouTube video went viral with more than 3.4 million views to date and in the last 18 months, she has helped raise nearly $100,000 for various human and animal causes.

Learn more about Ricochet on the Surf Dog Richochet Facebook page and the Surf Dog Richochet Web site.

Kyzer, North Andover Police Department

Eight-year-old Kyzer is a Narcotics K-9 for the North Andover Police Department in North Andover, Mass. and was nominated for the award by PSI member pet sitter, Tracey Zysk of Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care.

In 2007, Kyzer accompanied his handler, Sgt. Gray, when a call came in for a shooting at a local business. They arrived on the scene of a serial shooting. When Sgt. Gray released the leash, Kyzer put his training into action - biting the shooter's arm and knocking the gun away.

Kyzer's actions saved the lives of the officers on location. His actions did not go unnoticed. He became a role model in the K-9 community. Since 2007, Kyzer has faced more challenges, including having his stomach stapled. However, Kyzer has made a full recovery and continues to accompany Sgt. Gray in cruiser 310 daily!