Ricochet, ("Rip Curl Ricki,") the Surfin' for Paws-abilities surf dog, who won several surf dog contests this past summer, and more notably raised over $10,000 along with a three year grant from her sponsor WebMD Health Foundation for quadriplegic Patrick Ivison's physical therapy, is now leading a holiday toy drive to benefit children in San Diego and Orange counties.

Although dog surfing has pretty much come to a close for the season, Ricochet decided to trade her life jacket for a santa jacket, and transformed herself into a Surfin' Santa Paws!  Ricochet is very excited about this new project, as she adores children, and is eager to make a difference to those hospitalized this holiday season.  The beneficiaries of the toy drive are Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego, and Hurley's Living The Dream Foundation, which together with Ricochet, will distribute the toys to CHOC Children's Hospital.

Ricochet is accepting tax deductible toy donations, or gift cards for toy/book stores through December 18^th, via the US Postal Service.  Toys can be mailed to: Surfin for Paws-abilities/Ricochet, 306-N West El Norte Pkwy, #47,  Escondido, CA  92026.  Or visit her website for more info http://www.ripcurlricki.com

Toys that are most useful in a hospital setting are those that are new, durable and cleanable.  They cannot accept large items such as bikes or skateboards, or items such as stuffed animals, handmade blankets, hats, socks, etc.  Please visit http://tinyurl.com/ydscfl2 for Rady Children's Hospital wish list, and http://tinyurl.com/ycz2lkz for CHOC Children's Hospital's wish list.

Ricochet was slated to be a service dog for people with disabilities, but had to be released from that role due to her strong drive to chase birds, which could be dangerous to a person with a disability.  Rather than focus on what she couldn't do, the emphasis was placed on what she COULD do, and the Surfin' for Paws-abilities program was carved out for her.  To see an inspirational video of Ricochet's journey from service dog to SURFice dog, visit this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGODurRfVv4

Hurley's Living The Dream Foundation provides gifts, positivity and the support of a family atmosphere to children with life-threatening afflictions, and their families. Founder Scottie Somers, who has cystic fibrosis himself, started the foundation as a way to give back and show children with terminal illnesses what he's learned through his fun life: appreciate each day as a gift, no matter what, and always have a positive attitude. Living The Dream gives children the golden fun key, a gift they can use for years to come.