We've all known Ricochet was a superpower dog since 2010 when we first learned about
her and her heroic work with her Waves of Empowerment program that connects
veterans with PTSD and kids with special needs for a day of canine-assisted
surf therapy and emotional healing.
Now Hollywood agrees with us and has cast her to star in a 3D IMAX film!
Here's Her Awesome Behind The Scenes Photos. Enjoy! :)
Ricochet, the surfing sensation, who is also a registered and certified therapy dog,
is set to star in a new film entitled 'Superpower Dogs'.
The film will bring extraordinary dogs to life on giant IMAX screens. Ricochet's
segment included two days of filming at the beach, and one day at Balboa Park.
The film is scheduled to be released in March, 2019.
The film is aiming to be the best movie ever told about extraordinary real life
dogs who save lives, protect us from danger and make our world a better place.
The featured canines include search and rescue, avalanche rescue and water rescue. Dogs that sniff out wildlife poachers in Kenya will also be highlighted. These dogs rescue people from physical trauma.
Ricochet, on the other paw, rescues people from emotional trauma, such as PTSD.
Every 65 minutes a veteran with PTSD takes their life by suicide! It is because of
these staggering statistics that Ricochet is participating in the film. Her hope
is that more light will be shed on our military war heroes who are suffering in
silence, and how much dogs can help in their recovery.
Ricochet's segment will focus on her ability to enrich the well-being of veterans
with PTSD and children with special needs through the healing power of the ocean,
and the healing power of a dog.
The movie will utilize 3D cameras and computer graphics so that audiences may
experience the world through the eyes, ears, and nose of a dog.
The IMAX camera is attached to the end of a crane that swivels 360 degrees.
The director donned a wetsuit and got in the water to capture 'that perfect shot'.
All the 'extras' on set were kids, families and the water team that have been on
Ricochet's journey over the last 10 years.
An IMAX version of a GoPro was mounted to Ricochet's Surftech surfboard.
This production assistant now has 'belly rubs' in his job description!
Get ready for this 3D cinematic experience as Ricochet surfs right into your seat!
Ricochet's heartwarming story of profound emotional healing will be told through the
experiences of Staff Sergeant Persons B. Griffith IV (Griff), a Marine combat veteran
with PTSD, her guardian, Judy Fridono, and two seven year old boys, Kennie Alvarez
who has autism, and Logan Powell who has sensory processing disorder.
As Griff and the boys interact, it becomes clear how much more alike they are than
different. These young boys and this marine... held hostage by their inner turmoil.
All three battle an invisible challenge. And while scientists and specialists don't
always know what could help, Ricochet always does.
For example, when Ricochet senses Griff's anxiety, she initiates eye contact
which releases oxytocin, a hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain
to reduce stress and anxiety.
Ricochet's segment also chronicles the subtle and not so subtle behaviors she
uses to communicate Griff's physical or emotional distress. Fridono interprets
the behavior, and Griff validates it. This three-way communication helps Griff
identify deep seated emotional trauma which he addresses with his therapists.
As a result, his healing process advances more quickly.
Because the filmmakers were able to capture raw emotion from Griff, and
corresponding behaviors from Ricochet, you'll be able to see how she acted
like a mirror, reflecting back his feelings, while displaying her empathy
and intuition. This is how she detects and alerts to his triggers, anxiety
and stress.
You'll also see how she took responsibility for Griff, and prevented him
from going in to situations that were overwhelming for him. She was able to
avert panic attacks, melt downs and other anxiety provoking behavior.
It's Ricochet's wish that her segment will be the catalyst that gives hope to
veterans with PTSD who are suffering in silence or contemplating suicide, as
well as anyone else who is faced with emotional, physical or cognitive challenges.
Fridono believes all dogs have these healing powers. Unfortunately, we often
misinterpret their cues as bad behavior. In doing so, we miss the magic every
dog is capable of. Her hope is that others will gain a better understanding of
the sentience of dogs, and how they are always communicating with us... we
just have to listen.
BE SURE TO GRAB A KLEENEX...
Surf Dog Ricochet keeps looking at West until he makes eye contact.
This exemplifies just how much empathy she has toward kids with autism,
and how they are able to communicate with no words spoken. Just a
second of eye contact, but incredible communication between the two.
On Sunday, April 15, the team behind the upcoming IMAX documentary Superpower Dogs,
an epic 3D live-action family adventure film about extraordinary real-life dogs,
set the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the 'Largest dog photo shoot.' The
impressive record was set while filming the closing scene for the documentary
in Los Angeles, bringing 108 dogs and their owners together for 'Superpower your Dog Day'
- a fun-filled event celebrating the power of dogs.
Watch These Videos And
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With All Your Friends! :)
For those of you who Want More FUN - Visit The Shangy Fun List! Variety is the
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