Beloved Surf Therapy Dog
May 18, 2020
The world is filled with a lot of surfing dogs but most often, the ones who garner the most appreciation and love from the community are the handful of popular surf therapy dogs whose affinity for riding waves brings genuine comfort to those in need. Earlier this week, the beloved Haole passed away at home in Ventura after seven years of riding waves and making people smile along the way as an ambassador for A Walk On Water’s surf therapy programs. It was 21 months to the day since he’d been diagnosed with cancer, so it’s fitting that his owner described him as “the epitome of a warrior” along the way.
“This could turn into a book if I described everything about Haole – his personality, his giving heart, his old soulful eyes, his temperament, his love, guidance, commitment, dedication, bravery, smile, surfing ability, accomplishments, brotherhood, companionship, his organic ability to form long-lasting relationships, literally I could go on and on,” Haole’s Instagram account said on the day of his passing. “There will be no other like him and he may no longer live on this Earth, but he will forever live in our hearts, and I believe everyone’s heart that he met.”
The 12-year-old ambassador started surfing when he was five after “he told his parents” he wanted to ride waves by climbing on his owner’s board. For some time, he was a competing surf dog before retiring and working with the non-profit A Walk on Water, which provides surf therapy to children and adults with special needs.
“No one who witnessed Haole on a wave could possibly forget that image of grace and athleticism,” the non-profit said in its own tribute. “More than a dog who could surf, Haole was a surf therapist in the truest sense of the word.”
John and Kim Murphy, Haole’s parents, say they were able to take him out for one last wave just a few days before passing away.
“He was excited to get on his board and do what he and his Dad did so many times,” they said, sharing a video of Haole’s last session. “On this wave is a 12-year-old warrior that literally never gave in. We had no idea that three days later we would lose him, but the memories, love, surf sessions and lives he touched will fill the void in our hearts.”
Register your Dog Schedule a Visit
Recent News
Students Get Therapy Dog
When middle school students return to class on Jan. 11, they’ll find a new face at the door: Daisy. Daisy is a therapy dog and the personal pet of Rob Kreger, principal of the Rock L. Butler Middle School. The five-year-old golden retriever is not a school pet or mascot, but rather a working dog […]
Therapy Dogtor
Last March, Caroline Benzel, a third-year medical student, began to notice the stress and discomfort her nurse friends were feeling from the pressures of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. “[Personal protective equipment] can be really rough on the skin,” Benzel, 31, tells PEOPLE. Benzel and her 3-year-old Rottweiler, Loki (who’s also a therapy dog) hatched a […]
Therapy Dog Pups
When Stanley the miniature fox terrier’s owner passed away, the little dog started a ‘paw-some’ new role – bringing puppy love to some of the Gold Coast’s oldest residents. After Carinity Cedarbrook Diversional Therapist Julianne Staff adopted Stanley, he began visiting the aged care community at Mudgeeraba as a therapy dog. Therapy dogs help to […]
Therapy Dogs At School
Those who own a dog can attest to their ability to lift mood, improve stress and bring joy by simply being there, unanswering, seemingly all-knowing and always delighted to see you. Therapy animals are known for their calm and comforting nature, giving people a way to relax, de-stress and interact with a loving pet. They […]
Wonder Dog
For those of us with dogs, we know they quickly become major parts of the family. You live for and care for just like one of your own children, and one dog right here in Oklahoma City is beating the odds, and helping others recover as a therapy dog, despite all of the issues he’s […]
Scott And Charlie
Cherokee Middle School students may do a little more “doodling” second semester starting this month (January), but also will improve their attendance marks because of a special attraction at the school, courtesy of Principal Scott Aden. Aden, an effective, caring administrator, has acquired and will house and handle a young female Golden Doodle (Charlie) that […]
Hope For Veterans
E5 Therapy opened in April with a different way to help veterans in therapy. They offer canine-assisted therapy along with talk therapy to veterans and veterans’ families in Solano County. Owner Matthew Decker is a licensed clinical social worker in Northern California, focused on helping veterans achieve their mental health goals. Along with his team, […]