Hawaii’s Inspirational Surfing Dog Rode Waves of Resilience and Adventure Before Bidding the World Farewell

An adorable Jack Russell terrier named Luna has made waves, both literally and figuratively, in the sun-kissed paradise of Hawaii. Born in France but raised on the shores of Hawaii, Luna was not an ordinary dog; she became a canine inspiration to many with her excellent surfing feats. The fur-baby’s story began with Alika Vaquer, her devoted guardian and friend. 

With an astounding personality that resembled the energy of bigger canines, Luna’s temperament was bound to cuteness and cuddling. She always exhibited a zest for adventure trips, which was remarkable for a house dog like herself. As the duo upheld their bonding, Alika’s love for the outdoors, particularly the water, soon became Luna’s passion. Together, they made several dreams come true. 

Canine’s passion for water leads to surfing trips

Luna quickly realized that the water was her element, and Alika introduced her to swimming sessions in a river. From rivers to oceans, the thrill-seeking fur-ball was always up for a watery adventure. She enjoyed participating in every water sport, whether snorkeling, swimming, or even surfing. With such passion, the little terrier displayed her persona as a true water dog, without any doubt. 

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Luna often preferred staying in the water for hours, much to the amazement of onlookers who worried she might tire herself out. Alika always reciprocated their concerns with affirmations of the dog’s capabilities, stating, “No. No way. She’ll go back to the shore if she wants to.” Luna was soon a celebrity in Hawaii, with her talent recorded in several videos. Hawaii News Now and other media outlets even did stories about her, demonstrating the canine’s surfing skills.

Overcoming the tidal waves of life

Luna quickly became the star of her own Instagram page. However, her incredible journey was not without its challenges. During a road trip in Central America, Luna was shockingly mauled by other dogs. The harrowing experience nearly claimed her life, with the poor soul battling a virus. Unfortunately, she faced bouts of cancer as well. Being a fighter, Luna overcame the severe aftermath of her condition. 

Recognizing her strength and resilience, Alika boldly decided to pursue surgeries when others deemed her too old. Remarkably, Luna bounced back every time, defying the odds with her indomitable spirit. She continued her desire for water adventures, towing Alika on a skateboard for miles. One of Luna’s pinnacle moments was when Alika and his wife, Jeanette, entered her in Duke’s OceanFest. As she rode waves with the best of them, Luna graced the ocean and stole the show at nearly 18 years old. 

Luna may have been the oldest canine to catch a wave, even with her illness advancing rapidly. Sadly, her epic journey came to an end recently. She passed away, leaving behind a legacy of joy, inspiration, and countless cherished memories for Alika and his family. The surfing dog Luna, with a heart as big as the ocean, evidently proved that life’s challenges can never dampen the spirit of thrill.

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