Skyler isn’t a dog who rides along. She surfs. This Queensland Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog) from Santa Cruz, California, learned the sport alongside her owner, pro surfer Homer Henard, and developed real surfing skills of her own. Skyler leans on her rails, carves bottom turns, and steers by lifting a paw. When the moment calls for it, she hangs ten with her paws over the nose of the board. She’s also not afraid of size. She has taken on open-ocean waves around Santa Cruz, including spots like Steamers Lane, with waves running head-high and up to 10 feet. She has also made history. Skyler was the first dog to get barreled at Kelly Slater’s man-made wave pool, a first for the sport. Her trophy shelf is full, too. Skyler has won multiple titles in dog surfing competitions, including the World Dog Surfing Championships and tandem contests at Huntington Beach. What may matter most about Skyler is what she does beyond competing. As a therapy and comfort dog, she works with nonprofits like Operation Surf, Waves of Impact, and the Mauli Ola Foundation, helping wounded veterans and children with exceptional challenges experience the ocean. For Skyler, the best wave might be the one that makes someone else’s day.