The Uber Dude – This French Bulldog Enjoys Riding Shotgun

The Uber Dude – This French Bulldog Enjoys Riding Shotgun

Imagine sliding into the back seat of a car service and being greeted not only by your driver’s warm smile but also by the endearing wrinkle-framed grin of a French Bulldog. Frenchies, after all, are America’s favorite dog at the moment. For many riders in Colorado Springs, Colorado, that’s the signature experience of stepping into Pride Riccardi’s Uber. By her side is Dude, her constant companion and unofficial co-pilot. Together, the duo has transformed ordinary rides into memorable moments, turning what could be a forgettable commute into an unexpected story about connection, resilience, and the joy of life on the road with four paws by your side.

Pride, thank you so much for chatting with us. Dan Sayers, our Editor-in-Chief, was so taken with his conversation with you and knew that we should bring you and your wingman to our readers. Let’s start at the beginning. Introduce us to your dog and tell us how you became an Uber driver in the first place. And did your canine buddy accompany you from the get-go?

I became an Uber driver because I was bored sitting at home. That was October 2023.

Dude is my French Bulldog. He is awesome! I bought Dude on February 7, 2025. I fell in love with him from a picture a friend had sent me. I had to have him. I had retired from showing about eight years ago, as I couldn’t show Boxers anymore because of a knee replacement; it just wasn’t fun anymore. But then I saw Dude! So, I went and got a personal loan and I bought him. Ever since I laid my hands on him, he has gone with me everywhere. All the time I was looking at his picture I was saying, “You’re such a cute little dude.” When I had him in my arms, I knew he was my little Dude.

Dude got me back into the show ring again. He is now 18 months old and he is an AKC (American Kennel Club) Champion.

What kind of car do you drive and where does Dude sit? Is he good at staying put?

I drive a GMC Acadia. Dude has his seat on the console next to me. He never tries to get out. He has his own personal fan, so he stays extra cool.

Has Dude always been a very social dog? Do you remember the very first ride with him alongside? What was the passenger’s reaction?

Yes, Dude is very social. People always remember him and his name. They don’t remember me at all, and I don’t mind one bit. The first ride was AWESOME. Everyone had to pet him and take their pictures with him.

Has anyone ever asked if they could hold him? What are your rules about passenger interaction? Do you allow passengers with pets?

No, I don’t remember anyone asking if they can hold him. They just want to pet him, get kisses from him, and take pictures of him. They tell me it makes their day; he makes them feel good. Yes, other passengers with pets ride with us. Dude never even looks at them.

Uber tells its drivers that having a pet along can be risky, because some passengers might complain and write a bad review. Have you had any negative repercussions?

Yes! I had one young man who was terrified of dogs. By the time we got to the airport he was petting Dude. If I get a bad review, that’s okay because I get so many great reviews. The good outweighs the bad.

Let’s talk general logistics. What’s an average day like for you as a driver with a canine companion? How many hours do you both log in a shift? How do you balance caring for your dog while working?

We are up at 6 a.m. He is fed at 6:30 and we’re out the door by 7 o’clock. I turn Uber on as soon as I get in the car. If it’s a bright sunny day, I put Dude’s sun goggles on to protect his eyes. We pick up our first rider anywhere from 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. Then it is nonstop go! When I take my breaks, I walk him and offer him water. We try to end the day by 4:00 p.m. and get home by 5 o’clock.

Do you find that the dog changes the way people interact with you?

YES!!! I can tell when they get in if they’re having a bad day. Then I introduce Dude as their co-pilot for the day. They ask, “Can I pet him?” And I say, “Of course you can!” Then they start talking, telling me all kinds of stuff by the end of their ride; they tell me how much petting Dude meant to them and how he makes them feel so much better.

What has driving with your dog taught you about people? Any stories that stand out as especially heartwarming or funny?

Never judge a book by its cover. I picked up this couple who just went bonkers over Dude; they literally could not keep their hands off of him. The gentleman left Dude a $20 dollar tip. He kept saying the $20 dollars is for Dude. Then there was the mom who had been in the air for six hours with two screaming and crying kids; she was on her last nerve. They got in the car, and the kids saw Dude and said, “PUPPY!” The screaming and crying stopped. Mom looks at me and said every Uber driver should have a dog like Dude.

What do you hope passengers take away from meeting both of you, even if it’s just for a short ride?

That Dude and I genuinely try to help them have a great day. That we listen to them and that we care about them.

If Dude could talk, what do you think he would say about this adventure you’re on together?

That he loves meeting and greeting all these people.

I wish I lived in your neck of the woods so that I could take a ride with you! It would make my day, for sure.

We stop at Circle K gas market almost every day so that Dude can go see his people there. There are three ladies there who just love him. He knows when we pull up that he’s going to get lots of attention. In fact, Dude was made Employee of the Month in August 2025.

Then there’s the Costco where many employees know him, and the Walmart too. They all give him some loving. He is the best ambassador for the dog world!

I have a disabled veteran who rides with us; he loves Dude. He talks to me now and tells me how much petting Dude helps him to keep calm. We have a visually impaired lady who rides with us too. She tells everyone that she rides with a dog called Dude. Dude makes me a better person.

Pride, thank you for sharing this with us. We can see what a connection you and Dude have, and that you are making your riders’ days better. And I agree; every Uber should have a canine co-pilot!

As our conversation wound down, it became clear that Pride isn’t just driving strangers from Point A to Point B. With Dude as her sidekick, she’s creating small pockets of comfort and joy in a world where people are often too busy to notice one another. For some passengers, it’s a welcome distraction from a stressful day. For others, it’s the highlight of their week. And for Pride, it’s proof that life doesn’t have to follow a traditional map. Sometimes the best routes are the ones you make with a loyal companion riding shotgun, one ride at a time.