Aw...Sugar the Surfing Dog Has Died Following Battle With Cancer

The world champion surfing dog Sugar, the first-ever canine to be named to the Surfers’ Hall of Fame, has died.

Sugar became a familiar sight in the surf over the last 16 years, a small white pup who was often shredding at the Huntington Beach Pier among the locals. 

The city of Huntington Beach announced the dog’s passing on Monday, March 30, calling Sugar “a true local legend.”

Sugar earned five World Dog Surf Champion titles and served as a therapy dog for her owner, Ryan Rustan, who held Sugar in his arms as she passed peacefully, surrounded by love, city officials said in the post.

“Sugar wasn’t just a champion on the waves — she was a symbol of joy, resilience and purpose,” officials said. “From inspiring the surfing world to advocating for rescue dogs and bringing comfort to veterans as a therapy dog, her impact reached far beyond the shoreline.”

Rustan picked Sugar up as a rescue from the streets of Los Angeles, the small pooch missing three of her bottom teeth and in ragged shape.