Sugar, the Viral Surfing Dog, Dies Aged 16 Just Weeks After Cancer Diagnosis
Sugar, the Viral Surfing Dog, Dies Aged 16 Just Weeks After Cancer Diagnosis
Gina KalsiTue, March 31, 2026 at 10:06 AM UTC
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Sugar, the surfing dogCredit: GoFundMe -
Sugar, the viral surfing dog, died from cancer in her "daddy's arms" on Monday, March 30
Sugar made history as the first animal inducted into the Surfers’ Hall of Fame and held 19 surfing titles throughout her life
Her owner, Ryan Rustan, rescued her from the streets of Oakland, California, when she was a seven-month-old pup
Sugar, the viral surfing dog, has died aged 16 from cancer, her owner has revealed.
Ryan Rustan, owner of the rescue dog based in Huntington Beach, California, announced on his Instagram on Monday, March 30, that Sugar had “passed away last night at 3:20 a.m in her daddy’s arms."
Sugar was best known for her impressive surfing skills, holding 19 titles throughout her life; she was also a five-time World Dog Surf Champion. The canine also made history by becoming the first ever animal inducted into the Surfers’ Hall of Fame.
SugarCredit: GoFundMe
Rustan shared that his talented pooch had been diagnosed with cancer on March 2, riding her last ever wave later that week, on March 7.
He wrote: “She lived to put smiles on faces [and] to change dog surfing forever !!!"
“Thank you for loving Sugar, Goodbye, my Sugar., I can’t believe [I’m] writing this. I’m going to miss you so much 🙏 😩😩😩😩💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔.”
He shared the emotional update alongside a picture of Sugar enjoying her time in the water for the final time.
Sugar’s 33,000 followers rushed to pay their respects in the comments section, with one writing: “So sorry Ryan. You gave her the best life. I could see in her eyes she was holding on for you. Rest in Love sweet Sugar🐾❤️.”
Another said: “I’m sorry brother😢 she will be missed.. she made history 🏆,” while a third added: “You're a good papa! ❤️ Sugar rest in peace!”
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Sugar, the viral surfing dogCredit: GoFundMe
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Another commented: “The best to ever do it! Rest in paradise to a legend! 💕💕💕.”
Rustan rescued Sugar from the streets of Oakland, California, when she a seven-month-old pup.
In addition to surfing, Sugar also served as a therapy dog at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Long Beach.
Rustan spoke with the local outlet Fox 11 on March 4 after announcing her diagnosis and tearfully said, “She has only maybe a very short time.”
He described her as the “most decorated surfing dog on the planet.”
“She’s been on the forefront of showing other dogs how to ride a shortboard properly,” he said.
“I love her so much. I’m not ready for her to go. But she taught me a lot. She taught me that life’s cool."
on People
Source: “AOL Sports”
