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Sugar the Surfing Dog, Huntington Beach Icon and Therapy Dog, Passes Away at 16
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – Sugar The Surfing Dog, a beloved local legend and the first canine inducted into the Surfer’s Hall of Fame, has died at the age of 16 after a courageous battle with cancer.
A rescue dog from Huntington Beach, Sugar was a five-time dog surfing world champion known for her remarkable talent on the waves and her compassionate work as a therapy dog comforting veterans. According to a heartfelt message on her Instagram, Sugar passed away peacefully “in her daddy’s arms.”
“She lived to put smiles on faces, volunteer, to send it!! To change dog surfing forever!!!
Thank you for loving Sugar,” the post read. “Goodbye my Sugar.
I can’t believe I’m writing this… I’m going to miss you so much.”
Sugar’s journey began as a stray, but her passion for surfing quickly made her a local and international sensation. Sporting a life jacket, she amazed crowds as she balanced effortlessly on her surfboard, riding wave after wave-sometimes alongside her owner, Ryan Rustan, and at other times solo.
In 2024, Sugar’s legacy was cemented when her paw prints were immortalized in the Surfer’s Hall of Fame in Huntington Beach, alongside the handprints and footprints of surfing legends.
“This is just incredible. Dreams do come true even for a surfing dog and guys like me,” Rustan said during the ceremony.
The city of Huntington Beach expressed its sorrow on social media, calling Sugar a cherished figure whose influence extended well beyond the beach.
“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,” the community tribute stated.
Sugar’s remarkable life touched many, blending athleticism, advocacy, and compassion in a way few could match. She will be deeply missed by surfers, dog lovers, and veterans alike.