PET OF THE WEEK

Beloved surfing dog Sugar diagnosed with cancer as owner plans final beach day: ‘I’m not ready for her to go’

"She taught me a lot. She taught me that life’s cool," her owner revealed.

MARCH 5, 2026 4:30 PM ESTMAR 5, 2026, 4:30 PM EST

For more than a decade, Sugar the Surfing Dog has been a familiar sight along the Southern California coast, gliding across waves and drawing cheers from crowds. Now the beloved Huntington Beach rescue pup is facing a far more difficult challenge.

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The 16-year-old dog, widely known for her surfing talent and therapy work, has been diagnosed with cancer, her owner Ryan Rustan revealed in early March. The announcement has prompted an outpouring of support from fans who have followed Sugar’s journey from stray dog to surfing icon.

Once a stray roaming the streets, she went on to become a five-time World Dog Surf Champion and one of the most recognizable canine athletes in the sport.

Rustan shared the news in an emotional Instagram post on Monday, March 2, explaining that Sugar recently underwent surgery to remove a tumor. The procedure was successful in removing the growth, and he says she has been recovering steadily since.

According to Rustan, the longtime surfing champion has even gained four pounds since the surgery, a small but encouraging sign as she continues to heal.

Speaking to Fox 11, Rustan admitted the diagnosis has been heartbreaking. “She has only maybe a very short time,” he said tearfully, reflecting on the difficult reality of the situation.

While the diagnosis has been devastating, Rustan is focused on making sure Sugar remains as comfortable as possible.

Sugar’s remarkable story has made her something of a legend in the surfing community. Once a stray roaming the streets, she went on to become a five-time World Dog Surf Champion and one of the most recognizable canine athletes in the sport.

Over the years, she has accumulated an impressive 19 surfing titles and earned a historic honor when she became the first animal ever inducted into the Surfers’ Hall of Fame.

Beyond her trophies and surfing accolades, Sugar’s impact has extended well beyond the beach. The dog has spent years working as a therapy animal, partnering with surf therapy foundations and visiting veterans at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Long Beach.

For Rustan, the idea is both a celebration and a farewell to a dog who became much more than a surfing champion. “I love her so much. I’m not ready for her to go,” he said.

Rustan often credits Sugar with changing his own life as well, saying their bond helped him through difficult times. “She’s been on the forefront of showing other dogs how to ride a shortboard properly,” he said while reflecting on her legacy. He also proudly called her the “most decorated surfing dog on the planet.”

While the diagnosis has been devastating, Rustan is focused on making sure Sugar remains as comfortable as possible. Her care now includes frequent veterinary visits, medication, special food, and ongoing monitoring as she recovers from surgery.

To help manage the mounting medical costs, Rustan has launched a campaign for Sugar’s treatment and ongoing care. “Sugar has brought so much joy to so many. If her story has touched your heart, any support means the world.”

Rustan told supporters he hopes to organize a special beach gathering for the local community so fans can see the famous pup ride the waves once more. The event, which he described as a “beach day with sugar,” would allow people to “watch her catch her last wave.”

For Rustan, the idea is both a celebration and a farewell to a dog who became much more than a surfing champion. “I love her so much. I’m not ready for her to go,” he said. “But she taught me a lot. She taught me that life’s cool.”