I hope that Sugar is catching waves up in heaven.
Fans of the viral dog Sugar are with heavy hearts today, learning that the 16-year-old rescue pup from Huntington Beach, California, has crossed the rainbow bridge.
The sweet blonde dog was best known for her incredible surfing skills, having over 19 titles to her name. The amazing dog was also the five-time World Dog Surf Champion and made history when she was the first canine ever inducted into the Surfer’s Hall of Fame.
Sugar is a true rags-to-riches story when it comes to dogs, as she was rescued from the streets of Oakland, California, at seven months old. In addition to her surfing accolades, Sugar also gave back to the community, serving as a therapy dog at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Long Beach.
Fans of the dog that could hang ten like no other were heartbroken to learn that Sugar was diagnosed with cancer earlier this month. On March 2, Sugar’s owner, Ryan, shared with the community that they had been battling cancer, asking for support from the community.
“We’ve been fighting her cancer together — vet visits, special food, medicines, and all the little things I’ve bought to keep her comfortable and happy on the waves.”
Shortly after sharing with the world that Sugar had cancer, the 16-year-old dog rode her last wave on March 7, and her owner vowed to keep her comfortable for the rest of her time on this earth.
Sadly, her time did not last much longer as Ryan shared on Sugar’s Instagram account on March 30 that his beloved dog and companion passed away in “her daddy’s arms” in the early hours of the morning.
“Sugar The Surfing Dog passed away last night at 3:20am in her daddy’s arms. Monday. June 14-2011 – March 30. 2026 … she absolutely loved you guys!! she lived to put smiles on faces, volunteer, to send it !! to change dog surfing forever !!! thank you for loving Sugar, Good bye my Sugar., i can’t believe in writing this .. I’m going to miss you so much”
Followers of Sugar did not take long to fill up the comments, sharing sweet words about the beloved dog.
“Rest in love sweet Sugar. We all have a really special angel over us now.”
“Rest in Paradise.”
“Oh my heart. So so sorry for your loss. Sugar is a legend and always will be, there will be no other dog like Sugar. She has brought me so much joy and I’m all the way in the Philippines.”
“I’m sorry for your loss, I’m grateful for you sharing Sugar and giving her the best life.”
“Rest easy sweet girl.”
“Rest in peacefulness sweet Sugar girl! You were so loved by so many! Your legacy lives on and we will miss you so much!”
“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.”
“I’ve known guys who had dogs, they loved their dogs but none of them loved their dogs as much as you loved Sugar. I saw your story on the channel 11 news and I just started crying. The amount of love you had for her was beyond words. You showed her a life full of love and adventure, she was one lucky dog to have you. You both saved each other.”
Sugar left a lasting impact on her owner’s life but also has a lasting legacy in Huntington Beach and beyond. Rest in peace, Sugar. We hope you are catching some great waves up in heaven.
