Sugar started out as just a stray — nobody's dog, no pedigree, no plan. What she became was nothing short of legendary: a five-time World Dog Surf Champion and the first animal ever inducted into the Surfers' Hall of Fame, her paw prints set in concrete alongside the greats of the sport. Ryan rescued Sugar from the streets of Oakland, California, when she was seven months old. Ryan has shared that saving Sugar helped him stay sober, grounded, and connected to his community.

Off the board, Sugar spent her days as a therapy dog, comforting veterans and bringing joy wherever she showed up. She caught her final wave in Huntington Beach before passing in March 2026 at age 16, leaving behind a legacy that changed how the world sees a dog on a surfboard.