​From cancer survivors to surfing stars: California woman and her dog beat cancer before competing together at the World Dog Surfing Championships

Sophia Sadlowski and her Miniature Pinscher Rusty, both cancer survivors, competed at the 2026 World Dog Surfing Championships at Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, California.

Rusty began surfing as a puppy when Sadlowski placed him on a board for a photo; he balanced and rode a wave, leading to his first competition at four months old, where he finished third.

The duo surfed together on one board, with Rusty wearing a green life jacket with a shark fin and dog goggles.

The 10th World Dog Surfing Championships took place on August 1, 2026, and included categories by dog size and tandem events.

Rusty and Sadlowski did not win, but their participation celebrated recovery and hope, inspiring spectators.