5/17/08 – 8/11/24
OTCH Mister Rugby Sevens UDX2 OM3 VER RA OA NAJ TKA
Rugby’s size was the only thing small about him.
He never met a stranger. He loved having an audience. He walked into every room like he owned it, often also announcing his presence when he did so.
He loved hanging with the big dogs, and going on adventures. He found great joy in hiking and in digging in the sand.
He always greeted you at the door with a toy, and considered every blanket a throne. He would come running anytime you spread a blanket over your lap or on the couch.
If asked what the highlights of his life were, the top three would certainly be…
- Being the first (and currently only) Maltese to earn an Obedience Trial Championship.
- Winning the Toy Group at the National Obedience Invitational
- Filming a commercial for TLC’s Trading Spaces.
Rugby opened my eyes to the type of relationship you can have with a dog with a high level of training. That when your dog is truly your teammate, the dog-owner experience becomes three dimensional. Life with them is easy and fun. Opportunities are opened to them, and they can be awarded more freedom and autonomy.
When I started a training business to help other people build strong, rewarding relationships with their dogs, it made perfect sense to call it Leash Free Living. That was the name of Rugby’s training blog. He is Leash Free Living.
We said goodbye to Rugby on Sunday. He passed peacefully at home in my arms.
Rugby had been my dog for nearly half of my life. He was my oldest, closest, and most loyal friend.
I’ve found some comfort in watching some old Rugby videos, so I’ve collected a few of my favorites here. Cherish every moment with your dogs. Even a lifetime isn’t enough. *Full playlist of Rugby videos HERE* *Full playlist of Rugby competing HERE*