Rugby

I was on a shoot for the a few weeks ago with MV at the St. Regis in Dana Point. What a beautiful location but more importantly Rugby loved it there...and they loved him.
On Wednesday night, April 20th 2010, Rugby passed away peacefully at the St. Regis. On the patio of our room, surrounded by the crew that loved him and considered him our mascot, I laid down next to him and he went to sleep. Our room faced a beautiful garden filled with bunnies and squirrels (both of which he loved) and was located directly across from the dog park we'd visit after work. Apparently he had cancer...
He was... "The Best Dog in the World"..."Buggerby-Boo"..."Big Dog"... He was... "My Good Boy".
Rugby had a rock star life filled with celebrity encounters and blueberry facials. He touched all who knew him. When not vacationing, I mean working, at the St Regis, Rugby loved his home away from home with family members Gert, Michael, Cindy and Allie including roommates Kodi, Chuy, Holly and Round. At home he was surrounded by friends Sassy, Saroti, Neely, The Casanova Clan, Luke, Linda, Johnny, Lulu, Charisse, Nanni, Gabriel, Papa, Bailey, Kendra, Ella, "Daddy" Rick, Laura, Albert, Stanley, Julien, Lisa, Ted, Nancy, Eric, Bodean, Rusty, David, "Uncles" Frank & Bob, Bella and Clifford. As well as extended friends and family Worldwide... He also had pen pals Bailey in WI, Cleo, Zoom & Bear in Chgo, Savannah&Oreo in FL, Buddy in SanDiego, Sadie in ME, Honey in NY and more furry Cousins in San Antonio & Riverside. Who knew? He was a very social guy...always up for a paw-ty!
My special thanks to our fearless leader, Marcus Swieca, stellar producer “Uncle” David Reardon who went above and beyond, compassionate photographer Steven Talley, incredible crew of great friends and the entire staff at the St. Regis for their gracious and caring management of this delicate situation.
Rugby’s favorite animal organizations include HSUS, A Dog’s Life Rescue  and Fix Nation (he clearly loved cats!)
His favorite places to shop and groom were Tailwaggers  and Tailwashers. Every Saturday they host a pet adoption party. Even if you can’t adopt, they welcome volunteers to walk and play with the pets.
Highland Park Animal Hospital in Eagle Rock was his vet of choice. However, Dr. Craft of Monarch Veterinary Hospital cared for him during his illness and Dr. Forslund kindly assisted in his peaceful departure.
He was my best friend…RIP Rugby!