When it comes to dinner, Rigby, a lovely mix of chihuahua beagles, is rather the character. He is nine years old and has evolved a certain inclination that keeps his owners occupied and alert. Rigby insists on being hand-fed every little crumb instead of diving into his bowl like normal dogs.
Although this odd behaviour seems strange, Rigby’s appeal includes this eccentricity. Hand-feeding is one of the ways his owners may assist him relax and feel more at ease during mealtime since they have come to know he suffers with anxiety.
Though they try to fit Rigby’s tastes, his reaction to his food is always funny. He turns his nose up at the plate, looking arrogant and as though he says, “I deserve better than this peasant food!”
Nine-year-old Chihuahua-Beagle mix Rigby lives in a small suburban house where the days are marked with the pitter-patter of small paws and the delicate rustling of fur against furniture. Rigby has a unique and demanding attitude. This little but energetic dog has developed a distinctive schedule based on one odd behaviour: he insists on being hand-fed every single kibble.
A few years ago, Rigby had a brief illness that started his path to this unusual dining choice. The Millers, his owners, found Rigby had become reluctant to eat from his bowl during his rehabilitation. Careful for his health, they started hand-feeding him one kibble at a time. From a makeshift patch, what became a constant in Rigby’s life soon became permanent.
Rigby wakes every morning ready to start his day with a lively bark. His tail wagging fiercely, he prances around the kitchen, waiting for breakfast. Growing used to Rigby’s habit, Mrs. Miller puts a measured quantity of kibble in her palm and settles down on the kitchen floor at eye level with her animal friend.
She extends the first kibble, and Rigby gently removes it from her hand with a refined grace. He nibbles gently, appreciating every morsel as though it were a gourmet meal. Until his bowl runs dry, this process keeps on kibble by kibble. Though the Millers wouldn’t have it any other way, this is a routine that calls for patience and commitment.
The hand-feeding ritual doesn’t end with breakfast. Rigby gets the same consideration over lunch and dinner. Although it could seem like a lot of work, the Millers consider it as a nominal cost for the happiness and company Rigby brings into their life. Friends and relatives who often wonder at Rigby’s insistence on this personal touch have even started a discussion about this unusual dining behaviour.
Though small in stature, Rigby has a bigger personality than life. Often playing vigorous games of fetch and tug-of-war with his preferred toys, he has a playful energy that belies his age. His expressive eyes and wagging tail tell volumes about the love and trust he feels towards his human family. His allegiance to the Millers is relentless.
Although Rigby’s hand-feeding practice is unique, local veterinarian Dr Emily Thompson points out that pets often develop particular eating preferences—especially following health problems—even if this is not entirely typical. “Pets, much like people, can develop unique habits and preferences, especially with regard to their care and feeding,” she says. “There is no damage in allowing Rigby’s inclination for hand-feeding as long as he is keeping a good diet and weight. It obviously comforts and makes him happy.
The touching reminder of the lengths pet owners will go to guarantee their furry friends are happy and healthy comes from Rigby’s story. His demanding dining routine has created a special bond between him and the Millers, highlighting the deep connection that can exist between pets and their owners. In a world that often feels rushed and impersonal, Rigby’s insistence on being hand-fed each kibble serves as a gentle reminder to slow down and savor the simple, joyful moments of life.
As the Millers continue to indulge Rigby’s unique habit, they do so with love and gratitude, cherishing the daily ritual that has become a cornerstone of their lives. For Rigby, each hand-fed kibble is a testament to the unbreakable bond he shares with his family, a bond built on love, patience, and mutual devotion.
These kinds of events remind Rigby’s owners exactly how special and charming their animal friend is. They wouldn’t have him any other way even with his diva-like behavior.