Sarah Maleski, from Dayton, Ohio, never imagined that her first dog, 9-year-old Australian Shepherd Freyja, would lead her into the world of dock diving and ultimately bring her closer to a partner and a life revolving around dogs. As they prepare for the 2025 Diving Dogs Premier Cup, Maleski is eager to see Freyja continue to break personal records, especially given her age.
The Perfect First Dog
Growing up in a rural setting surrounded by animals, Maleski always dreamed of working with dogs. She chose an Australian Shepherd after extensive research, knowing the breed’s versatility would fit her lifestyle in both city and country environments. Freyja, with her “spicy” personality and independent streak, quickly became Maleski’s perfect companion, despite concerns from the breeder about her suitability as a first dog.
However, Maleski’s journey took an unexpected turn when her father was injured in an accident, causing her to put her veterinary aspirations on hold. Instead, she became a vet tech and later transitioned to puppy training, realizing her true passion for dog training and helping others form strong bonds with their pets.
A New Direction: Dock Diving
While Maleski initially explored agility, scent work, and barn hunt with Freyja, they found their real connection in dock diving. Maleski explains that dock diving, unlike agility, doesn’t solely depend on her handling skills. “It’s a great connection, but it also relies on Freyja’s natural love for water,” she says. At first, Freyja jumped just nine feet, but soon they were competing at North American Diving Dogs events, where the sport offers a variety of divisions for dogs of all skill levels.
A Growing Family of Dock Divers
Maleski’s participation in dock diving events led her to meet her partner, Matthew Bohn. Together, they manage a dog boarding, daycare, and training facility and share a passion for the sport. They even have a private diving pool at home, where they train their six dogs and offer practice to others. Maleski explains, “We’re each other’s biggest cheerleaders,” and both enjoy helping others discover the joys of dock diving.
Freyja’s Continued Success
Though Freyja is considered past her prime for competitive sports, she continues to exceed expectations. At 8 years old, she achieved a remarkable 18-foot, 3-inch jump in the Distance Jump event. In addition, Freyja recently took on new challenges, competing in the Air Retrieve and Hydro Dash disciplines. Maleski is proud of Freyja’s accomplishments, especially as she made it to Nationals and earned a “Hard Charger” award.
Maleski and Bohn maintain a strict conditioning routine for their dogs, including warm-ups, cool-downs, chiropractic care, and a raw diet to ensure their health and longevity. Maleski, a certified cold laser therapist, ensures the dogs receive therapy sessions after each competition.
Cherishing Every Moment
Despite the competitive nature of the sport, Maleski values the time she spends with Freyja above all else. The loss of their beloved mixed-breed dog, Survey, last year, made her appreciate every moment with her animals. “It really opened my eyes to enjoying every second with my animals,” she says.
As Freyja continues to achieve new personal bests, Maleski sees her as an inspiration, demonstrating that age is just a number in the world of dock diving.