Today, I am sad

Lis' and Diva

The agility world is large, yet small. The sport has always been especially supportive of people. There are surprisingly few egos involved. And thanks to the internet, a lot of us "know" each other, even when we've never met.

Over the years I've had some great conversations with a lady from Texas who runs Chinese Cresteds (yes, Chinese Crested dogs, the little bald dogs, do quite well in agility). Lis' and I have not always agreed, in fact sometimes we've clashed. But I've always respected her opinion. And I was shocked, along with the rest of the agility world, to get the following message on April 14.

"To all of my fellow agility competitors and friends, Last Tuesday I was admitted to hospital, for eight years I have fought breast cancer. I have been diagnosed now with AML Leukemia and have been given approximately three weeks to spend on this wonderful earth.

I have chosen not to do any more chemo as I believe I have received and given all this life has to give and take. With the help of my dear friends in Dallas we were able to talk the Dr's into spring me out of hospital today. Tomorrow at the Dallas Agility Working Group's trial I will run my darling Chinese Crested Diva for the last time - it wont be pretty, no one will be able to guess who's handling style I will use and I don't even know myself - just staying on my feet will be an achievement and to run with my very best friend and to be among friends will be enough to give me the energy I need to get through the day. ...

If you want to do anything for me pray that Diva and I can achieve a super Q, it is all we need to become ADCH together, but even if we don't get it - I know I am blessed to share what time I have with my dogs and my friends. Please wish Angela Lancaster all the very best with my dogs in the future, she is going from the cheesiest Yorkies to a couple of naked Cresteds and I know my dogs will continue to be well loved and respected and they will be in the agility ring again at some time to play. Many thanks for all your love and support over the years, I am indeed one of the lucky ones that get to say thanks in 'person' before my time.

Remember this weekend to enjoy your friends, dogs and should success come, enjoy and embrace it, if it doesn't never forgot the love of this game and the friendships we have forged. Thanks to everyone who helped me with my journey I sure do appreciate you all. Run Fast, Run Happy--Lis' Kristoff"

Lis did indeed run Diva that very weekend for her ADCH. That run can be seen here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zlhkMwppKw

Just yesterday, we got a message from one of Lis's friends. Diva was only leaving Lis's side for food and to go outside. And today, Lis' is gone. She passed away at 9:00 p.m. last night. Her positive voice will be missed.