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April 17, 2008

I do not know Lis’ Kristoff, but I heard about this video and her story through an online agility group I belong to for people who train and run rescued agility dogs. It’s a very sad story because Lis’ was recently given just 3 weeks to live. But, it’s also an inspiring story about dreams coming true, even at the last possible moment. (If this doesn’t make you bawl, then you’re stronger than I am.)


I do not have outside confirmation, but I believe the story to be true.

About the Author Roxanne Hawn

Trained as a traditional journalist and based in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA, I'm a full-time freelance writer for magazines, websites, and private clients. My areas of specialty include everything in the lifestyles arena, including health and home, personal finance and other consumer interests, relationships and trends, people and business profiles ... and, of course, all things pet related.

I don't just love dogs. I need them in my life. Seriously.

  1. I’m sad to report that Lis’ passed away May 6. May she rest in peace, and may her dogs grief pass quickly as they begin their new lives with friends.

  2. Thanks. I went and posted a note. I sure hope she can get what she needs from whatever time she has left. I just learned today (Monday) that a friend of a friend is facing a similar diagnosis right now. Very sad.

  3. Thanks for the extra info. I really am pretty sure all this is real, but as a reporter …  I’m skeptical for a living.

    It’s totally great that she got through the run. The full account I read said she had to lay down for a bit afterwards, which is understandable since Diva looked pretty fast to me.

    It’s incredibly sad for all her friends and family and for her dogs. The posting I read said that a friend will keep her dogs (and probably run them), so they’ll have a happy, loving home with someone who understands the whole deal.

  4. I don’t know the woman personally but I do know it’s true that she was struggling with cancer. I was scribing or something for one of her runs when she was up here for Regionals one year and there was a mistake with the timer. She’d had a beautiful fast clean run with her Chinese Crested and as the timer was trying to alert the judge so she could possibly re-run someone standing next to us explained she’d been dealing with chemo and was not going to want a re-run (the judge agreed to award her the Q without re-running). I can’t imagine someone would joke about her having only 3 weeks to live.

    Very very sad but how great that she was able to muster the strength to enjoy one last run with her dog. Looking at that video you can’t tell she’s ill at all (nor could you tell when I saw her run at Regionals).

    I’m sure there are many in the agility community who will miss her greatly.

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