Two Lives Celebrated
By Kim Byrd
For those of us that have been in dogs for an extended period of time, we know that in our lives a special dog enters our world and is with us forever.
This is one of those times when the person is as special as the dog.
Meet Valur and Chris Klein.
Saluki breeder Starr White, Windstorm Salukis, bred the top winning Saluki in Australia, MBIS MBISS Aust CH Kiabe Qariban (Banner) to the top winning Saluki in Canada, MBIS MBISS Can GR CH Am CH Windstorm Ruffled One, CGN (Ruffles). She was looking for good temperament as well as soundness and of course breed type. On June 26, 2009, Valur was born at night along with 4 brothers and 2 sisters.
Valur was a confident, yet quiet puppy. He stood 4 square and trotted light of foot as a Saluki should. Starr had not had anyone purchase a puppy for agility in addition to conformation. Chris contacted Starr and was concerned she would not be able to have one of the puppies. Starr was happy to have Valur go to such an enthusiastic home, knowing Chris was aware of the challenges of a Saluki for agility.
So the story began. Chris and Valur began a teamwork that would rival many at the time. He became a Canadian and American Champion, worked with Chris in obedience, rally, lure coursing, and even tried tracking. Valur loved, really loved agility.
Valur and Chris showed the Saluki breeders and owners Salukis can, and will, do more than lure coursing or be couch ornaments. Valur competed in agility at Westminister Kennel Club and went on the garner his MACH title. They were a strong and powerful team with that phenomenal bond.
Chris lost Valur (AKC GRCH UKC CH CKC CH MACH 3 PACH 2 Windstorm Valur I’m So Vain CD BN RE JC MXC2 MJS2 MXP6 MXPS MJP6 MJPS PAX2 NF NFP TB CGC TKN TDI C-ATCH) to undetected hemangiosarcoma of the spleen on July 3, 2020. Eleven year old Valur and Chris has just competed in an agility trial the weekend before he left her on this earth to combat inoperable cancer without him.
Chris’ life has changed as a long time competitor and Saluki supporter since her diagnosis of inoperable cancer. Chris is now on medical leave. She continues to be very generous with her knowledge as a veterinarian and agility expert as she has throughout her involvement in the world of Saluki. She has and continues to spend many hours on the telephone or internet supporting many through all types of crises, to include encouraging Saluki competitors in agility and performance. She is a great reminder to be patient, positive and celebrate the small accomplishments as well as those big accomplishments we all strive toward.
Valur will be waiting for Chris Klein when her time arrives to cross into the next chapter of her and Valur’s story.
RIP AKC GRCH UKC CH CKC CH MACH 3 PACH 2 Windstorm Valur I’m So Vain CD BN RE JC MXC2 MJS2 MXP6 MXPS MJP6 MJPS PAX2 NF NFP TB CGC TKN TDI C-ATCH, 6/30/2009 – 7/3/2020
Kim Byrd handled one of Valur’s sons, Remi (CH Feliice Classic Rembrandt), as a special for Betty Providenti.
Noreen Bennett, a dear friend of Chris created this beautiful video tribute:
Short URL: https://caninechronicle.com/?p=189055
Posted by chesliepickett
on Aug 19 2020. Filed under Featured, The Buzz.
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