May 28, 2004
Chris Randolph
1950 – 2004
On January 21, 2004, following complications from a valve-replacement surgery, Chris Randolph was reunited with her beloved Boxers who were waiting for her at the Rainbow Bridge.
Chris got her start in Boxers the way many of us do, with “just a pet” who stole her heart. Some years later she dipped her feet in the show ring with her bitch Suzie (Randolph’s Slew Foot Sue). She won her class at that first show and as she left the ring, beaming, she said, “This is FUN!” She had been bitten by the show bug, and her life was forever changed. Chris was on cloud nine for weeks when she owner-handled her bitch Rita (Randolph Diamonds Are Forever) to a Best of Breed from the classes.
Not only did Chris enjoy showing her own dogs, she was also thrilled by the successes of her friends. She shared the sad times as well, and was always ready to talk or just to listen.
Chris was fiercely devoted to her own dogs, and to the breed as a whole. She was heavily involved in the Rescue program, spending countless hours helping Ginger with the dogs who came in, and she donated a large number of the prizes for our Rescue raffles.
This generosity extended to other areas of her life. Chris was always willing to help someone in need, whether she’d known them for 20 years or 20 minutes. As one of Chris’ grandchildren said, “If you knew her, you were her friend.”
Chris was also dedicated to the health of the breed, and was determined to beat the heart and spinal problems that we see all too often. She was always striving to do the best for her dogs, and spent hours researching various health issues, from cardiomyopathy and degenerative myelopathy down to every last ingredient in dog food.
Chris owned/co-owned several other Boxers, including Katie, Charlie, Lucy (Cameliard’s Satin N’ Lace), Abe (Weston’s Cry For Freedom), Velvet (Randolph’s Black Irish Velvet), and Xena (Newcastle’s Crown Jewel of Randolph). A new puppy, Randolph’s Bojangles, will be hitting the ring this spring. Her dogs will continue to be shown, and carry on the legacy of love Chris has left behind.
The Michigan Boxer Club lovingly dedicates this show to the memory of Chris.