Nori

And now for something completely different… I first fell in love with Nori when I saw her 5 week old pictures – even though she was tiny, she was so sturdy and balanced, and I had the inexplicable feeling she was something special. But I told myself I needed a puppy like I needed a hole in the head, so I kept my mouth shut. When I saw the pictures of the litter at 8 weeks, my eye was still drawn to her and she was my pick puppy over her very nice fawn and white litter sisters, despite my usual aversion to brindle and white! By the time she was 10 weeks old I could no longer resist, and the rest is history. Many thanks to Robin Barry for her friendship and generosity in sending her here. Even though she is not my favorite color, I love her! After all, color is immaterial…

Standing just 19-1/4″ tall, Nori packs a lot of personality and heart into her small curvy body. She possesses one of the most unflappable and cheerful temperaments I have ever encountered. An incredible natural retriever, she is rarely without something in her mouth, usually a battered, soggy old tennis ball. She is bold, gregarious, curious, keen and ever-ready: everything a Whippet should be.

In the Ring…

Nori’s only show appearance at the 2001 Canadian national specialty resulted in a first place win in her sweepstakes class under longtime sighthound specialist Ann Fessenden, of Windwood Greyhounds (and formerly Whippets!).

On the Track…

Nori is absolutely crazy about the lure! She made her straight racing (CWA) debut in July 2002, and finished her NOTRA OTR title in March 2004. She was an enthusiastic racer, but lacked speed so was always a strong contender for the turtle award at any meet in which she was entered. She never cared that she almost always finished last, only that she was lucky enough to go racing! Her rock-steady conduct on the track and her lack of speed made her the perfect training dog, and she had the pleasure of training many new racers in her day. Unfortunately, chronic toe injuries finally forced Nori’s retirement at a relatively early age, much to her great displeasure.

In the Field…

Nori’s ASFA debut in August 2002 resulted in a 4th place finish in a highly competitive stake of 15 open whippets, and the next day she was 2nd in her stake at the regional invitational. She finished her ASFA Field Championship in June 2004.

Nori is now spayed and retired. In the spring of 2010, I made the very difficult decision to find Nori a new home where she wouldn’t have so many dogs to compete with. While I never have and don’t intend to start placing my older dogs as a matter of course, I felt Nori was getting unfairly picked on at home and would be happier in a smaller pack. She now lives very happily with the Yockey family and their old border collie in nearby Everett, WA. Nori is their first whippet and I’ve enjoyed sharing her with them and getting to hear the wonder in their voices as they tell me about her charming antics that I know so well. I really miss her but it is heartwarming to know she is happy and thriving in her new home.