Dock Dog favorite Kiki struck by auto

MILLERTON — Kiki, a black Labrador retriever who was a local and national celebrity, died on July 27 when he ran out of  his fenced-in backyard and was struck by a car on Long Ridge Road in Stamford, Conn.

At the age of 8, Kiki was already semi-retired from a career as one of the first — and most successful —participants in a new sport: Dock Dogs, where agile canines compete to see who can jump the farthest off the end of a dock and into a padded swimming pool.

Kiki won the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge, set a world record twice (and held it for four years), and even appeared on Animal Planet, ESPN and “The Late Show with David Letterman.�

Kiki and owner Chris Litwin often visited the Northwest Corner, and helped establish a Dock Diving facility in Millerton at Ledgewood Kennel. The annual event there is called the Kiki Classic; the most recent was in June.

“Kiki and Chris were instrumental in getting us the dock and the pool, which in turn helped us with getting the kennel up and running,� said Ledgewood owner Kirby Barrett. “He was a great dog and we will miss him.�

Kiki had been in semiretirement for the past two years. He competed in local events (and was recently named top veteran Dock Dog in the country) but had curtailed his travel. Litwin had been working with younger pups, including a leggy jumper called Luna.

“We wanted to get Kiki a few more national titles,� Litwin said. “But we don’t have that opportunity anymore.�

Litwin and his wife, Chika, were out of town at the time of Kiki’s death. A neighbor had stopped by to check on the two dogs, who ran out the door. Luna was found nearby. Kiki was struck by an auto.

“We will never have another Kiki, he was an amazing animal,� said Litwin, who is still grieving over the loss.

The Litwins have set up a fund in Kiki’s memory. Donations to the Kiki Company will be donated to: a Labrador retriever rescue group, the town of Stamford’s animal control department and a group called “Chase Away K9 Cancer.�

Litwin hopes that, through the memorial fund, Kiki will continue to help people and other dogs.

Donations may be sent to Kiki Company, 57 Redfox Road, Stamford CT, 06903.

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