May 23 – 25 2025 – Sunderland, ON

I grew up reading Popular Dogs magazine and liked Kate Webb Seemann’s ads. Small ads, but pictures of Borders being dogs: with woodchucks, kids, swimming, and pups in a basket.

I graduated from college and was working in NYC. I wanted a dog small enough for an apartment and able to fit into a carrier and ride on trains, buses, and the subway, yet rugged enough to enjoy the country when I went home. In March of 1963 Jody came to live with me and was the perfect city dog. She became Mex Ch Dalquest Jody of Town Hill CD. She accompanied me to graduate school at UCLA and produced my first litter – and my first blue and tan, Ch Bandersnatch Brillig CD.

Borders have been part of my life since 1963. My dogs are house dogs, many sleep on the bed, and live a full life as dogs.  I have titled dogs in Obedience, Rally,  Earthdog (dating back to the start of AWTA), Tracking, CAT, FastCAT and now do Nose (Scent) Work. I have done some natural hunting, but that needs a young active (human) partner to dig dens. I have been an active member of Cornell Companions Therapy Dogs for its entire 25 years.

I have bred only 52 Border litters. Most of my pups have gone to companion homes but many could have finished then or now. I am proud of the fact that most of those that stay with us have titles at both ends of their names.  My goal in breeding has been to produce healthy dogs of good type and temperament. I want all owners and breeders to remember that a Border should be able to live with the family, and go out in the field, and participate in multiple venues that the family enjoys.

I founded the BTCA Health and Genetics committee in 1972 and we work to educate breeders and owners.

I have been honored to judge the BTCA specialties in 2002 and 2012, as well as regional specialties and supported entries. I judge Border Terriers, Otterhounds, Junior Showmanship, and Earthdog.

I am honored to be selected to judge the BTC 2025 Specialty.

I am very pleased to have the opportunity to judge BTCO Sweepstakes for our 25th Anniversary Specialty.

In the early 70’s I was an obedience instructor (and at one time, President) of The Twin Cities Obedience Training Club in Minneapolis. My young Doberman girl had a favourite friend, a Border Terrier that Betsy Finlay (Woodlawn Border Terriers) owned, named Ryan. I fell in love with Border Terriers watching them play together. Betsy offered Ryan to me to take home and do obedience with but I wasn’t ready. I told her that one day I would be calling her for a Border. When my last male Doberman passed away I called Betsy and in 1994 Wendell arrived – Am. Can. Ch. Woodlawns Spies Like Us. Wendell was a wonderful companion and ambassador for the breed. I have been very fortunate to have a good friend, mentor and co-breeder in Linda Hough – Russethill Border Terriers, and together we have bred, shown, owned and co-owned American and Canadian National Specialty winners, Terrier Specialty BISS and all breed BIS winner and several of Canada’s top Border Terriers.

I am a founding member of both The Border Terrier Club of Ontario (where I currently serve as Director of Education) and Border Terrier Canada. I continue to teach Obedience Training classes for The Georgina Kennel and Obedience Club and I am a CKC Canine Good Neighbour tester.

I currently live with five Border Terriers and an Otterhound.

Thank you for this opportunity.

Border Terriers have shared my home and heart since 1990. I was fortunate to be mentored by multiple respected “old timers” in our breed who instilled in me the importance of stewardship.  My foundation bitch from my mentor and friend, Kate Murphy, became the 2004 Best Veteran at the BTCA National Specialty.

As a conformation breeder-judge, my priority is to select Border Terriers who possess the ability to work in rough terrain and narrow spaces. My emphasis is on the function of a working terrier. As a judge and life-long student of Border Terriers, I possess an understanding of the breed’s history and what is required of them to do a days’ work.  A true steward of our breed would never abandon this moderate, narrow and rangy workman to become a “show” Border with no ability to do a days’ work. When judging, I look for a correct outline and those who cover ground effortlessly with a long reach and fluid movement.  A balanced, narrow, moderate and honest Border in good working condition with true Border type will have my nod.

I started my venture to become an Earthdog judge in 2023 and have enjoyed every aspect of the journey.  As a member of the Greater Boston Area Earthdog Club, I’m privileged to help with introducing and training novice owners and their canines to the sport of Earthdog from May through August.  Currently I train and compete with two of my Borders and working at the Senior level with both girls. It is very rewarding to watch the dogs turn on to an activity (even if it is staged) that they were bred to do.

The social aspects and camaraderie found among the people involved in this performance event is gratifying and worthwhile.