A: I could not have animals as a child but used to coax the stray dogs in the neighborhood to follow me home. When I could have a dog, I had a stray that my aunt found, which saved my life in a fire but succumbed to it. I then had a poorly bred Irish Setter and a Lab/Husky mix. One day out of the blue, I decided I wanted a show dog. I had never even been to a dog show at that point. I narrowed my choices to Miniature Schnauzers, Lakeland Terriers, or Lhasa Apsos. I wanted a bitch puppy because I thought I might want to breed. As it happened, in 1979, there was an ad in a Boston paper for an 11-month-old male Lakeland Terrier. His name was Tyler, and he was to become Am. Can. Ch. Kilfel Flirt With Fame. I bought him, and he and I learned the ropes of dog shows together. I had many group placements on him and even a Best In Show in Canada. I had to learn everything, including how to trim a Lakeland Terrier. My first mentors were Dick Redmond and Geri Kelly. I would also watch everyone I could in the ring and under the tent, and so many others also had an impact on me. I also had, and still have, great respect for Tyler’s breeder, Patricia Peters of Kilfel Lakelands, and am grateful for her advice and support over the years. I bred my first-ever litter in 1979, and Larkspur Lakeland Terriers was created.

Q: What breeds of dogs have you shown over the years, and what breeds are your favorite to work with?

A: I have owned and shown Miniature Schnauzers, an Afghan Hound, and a Labrador. I have also shown Wheatens, Pharaoh Hounds, an Ibizan Hound, and others. I have recently become involved with and have bred Brussels Griffons. I love to create a beautiful outline from a furry mess and to work with any dog that is happy and presents itself in the ring. Doesn’t everyone?

Q: Please share with our readers some of your highlights in the show ring as an OH so far.

A: I think my best highlight as an Owner Handler was finishing my dog named Spot with a Best In Show in 2011, Am. GCHS. Can. Eng. Finn Ch. Larkspur Acadia Save Me A Spot. I then won several more groups and placements with him before he went on to win about 24 more Bests with a handler. In 2013, at Montgomery County Kennel Club, our National Specialty, Spot’s full sister, Sarah, Ch. Larkspur Acadia Summer Secret at Greycottage, went WB from the Bred-by class under a breeder judge. Spot also won the breed that year and went on to a Group 4. In 2023, I went Best of Opposite Sex at our National Specialty with a Spot daughter, GCH. Larkspur Red Hot And Spicy, Ella, under a breeder judge. Ella has done well in the Owner Handler groups and has been number 1 OH Lakeland last year and this year, as well as having the most lifetime OH points for a Lakeland.

Q: What makes you more excited – winning an all-breed Best in Show or a Specialty Best in Show?

A: That’s a tough one. They are both exciting, but I think, as a breeder, winning a National Specialty or other specialty, especially under a breeder judge, would make the win more special.

Q: On the whole, do you believe there are too many all-rounder judges judging your breed and not enough breed or group specialists?

A: I don’t show every weekend, but I feel that the mix of all-rounders and breed and group specialists is fine. In the OH groups, especially, we get a lot of judges who do not know what some of the terrier breeds are, but for the most part, they can tell if a dog is good or not.

Q: Westminster or Orlando? Also, how do you feel about not having Westminster in the Garden anymore?

A: I have not yet been to Orlando. My last Westminster was in 2014, where the judging was at the Piers and the groups were at the Garden. I thought that worked out great. I happened to win the breed that year with a class bitch, Sarah (see above), who I thought the judge would love, and he did. Early in my dog showing, I went to Westminster every year when it was benched at the Garden. It was a very hard show to work for handlers, but being there for the groups was exciting and sometimes emotional, especially when the veterans would come out.

Q: What do you think, where in the world does your breed have the best quality?

A: I can’t speak for quality in other countries, except for those dogs that come into the States to be shown. I believe Lakeland Terriers are in pretty good shape in this country, and several newer people have come into the breed and seem to be doing a good job, which is a great thing.

Q: How do you feel regarding the number of shows held weekly around the country?

A: While it is convenient to be able to stay local for a lot of shows, it makes it hard to find majors or even points for some breeds, including Lakeland Terriers. Fewer shows would probably increase the chances for points and majors. The AKC has changed the rules to allow more access to points, which can help.

Q: Would you ever consider becoming a judge one day?

A: I have been asked this question several times over the years. It’s not something I would want to do at this time. What I enjoy about dog shows is getting the dogs ready and showing them myself. I also like the camaraderie at the shows. I think that changes when you are a judge, plus I have too many dogs at home to travel.

Q: Is there any advice you would like to give both to Professional Handlers, Owner/Handlers, and also judges?

A: I would just say to all concerned to have respect for each other. Egos can sometimes get in the way. We are all doing the best we can for our dogs, and while this is a career for some, we all have a part to play in the success of our shows.

Q: What is your favorite way to unwind on days off? Do you have hobbies outside of the dog world?

A: I have too many hobbies outside the dog world. Right now, I am enjoying painting in pastels when I find the time.

Q: You have the power to change dog showing for the better in your eyes; what would you change?

A: I think dog shows are already becoming better and better with more choices of events for people to do with their dogs. At many of the shows I attend, there are special events for 4-6 month puppies, rally, juniors, pee-wees, new exhibitors, dock diving, and fast cat. Most of the venues are nice for the dogs and the people. I can remember having to haul heavy crates into armories and other practically inaccessible places. It seems to be much better these days, but this is from my personal experience.

Q: Is there something that recently moved you?

A: What gives me great joy in general is how the dog show family always watches out for each other. This can be from support for a win or physically helping with a problem someone is having. I have always had a ‘real job,’ but my dog show ‘job’ is where my heart is.