Taylor Lane
by 1981 she headed the panel at Montgomery. In 2002, Barbara judged the Terrier Group at Westminster and put up the
immortal Kerry Blue Ch. Torum’s Scarf Michael, handled by
Bill McFadden.
Although best known for her Westies, Barbara had an indepth knowledge of many breeds. She was a successful breeder and exhibitor of Wire Fox, Lakelands, Scotties and Kerry
Blues as well as Westies, and was also a breeder of English
Cocker Spaniels. Barbara was approved to judge the Terrier
and Toy Groups, Beagles, English Cockers and Poodles.
When arthritis prevented her from preparing the coated
breeds as their standards require, Barbara followed her daughter’s example and took up with the smallest scenthounds. As
Patty notes, “The addition of Beagles allowed her to compete
far longer than she could have had she stuck with the Terriers.”
In 2003, the National Beagle Club of America honored Barbara with an invitation to judge its specialty show. According to
Patty, “She lived and breathed dogs. That was it!”
Patty’s thoughts turned to her mother as she prepared to
step into the center of Montgomery’s celebrated ring t