09/19/2025
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Barbara J. Friedman on September 18, 2025
Whether you’ve been to handling class, been to a VKC meeting or match, or just been around in the dog world you were likely greeted and offered snacks by Barbara. No matter what else was happening, Barbara was always there to share advice, words of encouragement, and stories of her life full of adventures. For over a decade, Barbara has been a rock in VKC and for much longer than that, a devoted member of the dog world. Most of all, Barbara was devoted to making an impact and encouraging everyone around her.
For so many exhibitors, Barbara was the one who offered a kind word, a gentle correction, or a hearty laugh when it was needed most.
Those who loved her will remember her not just for her accomplishments with her Miniature Wirehaired Dachshunds, but for her spirit. Barbara was strong-willed and fiercely independent, but also deeply generous. She gave her friendship freely, mentored with patience, and reminded others of their worth—often with a compliment that cut right to the heart. She valued integrity above all else and never let anyone forget that they were more than just a “pretty face.”
Throughout her life, Barbara touched hundreds of lives with her passion for dogs by sharing knowledge and inspiring those around her. Without fail, time with Barbara led to a beautiful collection of little shared stories, along with countless shared snacks, endless laughter, and hugs that will always be remembered by those who knew her best.
Barbara will be deeply missed by her friends, her family, her dog family, and all those whose lives she touched. Her legacy of love, strength, and devotion will live on in the dogs she bred, the community she built, and the many people who were lucky enough to call her a friend.
Barbara J. Friedman 🫶🏼
June 14, 1942 – September 18, 2025
Please feel free to share any fond memories of Barbara below so that we can honor her legacy and remember her the way she would want us to.
