Barbara Jean (Long) Linden, 83, passed away peacefully at home on November 27, 2025, surrounded by the family who loved her deeply. Born on November 10, 1942, to Robert and Dorothy Long, Barbara spent her life devoted to animals, to kindness, and to the quiet, steady work of improving the lives around her. Known for her honesty, gentle spirit, and lifelong devotion to animals and the people who loved them, Barbara had a natural gift for teaching and caring.
Barbara's love for animals began in childhood, where she filled her world with every dog and horse book she could find. At 18, she began working for a veterinarian in Oklahoma City—a job that shaped the trajectory of her life. With her first paycheck, she purchased her first purebred Sheltie puppy, marking the beginning of nearly five decades devoted to the Shetland Sheepdog breed.
In 1968, Barbara purchased her first show prospect and soon established her kennel, September Shelties. Over the coming years, she developed a thoughtful and deeply studied breeding program focused on moderation, soundness, balance, and sweetness of expression—the qualities she believed defined the heart of a correct Sheltie. By the time she and her husband, Kenneth Arnold Linden, moved to Mustang in 1977, her kennel was already thriving. Their new acreage allowed her to expand September Shelties into the larger, beautifully designed operation so many came to know. Together, Barbara and Ken built their home and dog facilities by hand: shaded play yards, limestone chip runs, "little red barn" doghouses, and wide spaces where dogs could run freely. Barbara loved watching her dogs interact, observing them with the intuitive understanding that shaped her approach to breeding.
Throughout her career, Barbara bred, owned, and co-owned numerous champions, including Ch. September's Rainmaker, Ch. September Sassy Slippers, Ch. September Showdown, Ch. September's The Convincer, Ch. September's Hi Time at Catomco, and many others. Her reputation for integrity and her devotion to the breed brought her respect across the country.
Encouraged by fellow breeders, Barbara became an AKC judge in 1984. Though hesitant at first, she approached the role with humility and seriousness, judging only the dogs before her—never the politics that often surround the show world. She went on to judge several major assignments, including the American Shetland Sheepdog Association (ASSA) National Specialty in 1988, the Canadian National, and another National in Washington state. Her judging was admired for its fairness, independence, and deep understanding of the breed. She retired from judging around 1997.
Barbara also nurtured a lifelong love of horses and later found joy in miniature horses, acquiring well-bred mares and showing them professionally. Their gentle nature brought her years of pleasure alongside her Shelties.
After retiring from the competitive circuit and judging, Barbara and Ken moved to Claremore to be closer to their grandchildren. It could be said that this move marked a transition from a life focused on competition to one more focused on compassion. In Claremore, Barbara devoted herself to training, rescue, and helping dogs of every breed and background. She worked with the Humane Society, HALO, Pets for Life, and rescue groups across Oklahoma. She taught Basic Manners classes, helped reactive and fearful dogs gain confidence, and guided countless owners toward better relationships with their pets. Her approach was patient, humane, and rooted in understanding—she taught people as much as she taught their dogs.
Barbara soon became a beloved figure in the Claremore community. Known as the dog trainer, the pet sitter, and the dog walker, she built a reputation for reliability and kindness. Over time, roughly one hundred families entrusted her not only with their pets but with their homes. Her honesty and dependability made her irreplaceable to the people she served.
In 2017, Barbara stepped away from her work to care for her husband Ken during his battle with cancer. Their marriage of over 55 years was marked by partnership, hard work, and shared devotion to the animals they loved.
In her final years, Barbara lived with her son Glenn and daughter-in-law Dawn, in a home designed to give her comfort, safety, and dignity. She received compassionate support from her family and from caregivers Novak, Adi, and Jinda, who helped her through the challenges of Alzheimer's disease. Barbara ultimately passed from congestive heart failure, peacefully and at home.
Barbara is survived by her sons Darren and Glenn; her daughters-in-law Dallas and Dawn; her sister Phylis and brother Tommy; her grandchildren Tanner, Kimberly, Jarrett, Major, and Alex; and extended family who will forever cherish her memory. She leaves behind a legacy of integrity, compassion, and gentle strength, as well as the countless animals and people whose lives she touched.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Trinity Hospice for their exceptional care, compassion, and support during Barbara's final months. Their guidance and kindness made an immeasurable difference.
Barbara's impact was profound, and her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew her.
Barbara's love for animals began in childhood, where she filled her world with every dog and horse book she could find. At 18, she began working for a veterinarian in Oklahoma City—a job that shaped the trajectory of her life. With her first paycheck, she purchased her first purebred Sheltie puppy, marking the beginning of nearly five decades devoted to the Shetland Sheepdog breed.
In 1968, Barbara purchased her first show prospect and soon established her kennel, September Shelties. Over the coming years, she developed a thoughtful and deeply studied breeding program focused on moderation, soundness, balance, and sweetness of expression—the qualities she believed defined the heart of a correct Sheltie. By the time she and her husband, Kenneth Arnold Linden, moved to Mustang in 1977, her kennel was already thriving. Their new acreage allowed her to expand September Shelties into the larger, beautifully designed operation so many came to know. Together, Barbara and Ken built their home and dog facilities by hand: shaded play yards, limestone chip runs, "little red barn" doghouses, and wide spaces where dogs could run freely. Barbara loved watching her dogs interact, observing them with the intuitive understanding that shaped her approach to breeding.
Throughout her career, Barbara bred, owned, and co-owned numerous champions, including Ch. September's Rainmaker, Ch. September Sassy Slippers, Ch. September Showdown, Ch. September's The Convincer, Ch. September's Hi Time at Catomco, and many others. Her reputation for integrity and her devotion to the breed brought her respect across the country.
Encouraged by fellow breeders, Barbara became an AKC judge in 1984. Though hesitant at first, she approached the role with humility and seriousness, judging only the dogs before her—never the politics that often surround the show world. She went on to judge several major assignments, including the American Shetland Sheepdog Association (ASSA) National Specialty in 1988, the Canadian National, and another National in Washington state. Her judging was admired for its fairness, independence, and deep understanding of the breed. She retired from judging around 1997.
Barbara also nurtured a lifelong love of horses and later found joy in miniature horses, acquiring well-bred mares and showing them professionally. Their gentle nature brought her years of pleasure alongside her Shelties.
After retiring from the competitive circuit and judging, Barbara and Ken moved to Claremore to be closer to their grandchildren. It could be said that this move marked a transition from a life focused on competition to one more focused on compassion. In Claremore, Barbara devoted herself to training, rescue, and helping dogs of every breed and background. She worked with the Humane Society, HALO, Pets for Life, and rescue groups across Oklahoma. She taught Basic Manners classes, helped reactive and fearful dogs gain confidence, and guided countless owners toward better relationships with their pets. Her approach was patient, humane, and rooted in understanding—she taught people as much as she taught their dogs.
Barbara soon became a beloved figure in the Claremore community. Known as the dog trainer, the pet sitter, and the dog walker, she built a reputation for reliability and kindness. Over time, roughly one hundred families entrusted her not only with their pets but with their homes. Her honesty and dependability made her irreplaceable to the people she served.
In 2017, Barbara stepped away from her work to care for her husband Ken during his battle with cancer. Their marriage of over 55 years was marked by partnership, hard work, and shared devotion to the animals they loved.
In her final years, Barbara lived with her son Glenn and daughter-in-law Dawn, in a home designed to give her comfort, safety, and dignity. She received compassionate support from her family and from caregivers Novak, Adi, and Jinda, who helped her through the challenges of Alzheimer's disease. Barbara ultimately passed from congestive heart failure, peacefully and at home.
Barbara is survived by her sons Darren and Glenn; her daughters-in-law Dallas and Dawn; her sister Phylis and brother Tommy; her grandchildren Tanner, Kimberly, Jarrett, Major, and Alex; and extended family who will forever cherish her memory. She leaves behind a legacy of integrity, compassion, and gentle strength, as well as the countless animals and people whose lives she touched.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Trinity Hospice for their exceptional care, compassion, and support during Barbara's final months. Their guidance and kindness made an immeasurable difference.
Barbara's impact was profound, and her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew her.
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