Memories of Michele Billings

Mrs. Billings was a judge that I had the utmost respect for and was a judge that I was always eager to show my most exciting new dogs. She was a judge that was impartial and could always recognize the best dogs. Aside from being a famed and respected judge, Mrs. Billings was also a family person, with children, grandchildren and close friends that she loved dearly. – Mike Pitts

I was a novice owner-handler showing a pretty much pet-quality Belgian Sheepdog (my first Belgian Sheepdog, who did go on to become a Canadian Champion and UD)… we were the only entry and Michele Billings complimented his nice, dark eye, and how she loved seeing that in the Belgian Sheepdog.  She could tell I was new, and my dog wasn’t that great (but, to me he was everything!), and that I would hang onto her every word.  She was ever gracious and kind to me. This wonderful memory brings tears to my eyes. – Aimee Nothnagle

Mrs. Billings was always the classiest, most beautiful woman. I will always remember her judging at Westminster in the most impeccable and flawless gowns. She represented our dog show community with the highest amount of class. – Allison Sunderman 

She was the first judge I ever showed to and remember how gracious, patient and kind she was to this novice. She will be sorely missed on many levels. – Cheryl Snyder

The shock of learning that Michele Billings had passed was a blow to us all.  Since I have been involved for years in many different competitions, I have often been inclined to compare the different judges I have shown to.  Michele was a standout – - – always intelligent, always elegant and always aware of the importance of wisdom and courtesy which combined to make her one classy respected lady.  I will definitely miss her. – Carol Harris 

I have many memories of Mrs. Billings, but a couple of my favorite including showing to Mrs. Billings at the Old English Sheepdog National Specialty. I was so excited to show to her. I had several puppies, a veteran, and also my very first Bred-By bitch from one of my first litters. To my excitement, I won the Bred-By Bitch class. When she pointed to me, I told Mrs. Billings, “I am so happy, I would like to thank you finger!” We shared a laugh and she was very gracious to me in this moment. Also, when Mrs. Billings was judging Best in Show at Eukanuba, she mentioned to me that her microphone was slipping. We laughed and I told her to just try to hold it in. We did not realize that we were on live television! I will remember Michele Billings as a kind and comforting person. She will be missed dearly! – Jere Marder

Mrs. Billings was always a class act. I was so honored to go Best in Show at the largest show in Indonesia with a Golden Retriever, Snow. This was my last time showing to her. – Jane Myers

I will remember Mrs. Billings as not only a class act with a great eye for dogs, but as a wise woman who would never hesitate to share her knowledge or help an exhibitor. When I was showing my Pug, “Solo”, Ch. Rowell’s Solo Moon Rising, she (the dog) had a very bad experience with a rough judge. The next time I showed to Mrs. Billings, she helped me so much in getting her over that bad experience and also gave me great advice with this situation that I still use to this day. – Linda Rowell 

Mrs. Billings was a gracious and amazing lady, I feel it is such a shame that she is gone. She was a class act and always gave the greatest advice. She told me that her father actually hunted foxhounds, which I only found out just recently. – Lisa Miller 

January 5, 2008, started off much like any pre-show morning in that it was too early, dark and cold.  Nonetheless, the show must go on.  Because I had been forewarned that the winds were howling and rain threatening at the show grounds some 100+ miles away, I decided to buck the system and wear jeans, boots and a nice warm coat.  Upon arrival while I was glad that I dressed appropriately for the weather, I was horrified to see that our judge, Mrs. Michelle Billings, was dressed as beautiful as ever despite the horrendous conditions.  Nonetheless, being the consummate professional, as well as fair  and impartial judge that she was, she judged the dogs before her, rather than the handlers, and to my delight awarded my beautiful French Bulldog bred-by boy a 4 point major, thereby finishing his championship.  When the time came to take the photo I apologized for my attire, to which she replied “honey, I almost wore the same thing . . .”   Mrs. Billings will always hold a special place in my heart and be sorely missed. – Rhonda Cole

Michele Billings will always be my favorite judge. She was a wonderful lady and true class act. She was an impartial judge and it was a pleasure to show in her ring and an honor to win under her. When I was still very new to showing dogs, I found myself in her BIS ring. I was the novice owner-handler in a ring full of professionals. She chose my dog as the BIS winner. I will always feel honored to have won a BIS under such a respected judge. She will be missed. – Paula Cox

When I first started showing dogs 28 years ago, Mrs. Billings gave me such inspiration to move on by telling me I had a wonderful breeding program with my parti-colored cocker spaniels. She continued to inspire me with watching her in many different rings over time. I could always count on her for an honest opinion. She was a true legend in her time. Sadly missed and gone with the great ones. Rest in Peace, Mike. – Michelle Soave

If you have any other favorite memories, stories, or photos of Michele Billings that you would like to share, please email them to cheslie@caninechronicle.com.

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Posted by chesliepickett on Nov 1 2013. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.