The video shows many of the sights and sounds from the weekend at Meet the Breeds in New York City. One that will stick with me: the crowds of kids and parents who rushed to meet Uno, one of the most popular dogs in America.
The 2008 Westminster Best in Show winner stood proudly on a table at the Angel on A Leash booth, but was often hard to see because of the crowds several rows deep trying to get close to him. No worries though. When his view was obscured, his voice was not. He howled and howled. The kids giggled. He howled more.
“He’s beloved wherever he goes,” says David Frei, director of communications for The Westminster Kennel Club. “If a dog has charisma and personality, he’s got it.”
Tuesday, Uno will be accompanied by Frei to the Ronald McDonald House in New York City, where the 4-year-old will spend time with children. Westminster’s Angel on a Leash puts therapy pets into many volunteer programs at health care facilities.
Frei calls himself Uno’s foster father when Uno spends time away from his owner Caroline Dowell on her farm in Austin, Texas. Uno spends most of his time on the 200-acre farm, leaving to do therapy work or attend special events.
“He’s got little bug bites now from spending time outside at the farm,” Frei says, ”and a couple little nicks on his ears, like a normal dog. But he’s still perfect in so many ways. His weight is still ideal. He could go right back into the ring.”
Frei enjoyed telling me a story about a flight he took with Uno. Uno gets to sit on a seat beside Frei on Midwest Airlines and gets his own ticket. Security called Uno’s seat number for additional screening.
“They wanded him and patted him down just like they would anyone else,” Frei said. “I told them I was glad to know the world was safe from terrorist Beagles.”
They was no wanding for Uno this weekend, only adoring fans — and lots of howling.