Uno the beagle celebrated his third birthday Monday morning by meeting President and Laura Bush at the White House.
"Oh, my gosh!" exclaimed breeder and co-owner Kathy Weichert, of Belleville. "It was thrilling to shake his hand and he gave us a hug."
The Bushes gave Uno a red, white and blue collar and lead as a gift for the dog, who earlier this year claimed the title of Best of Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Uno met the president for a "really, really nice and fairly long meeting" before entertaining 270 school children and Girl Scouts. The first lady gave an introduction and four children gave speeches about why they love their dogs, Weichert said.
During the visit, the beagle did not make any new doggie friends.
The Bushes' well-known black Scottish terriers, Barney and Miss Beazley, are "not very dog friendly -- terriers," Weichert explained, so Uno did not meet them.
From the White House, Uno went to visit injured soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Uno flew back into Belleville on Monday evening. He is preparing for a meet and greet from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Petsmart, 5801 Belleville Crossing St., near Illinois 15 and Frank Scott Parkway.
Contact reporter Maria Baran at mbaran@bnd.com or 239-2460.
