Since Belleville has claimed Uno, the famous Westminster Kennel Club Show winner, as our own, I was interested when someone gave me a clip from the Associated Press Managing Editors magazine showing that the Austin (Texas) American-Statesman has done the same.
One of Uno's owners -- Caroline Dowell -- is from Austin, so the newspaper is in much the same situation as we are. Besides some stories, the newspaper has a photo gallery of Uno images and has invited people to enter the best-looking-beagle-in-the area contest.
"We claim Uno ... even though he is seldom in town, apparently as he's entered in shows all over the country," wrote one of the newspaper editors.
Wrong. Wrong. Wrong.
Obviously, Uno is ours. Belleville also has a co-owner -- Kathy Weichert -- who was the breeder, as well.
"He always will have been born in Belleville," Weichert said, even if he isn't here that much.
Uno actually has visited the News-Democrat. We fawned over him, took pictures with him, petted him and even got him to yowl while standing on the publisher's chair and desk.
Now, I'm sure that other newspapers across the country are claiming the personable little dog as their own because there are a couple of other co-owners.
Uno is incredibly popular wherever he goes.
"You wouldn't believe all the requests for him," Weichert said.
He outshone some stars Monday night in New York and appeared at the Ronald McDonald House.
Weichert said the way the dog's show contract was written, Uno was supposed to retire with Dowell in Austin but that wasn't supposed to happen until 2009. They will have to get together and work out what will happen after this next year of appearances until he no longer wears the Westminster crown.
"We really don't know what is going to happen," she said.
The owners and handlers have had some fascinating experiences taking the dog around for appearances. The reaction to the friendly little dog has been fantastic. It reinforces the notion that no matter where Uno settles, everyone will still claim him.
"He really is America's dog," Weichert said.
Wally Spiers' column runs five days a week. Have a column idea? Call Wally at 239-2506 or (800) 642-3878; or e-mail: wspiers@bnd.com
