Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008

Uno returns to roots, ready for big weekend in area

BELLEVILLE -- Uno, the world famous beagle that won Best of Show at the 132nd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in February, visited his birthplace Friday night in the Fairlawn Terrace neighborhood, just off Illinois 158 south of Belleville.

The charismatic dog was, as always, the center of attention.

Lyle and Jo Rowden, next-door neighbors, hosted a party to welcome Uno and breeder and co-owner Kathy Weichert. Friends, neighbors and even a guy from the New York-based kennel club came to honor the renowned pooch.

“It’s a party for the neighborhood, really,” Lyle Rowden said. “We’ve all sent cards to Kathy, but we’ve only seen her and Uno for an hour or two. This seemed like a good time to get everyone together.”

Uno is home for some public appearances in the St. Louis area, including carrying out the first pitch Sunday for the St. Louis Cardinals-Atlanta Braves game at Busch Stadium.

But long before he became known as the best dog in the world, Uno was famous in his neighborhood.

“Uno was born in the neighbor’s garage,” Jo Rowden said.

Many of the neighbors, especially the children, played with the newborn puppies, and many remembered playing with Uno when he was small.

“I have a good story,” Lyle Rowden said. “When Uno’s litter was born, Kathy told me beagles usually go for $600. If I wanted, I could have one.”

It seemed like a huge investment at the time.

In a backyard kennel, Uno’s mother, Secret, paced and then welcomed her famous son excitedly. Secret is pregnant with another litter, which has the neighborhood excited.

Tim and Marsha Smunt came all the way from Winston-Salem, N.C., bringing along a niece of Uno, Tammie, who also is a working dog. Tammie is a daughter of one of Uno’s sisters. Tammie is a certified pet therapy dog.

After the appearances over the weekend and Monday, Uno is going back to Texas for a while, but will return for a short visit in September for more public appearances.