A Hound Wins Westminster

Well, Uno the beagle, a hound, won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, which is the US's biggest dog show event. And he did it baying and jumping on his handler and chewing on reporter's microphones. It's the first time a hound of any kind has won since 1983 and the first time ever for a beagle. They're saying his will be the "Ah-roo" heard round the ring.

Here are some excerpts from the stories on Fox News. I selected them because they are so typically hound!

Will a beagle take next step in '08?
NEW YORK (AP) - Uno barked at his handler, bayed at the crowd, tried to grab his leash and took a flying leap at a piece of pork loin. Oh, and he gnawed away at a newly printed sign.

Now that's one great beagle.

His white-tipped tail in perpetual motion, Uno turned the green carpet of Madison Square Garden into his own personal backyard Monday. He also took his first winning steps at the Westminster Kennel Club show, easily earning best of breed at America's No. 1 dog event.

"Snoopy would be proud," handler Aaron Wilkerson said. "He was being his merry little hound self."

While best in show will be presented Tuesday night, the precocious package of personality certainly deserved one early title: noisiest in show.

"Ah-rooo!" his howls echoed all over the arena. It didn't take much to get Uno going, either. A click of a spectator's pen, a wave of the judge's hand, any effort by Wilkerson to hush him. "Ah-rooo!"

Uno the beagle makes history with Westminster win

NEW YORK (AP) - Good ol' Snoopy, a champion at last.

Barking and baying up a storm, Uno lived up to his name Tuesday night by becoming the first beagle to win best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club.

The nation's new top dog was clearly the fan favorite, and drew a roaring, standing ovation from the sold-out crowd at Madison Square Garden when he was picked.

Uno got right into the act, jumping up on handler Aaron Wilkerson and confirming his other title: noisiest in show. Years from now, he'll be known for the "ah-roo" heard 'round the ring.

Uno celebrated by chewing on the microphones of reporters who tried to interview his winning crew. Those had to suffice for the yellow, soft duck that's his favorite toy.

[snip]

When it came time to show, Uno was as precocious and precious as ever.With fans calling out his name and clapping, he soaked in the cheers as he paraded around the ring, the cheers becoming more thunderous with every step. And when he made his final stop in front of Jones, Uno went to town, baying over and over

[Check out the pictures of the other dogs who competed with Uno for Best in Show in the sidebar gallery on this last link. Especially the poodle!]

Grace,
Karen