What a day to be a Beagle. The Westminster Kennel Club crowned it's first Beagle as 'Best in Show' since 1939. Good Lord, I didn't know prejudice for the Beagle ran that deep. 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23140367/site/21683474/

Uno, 3 years old and ironically named, beat out a bunch of other dogs, like 2,627 to be exact, to be awarded the top prize. I learned of Uno's feat this morning on the 'Today' show....I learn a lot from that show. The best part of the interview was when Matt Lauer, that horn-dog himself, commented to Uno's handler just how popular Uno will be with the ladies. I guess Matt is jealous.... Win the big show, get all the attention on national TV and then get laid for the next year in an attempt to extend the blood line....and get paid to do it. It's a good gig if you can get it.

It was also reported, taking a page from the Bill Belichick handbook, that Uno celebrated by chewing on the microphones of reporters who tried to interview his winning crew. That's my kind of dog. 

My grandfather had a beagle. His name was George. He didn't compete in any shows or get laid (that I'm aware of). He pretty much just laid around, though he might have chased down a rabbit or two in his prime. In fact, what I remember was that he was doghouse neighbors with my grandfather's other dag, Bawler, a coonhound.  I can still see George out in the backyard, tied up to his doghouse. I don't recall if he liked me, or frankly if I liked him, but I do remember that one day George wasn't there and my grandfather showed me where he buried him in the backyard. This was my first real brush with death and that you never forget.

I know that George is up there in doggy heaven looking down and thrilled to finally see the beagle get it's 15 minutes.......with every female beagle in heat from here to Nevada. Eat your heart out Matt Lauer.

Last Person Out.......three cheers for Uno!