Posted: August 13, 2008, 5 a.m. EDT
Uno, the Beagle who won Best in Show at this year’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, has a new role. After recently completing six weeks of training, he is now a certified therapy dog.
To prepare for this new challenge, Uno learned the skills necessary to make an impact on the lives of people in hospitals, nursing homes, classrooms, libraries, and other facilities. Michele Siegel, a therapy dog trainer with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, worked with Uno as he successfully completed his Delta Society Pet Partners training at the ASPCA’s Manhattan headquarters. The Delta Society is a national organization that aims to improve human health through the assistance of service and therapy animals.
David Frei, spokesman for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, said that Uno also serves as “spokesdog” for Angel On a Leash, the therapy dog program affiliated with the Westminster Kennel Club.
“Uno’s historical win at Westminster confirmed his role as America’s best dog,” Frei said in a statement. “But, now that Uno is a certified therapy dog, he is much more than a pretty face. He has the ability to comfort and love those who are in serious need, and that goes beyond breeding.”