Schieffer: Way To Go, Uno!

The Beagle That Won The Westminister Dog Show Sets A Good Example

(CBS)  Weekly commentary by CBS Evening News chief Washington correspondent and Face the Nation host Bob Schieffer.

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We always watch the telecast of the Westminster Dog Show, and when Uno the beagle took Best in Show, I cheered out loud. My wife cried tears of joy.

Beagles are the best dogs that ever were. I feel the same way about dogs that I do about food.

I like my food to look like food - the meat in its place on the plate, the vegetables in theirs, not all stacked up like some cutsie piece of art, and please, flowers belong in vases, not on my plate.

As for dogs, I like them to look like dogs, not some perfumed ball of fur that resembles a powder puff. You wouldn't paint a beagle's toe nails or put ribbons in their hair.

We had three beagles - Ralph, whose keen nose found the book satchel stuffed with beer that the boys hid in our garden the night of the first boy-girl party at our house. Old Ralph held his point 'til I removed it.

Then there was Dixie, who gave a light bite to the diplomat from the Chinese embassy who strolled past our house one morning. It was just after Tiananmen Square - clearly a brave act of political protest.

And there was sweet Betty, such a shy little city dog, she didn't like going outside without a leash.

It took a hundred years, but America is a better place when Beagles rule. Good dog, Uno!

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[beaglebaile1]

I am the mom of four beautiful beagles. We were so excited when Uno won, it''s about time beagles get the respect they deserve. I am also a polictical geek and this news was way more exciting than the primary results last Tuesday. You could see Uno''s personality shining through and this is true of all beagles. They each have thier own distinct personalities, and they are sooooo smart. Not to mention if you are not showing them they are relatively low maintaince. Go Beagles!!!!!!!

[lagrandma55]

Kudos Bob! I agree with you 1000%. Dogs should be dogs. Guess our native Texanism is showing. It is so good to hear something wonderful and fun. My husband and I have raised Boxers for years. I too, like your wife, had my hands clasped very tightly before the announcement and let a whoop when Uno was picked. Thanks so much!

[tbweb]

I agree Bob, it was nice to see a real dog win! Uno was cool in victory too, Uno knew he won, he howled like he won and pranced like he won, go Uno! lol

[pilcrow-2009]

This is exactly the type of content that should be online -- and only online.

While I would have enjoyed reading this article, to cut the real news content of your broadcast short so you could spend airtime espousing your personal opinions on canines was a poor choice.

[Pocko]

Had a beagle-dachsund for 14 years. Best dog I ever knew. Go UNO.

[samthetvcat]

I checked the Westminster Dog Show records - I sense a strong bias towards the terrier and springer types. Yes, they''re cute and very lovable! Yes, I understand this! However all dogs deserve their due!

Uno was a win for the underDOGS :)

[samthetvcat]

Ha ha - I love hearing peoples'' pet stories . . . each dog has their own little unique personality!

Is the Westminster show a bit like the Miss Universe Pageant in that it tends to favor all the tall, glamorous model types? Or the big meaty Mr Universe types? I remember ''Josh'' the Newfoundland doing all the talk show rounds a couple of years back - he was HUGE!

You would think with Snoopy being a celebrity and all the beagle would have gotten it''s due way before now!

Go Uno!

[jaclyn94949]

We''ve rescued 2 male beagles and had 3 female beagles. They have kept us laughing and enriched our lives in so many ways. There are many worthy beagles who are looking for homes through rescue groups. This should be publicized too.

[jill1020]

Wonderful commentary! Bob, you''re a lot like a beagle...smart, steadfast, true...and no ribbons in your hair.

[skeezix06]

Lol. Still laughing.