Uno, beloved pet of the Parry family. The following is taken from an article about Uno in the Southside Sentinel newspaper on November 4, 2021.

Many around the town of Urbanna and the surrounding community know Uno, a loving one-eyed part Keeshond breed of a dog that survived in the dog-fighting culture as a bait dog.

Dina Parry of Urbanna was running Dinas Doggie Den in Mebane, N.C. in 2007 when the SPCA in Durham, N.C. called her about a rescue dog that had been involved in a dog-fighting ring. "There was this one-eyed dog running around Durham and no one seemed to be able to catch it," said Parry. "When they finally caught the dog, it was placed with me to get him adopted. "The SPCA told me the dog had been a bait dog in the dog-fighting business and had lost an eye," she said. "They were not sure how adoptable the dog would be." "It took me a year to rehabilitate Uno and gain his trust."

Over time, Parry found Uno to be very loving and caring and decided that he would become part of her family. When she moved to Virginia several years ago, Uno came along. "He is just a wonderful dog," said Parry. "He is a great therapy dog and, before Covid-19, I would take him into Riverside Convalescent Center in Saluda to see the residents. They loved him and he loves them." "I go down to the Urbanna town marina most every day and everybody knows and loves Uno," she said. "I walk him regularly at the dog park at Cooks Corner and the other dogs just love him." "The kids love Uno too and are fascinated by his one eye. Uno is 16 years old now. I got him when he was three and the vet determined his age by his teeth," said Parry. "He has been my best friend for 13 years. There is something special about a rescue dog. I hope everyone who reads this article and who wants a dog will go adopt a dog. Uno is a testimony that rescue dogs, not matter their previous life, can make a great pet," said Parry.

Anyone interested in adopting a dog locally may find that lifelong friend at the Middlesex County Animal Shelter at 804-758-2779 or the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society at 804-693-5520.