The First Envigo Beagle
Meet Uno, the Beagle Who Turned “Tattoo CMG CKA” Into a Name Synonymous with Second Chances
From Cage #1 to Dog #1
On July 21, 2022, federal marshals and rescuers wheeled the first cart of beagles out of Envigo’s troubled breeding compound in Cumberland, Virginia. The very first dog lifted into rescuers’ arms was a one-year-old male whose only identity was the blue-green tattoo CMG CKA inked inside his ear.
That dog became Uno—Dog #1 of what would grow into the historic liberation of 3,776 other beagles from the facility.(washingtonpost.com)
Kindness Ranch Steps In
When the hand-off happened, John Ramer, Executive Director of Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary, was waiting. He cradled Uno, loaded him with nearly thirty others into travel crates, and drove the long, noisy haul back to the high plains. (“He wouldn’t shut up,” John jokes—the first sign that this dog had plenty to say.)(washingtonpost.com)
Weeks later, John finalized the adoption. Uno moved from “first out” to “first home,” swapping stainless-steel walls for Wyoming sunsets and soft beds.
Why the Name “Uno”?
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Uno = One He was literally the first beagle publicly freed in the Envigo seizure.
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Uno = Only He reminds us every dog is an individual, not a test subject.
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Uno = First, Not Last He opened the door for thousands more to follow.
A Walking, Wagging Symbol of Hope
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Ambassador on Capitol Hill – Uno’s paws can be heard tapping on the marble corridors of the U.S. Capitol—tail wagging, harness proudly stitched with “I Survived Envigo.” He and John met lawmakers from both parties, proving that animal welfare can unite even the most divided room.(cowboystatedaily.com)
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Media Magnet – His story continues to headline national outlets, turning public attention toward the hidden lives of research animals.
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Proof of Concept – Uno now naps on couches, howls at mealtime, and plays fetch like any other dog, demonstrating that former lab animals can transition to family life when given the chance.
Envigo: The Bigger Picture
In June 2024, Envigo’s parent company pleaded guilty to animal-welfare and environmental crimes and agreed to pay a record $22 million fine—another chapter Uno will never read, but one he helped write simply by existing in the public eye.(reuters.com)
Uno’s Philosophy
“We’ll talk with anyone—scientists, senators, skeptics—about life after labs.
Politics don’t matter; possibilities do.”
Uno never shames researchers. Instead, he educates: every purpose-bred dog deserves a purpose-filled retirement. If Uno was on a ballot, he’d be a single-issue candidate: “Let them live—and love—after the lab.”
Quick Facts
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Detail |
Info |
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Tattoo |
CMG CKA |
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Date Freed |
July 21, 2022 |
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Adopted By |
John Ramer, Kindness Ranch |
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Signature Look |
“I Survived Envigo” harness |
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Favorite Sound |
His own baritone beagle bay |
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Cause |
Research-animal retirement for all species |
Join Uno’s Mission
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Adopt or Foster a former research animal—be part of their firsts.
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Donate to Kindness Ranch to fund transport, vet care, and rehabilitation.
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Share Uno’s Story on social media; every repost widens a doorway out of the lab.
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Invite Conversation—whether you’re in science, policy, or pet rescue, Uno’s leash has room for everyone.
“Uno started as a number. Because of compassionate people, he became a name, a face, and a voice. Let’s make sure his is not the last.”