Mucho inquiries for Uno Solo

RATHDRUM - Uno Solo has gone from rocked to rock star.

The Chihuahua found inside a crumpled van two days after its owner died in a crash with a semi is in high demand by people wanting to adopt him.

"We've received about 100 calls," said Autumn Jolley, founder and co-director of Power of the Paw animal rescue in Rathdrum, which is temporarily taking care of Uno Solo.

"Another 30 or so applications have been sent in from people wanting him. It's getting a little insane."

Jolley said other media reports stated that Uno Solo is ready for adoption, but that's far from the case.

Jolley said the dog has veterinary needs, including dental work, updated vaccines and possible treatment for a leg.

"We can't release him until all his medical (work) is completed," she said.

Jolley said she also wants to give law enforcement and the coroner more time to locate the next of kin of Marie-Claire Steinkamp, the 85-year-old woman who died in Saturday's collision on the Rathdrum Prairie and Uno Solo's former owner.

Steinkamp lived a transient lifestyle and all of her belongings were inside the vehicle, according to law enforcement.

Jolley wants to see if Steinkamp indicated who should receive Uno Solo when she died or if any next of kin want him before the dog is adopted by someone else.

Jolley said she appreciates the intense interest in taking in Uno Solo, but some hurdles need to be cleared before he is ready for adoption.

"What I've been telling people is that if they want to put in an application, they can, but they need to know that it may be six weeks to two months before I'll even be able to get to the application," Jolley said.

Jolley was so overwhelmed with calls that she couldn't field them all and had to create a voice message stating that Uno Solo isn't ready for adoption but the rescue has other small dogs that are.

Jolley said an array of methods have been used to get the inside track on Uno Solo. Some people have initially inquired about other dogs to try to speak with Jolley only to reveal that they were interested only in Uno Solo.

"Some people have claimed they're family (of Steinkamp), others have said they've been watching dogs for so long that they have to be the right ones," she said. "I'm hearing all kinds of stories."

Jolley said the difference is that Uno Solo comes with a story, whereas many other dogs in pet rescues and shelters don't.

"Everybody wants him because they know his story," Jolley said.

Investigators found Uno Solo inside the 1995 Ford Aerostar two days after the accident when they went to re-examine the vehicle.

"Ms. Steinkamp's vehicle was loaded with everything she owned so it was rather full," said Kootenai County Sheriff's Office Lt. Stu Miller. "The dog was located under several blankets and a kennel."

Uno Solo was found outside the kennel, Miller said.

Jolley said she doesn't believe the dog's injured leg was caused by the collision.

"I don't see any injuries from the crash," she said.

Despite the traumatic experience, Jolley said Uno Solo is acting fine.

"He's bonding well to me," she said. "He's acting like a normal Chihuahua. It could be 100-fold worse. I've had dogs that are way more shut down than he is."

According to the KCSO, Steinkamp, whose last known address was Spokane, failed to yield at a stop sign at the intersection of Pleasantview Road and Prairie Avenue when the van she was driving struck a semi. The semi driver was not injured. Numerous items from the van's interior were scattered at the crash scene.

Jolley said she cooperates with Northwest Pet Resort in Coeur d'Alene, where Uno Solo stayed when Steinkamp was in the hospital.

"They know him on a personal level," said Jolley, adding that she estimates the dog is about 5 years old.

Jolley said she wants to spend some time on ensuring that Uno Solo finds the right home.

"We spoke with someone in the court system who knew Marie and knows that she'd want the best home for her dog," Jolley said. "She really loved him."