Well I met Otto the world's official oldest dog today at the Dogs Trust centre at Roden today. When I phoned my Mom and mentioned that, she asked what he was like, and it made me think for a moment, because he was a dog, what did she expect? She clarified - "Was he like an ordinary dog?" I laughed, because yes he was just like an ordinary dog!
He wagged his tail and ran up to his "mom" when she came into the room, and he had a fuss from anyone who wanted to fuss him, and he was generally great -
like most "ordinary" dogs are. Lynn Jones, his owner, told me that he still enjoys a good play with his toys, and even the odd short walk. He was a lovely, healthy dog, which is what I told my Mom, and she said, "Oh good, as long as they've got a good quality of life, that's okay." And than I knew what she was really asking me; he might be the oldest dog in the world, but was he happy? To which the answer is, "Yes!"
Lynn and Peter gave me a great interview, which will be in our new year show, and Otto's groomer was even there - well I guess at his age you do have the odd bad hair day. It was good to meet them all, and it was lovely that they were helping the much needed work of Dogs Trust.
I hope Otto's reign as the world's oldest dog is a long, happy and healthy one.
Take care,
Julie x