Meet the Yorkshire Terrier who is 117-years-old (in dog
years): Jack is believed to be Britain's oldest dog at 25 but still gets
mistaken for a puppy.
Jack has got a bad back and his legs do not work like they
used to - but surprisingly he still gets mistaken for a young pup.
Jack is not able to go on the long walks he once enjoyed,
but at 177 in dog years and 25 human years, he is as happy as he was when he
was a puppy.
Now believed to be Britain's oldest dog, the terrier was
rescued by Ray and Mary Bunn 16 years ago, from a couple who could no longer
care for him.
Mr. Bunn, of Hartlepool, County Durham, said they had an “instant
bond” with little Jack.
He said, “My daughter's next door neighbor spotted a couple
who were going to tie him to a tree and leave him there. She took him in, but
their dog didn't like him.”
“She told me go and see him. The first time I saw him, he
came running over to me and jumped into my arms.
The bond was instant. He very quickly became a big part of
the family, and now we've had him for 16 years.”
According to records, Jack could be one of the oldest dogs
ever to have lived, and would be eighth on an all-time list if his age was
proven by Guinness World Records.
The oldest dog in Britain was 25-year-old Jack Russell Meg
from Somerset, who died last year.
However, if the pensioner pooch
wants to take the global crown he has to wait another three years.
The oldest dog ever to have
lived was an Australian cattle dog named Bluey, who reached 29 years and five
months before being put to sleep in 1939.
Someone thought he was a puppy,
even though he has arthritis and can only walk a short distant.
“He is on medication, but he's
doing good. He is eating and drinking. He's having some problems with his back
and his legs as he is getting older.
He is a very friendly dog, but
wasn’t taken care of properly before he came to us.
He had a brother, and we heard
that he had been fed to a Rottweiler, so he was facing a horrible future before
my daughter's friend took him.
He has always felt at home
here. He's generally a very happy dog and we all love him” said, Mr. Bunn.
Nation's number one: It is
believed that Jack the Yorkshire terrier, pictured, is Britain's oldest dog.
Keeping an eye: Jack,
pictured, watching Mrs. Bunn eat, was adopted by his owners when he was 10-years-old.
Energetic: Jack does not have
as much strength in his legs but still has the energy of a young dog.
Good for his age: Jack is
often mistaken for an energetic puppy despite being 117 in dog years.
An old family photo shows Jack
staring intently at someone's plate of chips.
When you reach 117 (in dog
years) you need to start taking it easy. Jack takes a nap on the sofa.
In three years he will be the
oldest dog that ever lived.
Jack rests his head on the
shoulder of his owner, Mary Bunn.
Jack with owner Ray Bunn, who
said his elderly pooch is a big part of his family.
Washington, DC - Meet Lady, a beautiful 8-year-old senior dog looking for
her forever home for the Holidays.
Through no fault of her own, Lady has been in and out of
our adoption centers since August. Can we get her a home for the holidays?
Your next question is going to be why? :
She is not a fan of other dogs, but that's not why she has
been returned. She was returned because she looks like a pit bull and she was
banned from her adopter's apartment complex. She is currently in foster care.
Does she get along with cats?:
Lady hasn't met a cat while she has been in our care, but
we always suggest bringing your resident animal in for a meet-and-greet before
adopting.
From Lady:
Hey there, I'm Lady. Just like my name suggests, I am an
older gal who is over the puppy stage of life. I was brought to WHS when my
family could no longer care for me and although I am really bummed about it, I
am doing my best to stay strong and hold out for my new forever family. The
people here tell me I am really smart and I am learning new tricks and commands
every day! The one thing I really miss about having a home of my own is
cuddling with my humans, I reaaaalllly love leaning into people - it just makes
me feel so loved! In fact, I love people so much that I would prefer to be your
one-and-only pet - more attention for meeee! So if you're looking for your new
best friend and someone to cuddle up and watch TV with, come meet me at the New
York Ave shelter.
Please share Lady to help her get a loving home for the
Holidays. If you can not adopt Lady, the
Washington Humane Society has other dogs, cats and small animals available for
adoption.
If you are interested in adopting Lady:
She is at our New York Avenue location at 1201 New York
Avenue NE. To meet her, either drop by the adoption center or call
202-576-6664. Here is a link to her online profile: LADY
Take a look at her video and adorable pictures below:
As with people, it’s not unusual for older pets to develop
behavioral problems. While it’s easy to blame these behavior changes on age
alone, they can also indicate underlying medical problems. Make sure your elder
pet visits her veterinarian as recommended, and that you call the veterinarian
to discuss any noticeable changes in her behavior! These can be key indicators
of underlying medical issues that should be addressed.
Causes of Behavior Changes in Senior Pets
Behavior problems can result from changes in your pet’s
routine, illness, disease, senility, or cognitive dysfunction. Any change in
lifestyle for a pet can be stressful, regardless of age, and as your pet gets
older, she is less equipped to adapt to changes in her environment. Sometimes,
simple life changes such as the introduction of a baby to the house, a new
family member, or the absence of an individual can drive behavior change.
Medical and degenerative problems can also cause a behavior
change in your pet, since changes within the major organ systems can influence
behavior in many ways. Diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, and endocrine
disorders all influence your pet’s behavior and personality. As your pet ages,
her hearing and sight are affected. Often, this influences their ability to
react, sometimes causing him to become fearful. Additionally, pets, like
people, can become arthritic, which causes discomfort and can lead to
irritability and a change in attitude.
Your pet’s brain is also susceptible to age-related
changes. Degenerative processes in the brain can impact your pet’s personality,
memory, behavior and even her ability to learn. Your pet may show varying
degrees of cognitive function, from minor changes to significant senility.
Symptoms to Watch for in Your Senior Pet
Remember, sometimes small changes in behavior can be an
early indicator that your friend is in pain, is ill, or has a degenerative
disease. These subtle signs should be reported to your veterinarian right away!
In addition, keep an eye out for the following symptoms,
which could be an indication that something is not right for your pet:
Increased drinking/urination
Loss of bladder control (dribbling urine or bedwetting)
Changes in bowel movements or frequent digestive upsets
Dry or itchy skin
Sores, lumps, or shaking of the head
Bad breath or drooling
Dry, red, or cloudy eyes
Coughing, excessive panting, or labored breathing
Lack of enthusiasm for normal activities
Stiffness or soreness
Changes in weightDisorientation
Tremors or shaking
Determining the Cause of Your Pet’s Behavioral Changes
If your pet is showing signs of age-related behavioral
changes, your veterinarian will take a complete history of her behavior and
thoroughly examine her. In addition, your veterinarian may recommend the
following tests to rule out organ disease and other age-related conditions that
could be the cause of the behavioral change.
These may include:
Chemistry tests to
evaluate kidney, liver, and pancreatic function, as well as sugar levels
Antibody tests to
identify if your pet has been exposed to vector-borne or other infectious
diseases
A complete blood
count (CBC) to rule out blood-related conditions
Electrolyte tests
to ensure your pet isn’t dehydrated or suffering from an electrolyte imbalance
Urine tests to
screen for urinary tract infections and other diseases, and to evaluate the
kidney’s ability to concentrate urine
A thyroid test to
determine if the thyroid gland is producing too little (in the case of dogs) or
too much (in the case of cats) thyroid hormone
An ECG to screen
for an abnormal heart rhythm, which may indicate underlying heart disease
Preventing Behavioral Problems in Your Aging Pet
Many behavioral issues our older friends have can be
resolved or controlled. Vigilant attention and early detection, as well as
other treatments including medication, supplements, and diets, can help treat
or greatly slow the progression of many disease conditions and help our furry
friends live longer and happier lives.
We've got TWO Pets of the Week for you today - Missy and Midnight! Missy and Midnight are two peas in a pod. They have been together for all ten years of their lives and find comfort in being with each other. Like all besties, they share everything and are very similar – sometimes it is hard to tell them apart! Even though they’re older dogs Missy and Midnight have tons of pep in their step! Since they are bonded, you can take both of them home for a single adoption fee.
Missy Animal ID: 25194793 Species: Dog Breed: Griffon Brussels/Shih Tzu Age: 10 years 22 days Sex: Female Size: Medium Color: Black/Grey Spayed/Neutered Declawed: No Site: WHS Georgia Ave Location: Front Office
Midnight Animal ID: 25194794 Species: Dog Breed: Griffon Brussels/Shih Tzu Age:10 years 22 days Sex: Male Size: Small Color: Black/Grey Spayed/Neutered Declawed: No Site: WHS Georgia Ave Location: Front Office
Hi there, we are Missy and Midnight and we are bonded buds! We're like two peas and pod :) We have been together for all 10 years of our lives and we find comfort in being with each other. We are so close that sometimes it's hard for even us to tell each other apart! Don't be fooled by our age, we have a lot of pep in our step. We love treats too! We are very friendly and would love to have a forever home together. Since we are so special, Our adoption fee is two for one. Check out our cute video too! Adopt us today at the Georgia Avenue Adoption Center! Take a look at our video below!
Georgia Avenue Adoption Center 7319 Georgia Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20012 202-723-5730 Adoption Center Hours: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily Closed for adoptions on Wednesdays To report animal cruelty/ neglect, call 202-723-5730 Cruelty reports are accepted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
It’s a story with a sad refrain: a neglected old dog (or old cat) sits alone in a shelter, hoping for a second chance at life. For one such dog in a rural Tennessee community, that second chance came in the form of a retired Air Force veteran and longtime animal lover. In the company of dogs Growing up on a farm in a small town in Pennsylvania, Zelva – who likes to be called Zee – always had a strong connection with animals. “They have been a comfort to me most of my life,” she says. Long after her retirement from the military, Zee finally had time to volunteer and dedicate her life to animals in need. She started by walking dogs at her local shelter; two days a week quickly turned to five. Eventually she found herself working the front desk, at the surgery center, and helping with adoption and vetting. Although a full-time employee now fulfills most of these responsibilities, Zee simply found other ways to help. “I go every Saturday and do medications for all of the animals,” she says. “I still teach a class once a month and do events.” The Air Force veteran found new channels for her passion and now serves as Vice President of the Smokey Mountain Animal Care Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the Blount County Animal Shelter. In this capacity, Zee gives new volunteer orientations, and serves as the McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base liaison for non-commissioned officers performing community service at the shelter. “They come in flights,” she says, “maybe have 15 people, show up for about four hours [to volunteer] about every six weeks or so.” Zee’s love of animals was not always so well received. She smiles when she thinks about the one time during her long military career when she got in trouble. “I got lectured by my commander for taking dogs home to the barracks,” she recalls. “My roommate came home one night and there was an Irish Setter in the room, and she got mad at me.” Neglected old dog loses her way Shelley was rescued from a dog trap set by animal control officers to catch wild dogs. It was immediately apparent that the old dog was not wild, but an abandoned, severely neglected pet. The Shepherd-Lab mix was in pretty bad shape when the officers took her to the Blount County Animal Shelter for care. She had arthritis, thyroid problems, hip dysplasia, rotten teeth, untrimmed nails and to top it all off, she was heartworm positive. Zee believes that at one time in her life, Shelley had a family. “Shelley, I think, wandered off,” she says. “Someone probably had her for years and years. We have some country folk around here that just don’t look at dogs the same way I do. They are an extension of my family.” The shelter staff estimated Shelley to be about 12 years old. During her otherwise unremarkable stay there a couple adopted her, only to return her three days later. “She got really depressed,” Zee remembers. “I took her home with my other dogs where she had company, and to get her out of the shelter…The family that brought her back said it was because she chased cats, but she doesn’t.” Blazing a trail for other female veterans Zee came from a small town where jobs were scarce. She knew that higher education was the ticket to a better life, but her options were limited after her father passed away when she was young. Then there was an uncle. He was in the special forces, and Zee always admired his travels and adventures. She decided that a military career would allow her to serve her country while creating a better future for herself. “For years,” Zee says, “I think I was the first female in my high school to join the military.” Zee started her long career in the Women’s Army Corps in 1972, working in personnel and then as a Military Police Officer. She spent a short time in the Air National Guard, and served the remainder of her career in active duty Air Force in law enforcement and administration. During her years with the Guard, she worked full-time in civilian law enforcement. “I enjoyed police work,” she says. “My last year in the military, I was also a reserve [Sheriff’s] Deputy with the local county.” Looking back on her 27-year military career, the dual Army-Air Force veteran realizes that she was a trailblazer for other female veterans. “When I joined the Army women weren’t allowed to be military police,” she says. “August of 1973 I signed into the Military Police Corps and trained in Germany as one of the first female MP Officers. Three years in the Army and I was only issued skirts, not pants. And I had to do police work in a skirt!” In August 2001, Zee retired after 27 years of dedicated service to our nation. She tried to re-enlist after 9/11, but her request was denied due to a lack of need in her military career field. With her children grown and with free time for the first time in her life, Zee started volunteering at her local animal shelter. An old dog is finally at home Zee first became acquainted with Shelley when the old dog was featured in a story about the Blount County Animal Shelter’s new partnership with Pets for Patriots, a nationally operating companion pet adoption program for United States military veterans. The Air Force veteran was instrumental in bringing the program to Blount County, and serves as its program manager at the shelter. Everyone thought that featuring Shelly’s plight would be a great way to introduce the community to their new partnership and, at the same time, find a veteran who might adopt this sweet yet unwanted dog. But with no response to the article, Zee could sense that being at the shelter was taking its toll on the old dog. The rest, as they say, is history. Shelley officially joined the rest of Zee’s rescue pack: Itzy, Amos, Schnitzel, Schotzy, Tennessee, and Nutmeg. Two of the larger dogs came from abusive situations as well, and along with Shelley often spend time in the family room. From unwanted to loved Although estimated by the shelter to be about 12 years of age, Zee’s veterinarian believes the big dog is closer to 14. That does not matter to Zee. The Air Force veteran is no stranger to adopting senior dogs and giving them happy retirements. “Over the last six or seven years,” she says, “I have had three elderly dogs that I took in when they were old.” Zee’s rescue work has allowed senior dogs to enjoy their retirement and spend their last years surrounded by love. She estimates that Shelley may have only “about another good year or so…I just wanted her to have a happy ending.” Since joining the veteran’s pack, Shelley – often called Shelley Bear because she looks like a bear from a distance – has been settling in well. She has put on some much-needed weight, is receiving treatment for her heartworm, and is fed a high quality diet with supplements for her arthritis and thyroid. The big old dog has plenty of room to roam on Zee’s multi-acre property, and has been showing off her excellent manners. Years of neglect, however, have taken their toll. Shelley will need to have several teeth pulled. Her first real bath will come in the spring, when the lake near Zee’s property warms up. Because of her hip issues and her size – about 80 pounds – Zee is unable to lift Shelley into a tub. The dog’s physical limitations are limiting other, more enjoyable activities as well. “She loves riding in the car,” Zee says, “but I don’t take her very often because it’s hard to get her in and out of it, and she’s hard to pick up.” Companion pets for veterans Zee’s entire life is a testament to the power of companion pets. Long before she entered the military, animals were an integral part of her life and her family. “I grew up without a whole lot of neighbors, but we all had pets,” she explains, adding that she thinks Pets for Patriots is the way to go for any veteran considering pet adoption. “It’s a great way to get a companion animal – a super way!” she exclaims, recognizing that the partnership is good for older veterans and those returning from service alike. “A lot of what has happened in the Middle East in the last couple of years has been bringing back some things for Vietnam era and older veterans,” she says. “Having an animal around when they are feeling down, I can see how that would be helpful.”
A very dedicated woman spent two freezing cold nights sleeping in a cardboard box in a New York City Park in an effort to gain the trust of a 10-year-old wild dog named Charlie, or Ricky, depending on who you ask. Her devotion, along with that of many other concerned neighbors, paid off, and now he is warm and receiving the medical care and love he needs.
Denise Lauffer is a dog walker who has adopted three feral dogs and a stray since she moved to the Washington Heights area in 1994. For the last several years, she’s been leaving food out for Charlie, a dog born within a pack of wild dogs that freely roamed Highbridge Park.
Those who have had the opportunity to love a senior dog know the true joy that a sweet senior can bring into a household, and that there are certain things only senior dog parents can understand. Here are 6 things that only senior dog parents will understand:
1. Nothing beats a sweet senior face: Is there anything cuter than the grey muzzle of your favorite senior pooch? Nope! They are adorable at any age, but it’s hard to beat the mature face of a sweet senior dog.
2. A good night's sleep: Gone are the days of potty training and crying through the night. Most senior dogs are potty trained and will be completely fine sleeping through the night in their kennel or snuggled up next to you in bed. They appreciate a good night’s sleep as much as you do!
3. Farts are a (hilarious) part of everyday life: Let’s face it, senior dogs can be smelly. It doesn’t make you love them any less, but it sure does make life funny. Every senior dog has been known to clear a room or two from time to time. They make up for it by being completely adorable.
4. You can teach an old dog new tricks.: In fact, your senior dog’s ability to calmly focus on instructions makes learning new tricks quite simple. I was 12 when we brought Hooch home, and I was very excited to teach him how to balance a treat on his nose, and then eat it when given the signal. Everyone tried to convince me to not waste my time teaching an old dog a new trick, but Hooch and I worked together, and in a few short days we had his new trick down. I was ecstatic and Hooch was proud of himself. He loved to show it off at parties – when he wasn’t sleeping and snoring, that is.
5. With a senior dog, what you see is what you get: Puppies are the quickest to get adopted at a shelter, and often get all the glory, but senior dogs are where it’s at! It’s hard to tell how big a puppy will actually get, or what kind of personality they will develop because you are adopting them when they are so young and small. When you adopt a senior dog, you know all that information up front, and are able to tell immediately if they are a perfect fit for your family.
6. Senior dog snuggles = the best snuggles: These sweet seniors have perfected the art of cuddling, and aren’t afraid to share it. Dogs are like a fine wine, they just get better with age! If you were looking for the perfect cuddle buddy, look no further than your senior pup!
In one of our previous articles, we talked about the symptoms of depression in dogs. Just like humans, dogs can be depressed too and there are many different triggers to this condition and its very important as the dog owner that we are aware of these key triggers or signs.
Below are the most common causes of depression in dogs and what to do to make them feel better.
A senior dog smelt like a sewer and looked even worse when Hope for Paws came to rescue him at a water treatment facility in Los Angeles.
A sanitation plant is an extremely dangerous place for an animal or a human, and the rescue was especially called in to help the dog and given special clearance to do so. When you first see him, he is so dejected and defeated. That’s why it’s so amazing to see a smile come back to his face just from getting a bath and some TLC!
Things are looking up for Mufasa (now renamed Goji). He’s about 8 years old and is currently in foster care with Lionel’s Legacy, a senior dog rescue.
Annapolis, Maryland - At the Coast Guard Station in Annapolis, there are a few things that are guaranteed to happen every day.
The flag will go up, the commander will brief the troops…and to lighten the mood, Rosie will be there keeping an eye on everyone and everything.
“It’s an old tradition, dogs and cats seem to be the pets of sailors.”
Rosie, a beautiful Labrador Retriever is more than a pet, she’s the station mascot, but now, with 10 years of,” dogged service” she’s earned a promotion. She’s been to more of these promotion ceremonies than she’s able to count, so, she leads everyone to the right room.
“Know yee that reposing special trust and the fidelity and abilities of Rosie, I hereby do appoint her a first class dog in the United States Coast Guard.”
Just what are the traits that will lead to a promotion?
“Good for morale, good for the crew, she’s always here, she never has a bad day, a bad attitude, always happy to see everyone no matter what,” said BL1 Jim Abels.
So, here’s the rub…Rosie, bless her heart, now has some of her human colleagues.
“Ha, yes, yes, she outranks me, I do take orders from the dog,” said Petty Officer Brad Bishop.
So swab the deck and give me more treats, that’s an order.
Comparable to enlisted personnel, mascots can move up in rank upon completion of certain qualifications, such as mastering commands and observing the raising of the American Flag.
If you’d like to meet Rosie, the Annapolis Station will have an open house on May 9th.
