27 Year Old Dog In Good Shape Says Doctor - Should Live To See 28

[matcom]

<snip>

CANBERRA, Australia -- Jerry is one old dog that doesn't need to learn any new tricks.

Jerry turns 27 next month -- which is really old for a dog. A veterinarian in Australia said the mongrel cattle dog could become the world's oldest living canine.

When Jerry turns 27, he'll be the human equivalent of a staggering 189 years old. The oldest living dog according to the Guinness record book is Butch, a 27-year-old beagle in Virginia.

Dr. Honey Nelson said Jerry is in such good shape, he could push on to 28.

http://www.wftv.com/family/3519459/detail.html

[Soloflecks]

1. Wow!

What's his secret to longevity? That's simply amazing!

[amber dog democrat]

2. How does the dog know the Dr will live that long?

28 is not very old for a Dr.

[drumwolf]

3. Y'know, I saw that header and immediately thought of the old joke.....

Doctor says, "You're in great shape. You should live to be 80 easily."

The patient says, "I am 80."

Doctor: "See? I was right."

[demnan]

4. A mongrel, I'm not surprised

I found that mutts usually live longer than purebreds, although no dog I've known has ever lived older than 15 years. (My brother's cocker-poo).

Our poor little beagle only saw 8 years, but that was before the heart worm medicine came out.

[AlecBGreen]

6. "hybrid vigor"

its a fact that half-breeds are more "vigorous" (scientists word, not mine). This means they tend to grow bigger and live longer than their forbears. I dont know if this means all half-breeds (mixed humans, dogs, etc) but its definitely true for plants. I have to think that this should apply to animals too. When a horse and a donkey mate the female horse will yield a mule. The mule is a wonderful animal: bigger than a donkey, smarter (i.e. craftier) than a horse, they have great feet (you will NEVER hear of a mule stepping into a hole) and they live longer than both donkeys and horses. Maybe thats why the mutt is living so long...maybe its the result of two purebred parents? :shrug:

[THUNDER HANDS]

5. that dog's older than me!

WOW