Question: At what age do Labrador puppies cease to be puppies?
Answer: usually, never. They are generally acknowledged as the Peter Pan of dog breeds.
Labradors are so reliable and dependable. That is why, according to general opinion, they are the most popular of all dog breeds.
Take the case of one wonderful yellow example, called Joey.
Some 10 years old now (that’s 70 in human terms), he’s as friendly and as playful as he was all those years ago when, as an adorable Labrador puppy, he first became part of a big, happy family in Kent, England.
He shares his home with two adults, four children and two cats. He welcomes innumerable visitors for dinner, parties and sleepovers. He loves nothing more than to play with a ball or stick and will run around for hours chasing and retrieving anything anyone is prepared to throw for him.
The kissing magpie
Once, when out walking with a friend when the family were away, the brave Joey walked right up to a magpie and licked it on the beak. No kidding. Typical Labrador. Everybody’s friend.
On the flip side of the coin, if Joey feels anyone is threatening his human companion, he lets them know in no uncertain terms. Head erect, muscles all a-quiver, it’s a case of Superdog Joey to the rescue.
Bedtime
Joey has a big, cosy bed in the same room as the washing machine and tumble-dryer, so he is always nice and warm. His food and drink bowls are in there too. Originally designed as a cloakroom, it has been known as Joey’s room for many years now.
Elderly dogs appreciate big soft towels to dry them when they’ve been out walking in the rain (or in Joey’s case, jumping into streams) and fleecy warm blankets to bed down on to.
Being yellow, this magnificent hound does not need a reflective jacket, but then he’s not really one for going out in the dark. His daytime walks are usually through woods and orchards where he has been known to treat himself to the odd apple or pear. He’s a great dog, Joey. But then, aren’t they all… in the right hands?
Old and incapacated
Elderly, incapacitated dogs are not unlike elderly, incapacitated humans. They suffer from the same old aches and pains, the same chronic muscular and neurological conditions.
For those dogs with arthritic limbs, there are now many products on the market to help them get around. Specialist outlets can provide items such as a hip-assist harness, non-slip paw pads, ramps, portable steps and strollers for senior dogs (these three-whelers are built like a large buggy or an electric wheelchair). www.orvis.co.uk
A dog who has given years of undiluted love to his family surely deserves nothing but the best to see him through his autumn years.
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