Battersea Dogs Home's oldest resident moves to Durham

At 19, Blackie was the oldest dog ever to arrive at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, in London – currently in the national spotlight again thanks to ITV1 series For The Love Of Dogs, with Paul O’Grady.

The mongrel arrived at Battersea last month, after his owners decided they could no longer care for him.

Despite his age, he impressed staff with his zest for life and love of toys, walks and attention.

His profile on Battersea’s Twitter and Facebook webpages caught the eye of Shirley Buchanan, of Gilesgate, Durham City, who has adopted him.

Blackie, whose age is the equivalent of 133 in “dog years”, was escorted to the North-East by Battersea’s rehoming and welfare team leader Sieglinde Schuster and he has quickly made friends with Ms Buchanan’s two curly-coated retrievers: sixyear- old Hope and Breeze, four.

Ms Buchanan said: “I feel older dogs can get overlooked as people often want young dogs, but the golden oldies have so much to give.

“I’ve rehomed older dogs before and found it a rewarding experience. When I saw Blackie online I just felt drawn to him. He’s an absolute joy to be around and I’m so pleased he’s come to live with us.

“Everyone we meet wants to make a fuss of him so he’s lapping up the attention.

“The first night he curled up in his bed next to mine, but he now finds the settee and my bed more appealing.

“He can get up on them without a problem so the only complaint I have is that I now need a bigger settee and bed.

“Battersea is a long way from Durham, but the staff at Battersea were really helpful and accommodating, going the extra mile for Blackie.”Blackie makes himself at home

The average age for a dog depends on its breed. Battersea has already cared for seven dogs aged 15 or older, as well as 18 cats.

Ms Schuster said pet owners were feeding their animals better diets, helping them to live longer.