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The oldest dog in the world? And what she eats...

Bella, the oldest dog in the world with owners David Richardson and Daisy Cooper. Photo credit: The Daily Mail

Reports are coming from England that the oldest dog in the
world is Bella, a labrador, who was brought home more
than 26 years ago--when she was already 3 years old.

That would make her 29 years old-- or over 200 years old!

The Guiness Book of World's Records is investigating the claim.

What I find really interesting--and what the media is not
reporting--is that last week Bella's owner, David Richardson
who himself is 76, thought it was the end for his faithful
companion.

Bella became ill and was unable to walk.

Mr. Richardson made an appointment with the vet and
prepared a grave in the back yard. He had a sleepless
night and when he awoke he decided to cancel the appointment
with the vet. He couldn't go through with it.

As Richardson reports:

'I phoned to cancel the vet because I just thought it
would be better if Bella died in her sleep. She couldn't walk,
but when I went out and filled in the grave she appeared
behind me and was stood there watching."

Since then Bella has been fine and the vet says Bella's heart
is strong and she is very fit for her age, except for some
arthritis in her legs.

What Bella Eats

Bella has only 2 teeth left and this is what her diet consists of:

Boiled liver
Canned stewing steak
Canned mackerel and
canned sardines

And Bella's favorite treat: a hard toffee candy which she sucks on while lying in her basket.

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Comment by Cheryl Ann Maskrey on June 5, 2008 at 12:41pm: What a great,terific story on your dog,my dog is:12 years old as of:March12,2008-Your dog does not look her age at all too,Kiara is so friendly,loveable,good with children and people too....Kiara is my best dog I cheryl ever had in my whole life of dogs I have had ever too....

Comment by Anne Barber on May 31, 2008 at 3:33pm: Thank you so much for sharing the beautiful story. You are really blessed to have kept her with you this long. God bless all of you!

Comment by Pat on May 31, 2008 at 4:42am: See I messed up, hit the wrong button. I meant learning to drink freom a bowl was tough. Nothing is a chore if you love what you are doing & who you are doing it for!!! Now I will hit add comment!!!! LOL

Comment by Pat on May 31, 2008 at 4:38am: My previous Shih Tzu also had thyroid problems. The breeder was showing her & after a while her fur began to fall out. So you guessed it, no more show dog. Found she had thyroid problems, so took medicine the rest of her life, which was 2 weeks past 14, so good luck to you & Buddy. By the way this poor little girl had to learn to go pottie outside & drink from a bowl. She had been mainly cage kept & drank from a hanging bottle like a hampster would ( heaven forbid she get her fur wet) My Katie is in full coat, runs in the wet grass & has a wonderful time I just comb her out every morning & everyone says what a lot of work it must be. ( It isn't I love the way the fur flows & she looks like queen, though she acts more like a court jester). It took a while to pottie train her & ever leaernong to drink rom a bowl was tough.

Comment by Susann on May 30, 2008 at 5:01am: This is Megan 16 years old, well done Bella!!!

Comment by Susann on May 30, 2008 at 5:00am

Comment by Barbara Putney on May 29, 2008 at 1:16pm: I pray I can keep my two dogs as long as you have had Bella. What a wonderful story.
Thank you for sharing.

Comment by Norma on May 29, 2008 at 12:02pm: What a blessing! I've had small dogs live past 20 years but I can't imagine a lab living so long. We lost our 15 year old bichon George the day after Mothers Day, May 12th, and I would have given alot to have a little more time with him. Every day is a gift.

Comment by Gloria Lindabury on May 29, 2008 at 11:55am: I love to hear these stories and dearly love dogs--not just my own.God made dogs for those who really know the meaning of LOVE Gloria and Mr. Jackson(my dog).

Comment by Maltese Mom on May 29, 2008 at 8:04am: What a beautiful story. Its definitely the love Bella receives.
Rio and Oliver send their hugs and kisses.