Happy 26 Max!

On Sunday, a terrier mix named Max celebrated his 26th birthday in New Iberia, Louisiana. Max’s owner, Janelle DeRouen has contacted the Guinness Book of World Records so they can verify that Max is, indeed, the world’s oldest dog.  According to MSNBC:

Born in 1983, the “active” geriatric dog hasn’t had many health problems over the years, says DeRouen, who first told her story to the U.K.’s Daily Telegraph. “The only time I had to bring him to the vet for something serious was for a tooth to be extracted. But that’s it,” she says. In recent years, he’s had a few expected aliments. “He is starting to get cataracts, a little arthritis, but otherwise he’s healthy.”

Max is a fit, trim dog who has lived on a diet of non-premium dog food and the occaisional biscuit. He was never given table scraps and only has a few toys.  He’s a laid back dog who “likes to keep life simple”, was never spoiled and plays nicely with children.  Mrs. DeRouen said that she and her husband did spoil Max just a bit on this birthday, “Me and my husband [got] him his own little sofa bed. He has his own little couch now.”

The DailyMailreports that Max has visited the local Robichaux veterinary clinic since he Mrs. DeRouen acquired him as a puppy.  His only health problems are cataracts and arthritis.

So – a mutt (who was the runt of his litter) raised on Puppy Chow and Kibbles and Bits, in town, without fancy toys sets a world record for canine longevity.  Somehow I doubt that kennel clubs and pet product manufacturers (except perhaps for DelMonte and Purina) will be beating a path to Max’s door for endorsements.  I suspect Max’s calm, laid back nature and his owners’ loving, no-nonsense attitude about pet care contributed much his exceptional health and longevity. I also wonder if his parents (he was reportedly purchased from a local farmer) were healthy, purpose-bred hunters.  He looks  like he might be a feist.

Happy Birthday Max – here’s to your continued happiness and good health!