Britain's oldest living dog
September 01, 2002
LONDON: Bramble the collie could be going walkies into the record books – after reaching the remarkable age of 27.
That's the equivalent of living to 189 in human terms and may make her the oldest dog in Britain.
Despite her advanced years and a touch of arthritis Bramble is still alert and active. She is taken for a walk four times a day and goes swimming once a week.
Her 43-year-old owner Anne Heritage is a vegan and has brought up her beloved pet on the same diet regime she herself follows.
"She has a big bowl of rice, lentils and organic vegetables every evening," she said at her home in Bridgewater, Somerset. "She's an inspiration and just goes to show that if you do eat the right things and keep on exercising, you can extend your life." Bramble is taken for her walks in a local park by Miss Heritage's 47-year-old partner Roy Franklin.
But last year, vets warned the couple that the collie might have to be put down amid fears that she would be left paralysed after injuring her back in a fall. However, after starting weekly swimming sessions at a canine hydrotherapy pool in Stolford, near Bridgewater, Bramble recovered and developed a taste for taking the plunge.
Now Mr Franklin dons a wetsuit to take her for a half-hour dip every Friday.
"We feared we'd lose her, but the pool sessions were a real miracle worker," said Miss Heritage.
She got Bramble from a rescue centre in New Quay, West Wales, in February 1977, just before the dog's second birthday.
"The day after we brought her home, the kennels flooded and the other dogs drowned so she's been incredibly lucky," said Miss Heritage.
The world's longest-lived canine was an Australian cattle dog called Bluey, who died aged 29 years and five months in 1939.
Sunday Telegraph
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I'm sure the diet and regular exercise has helped, but surely this is a stroke of luck! There are many dogs that have been well cared for and haven't lived nearly that long! What a wonderful story!! 
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