Dogsey

A Jack Russell is apparently Britain’s oldest dog after reaching the ripe old age of 25 – about 113 in canine years.

Rescue dog Meg, whose owner say she has a diet of human meals to thank for her long life claimed the title after the previous title holder, a Jack Russell called Daisy, died in July aged 23.

"I think she's lived so long because she's a tough little cookie and she's had the right diet and exercise,” said her owner David Abrahams, of Stoke St Michael, Somerset.

Meg has become fussy in her old age so is treated to a diet of whatever she fancies – including roast dinners, gluten-free fish fingers and Peppa Pig-shaped spaghetti in tomato sauce.

"The fish fingers and the Peppa Pig pasta have helped her along the way,” Abrahams added.

"As she got older she got extremely fussy. She won't eat the same meal twice in a row. If you make her a roast beef dinner, the next day she won't eat it.

"With age she is picking at food more. Every day she has something different."

Meg was rescued from a puppy farm 23 years ago and has lived with Abrahams ever since.

He added: "Every time we go to the supermarket we try to think of something different to buy her.

"Her vet recommended softer food because her teeth were playing up. They are very old so we tried her on something soft.

"Is she spoilt? Of course. She is the greatest of little dogs and is truly loved by everyone."

Meg nearly died from pancreatitis a few years ago but pulled through and is now living a healthy lifestyle.

"Sometimes we have to prod her in the mornings to make sure she's still with us,” Abrahams added.

"We're dreading the morning that she's not but at the same time hope that she passes peacefully in her sleep in her favourite little sofa bed.

"She has been a brilliant companion."

Meg's vet Sam Fowlie said: "It is a rare for a dog to reach such an impressive age and is testament to the love and care that she has received from her owners."

A Guinness Book of Records spokesman said: "We do not currently have a record allocated for the 'oldest dog living' but we would welcome an application from Meg's owners."