LEGENDARY LUCKY IS 19 YEARS YOUNG
If you walk in the uMngeni River Conservancy, you will have, at some point, met Lucky, a real character with one floppy ear, bent knees, a hoppity gate and a sweet square-y face.
Nothing gets this indomitable little dog down – not even a chronic heart condition.
Lucky, who is celebrating his 19th birthday, was adopted from the uMngeni SPCA 18 years ago after he stole his dog mom, Bridget Ringdahl’s heart.
“I walked into the uMgeni SPCA with a mission to adopt the dog that had passed his waiting time,” she told Village Talk.
“I didn’t care what it looked like, the size, the breed, the age. It was purely a matter of saving the one who didn’t have a chance and that was my Lucky joy.
“This dapper little terrier cross was at least one years old, which totals an incredible 19 year lifespan - equivalent to 136 human years.
“Some may say that his long life may be equated to great genes, but Dr Dommett, his vet, says that his heart is in shocking state and is completely amazed every time Lucky turns up for his biannual check-ups.
“So what is his secret? Certainly, his heart prescription drugs have kept him going for these past two years, however, very importantly his two to three kilometre, almost daily, walks at the river and, possibly most importantly of all, the fact that he is adored by his mother and so many he meets is the reason he is still with us today!
So happy birthday my treasure beyond measure!.”
One of Lucky’s favourite dog-mothers, Nikki Brighton adds: “Lucky is completely unphased by the dramas of the world, spending his days happily sniffing about, nonchalantly greeting dogs and people along the way.
“If he can cuddle up next to one of his favourite humans on a chair that makes him extra happy.
“He has also taught heaps of nervous children that dogs love nothing more than a gentle stroking, so Lucky is a true ambassador for dogs, a canine influencer!”
The staff at Midlands Veterinary Hospital wish Lucky a very happy birthday and invite anyone who meets him while walking in the Conservancy to wish him well too.