Is Sophie, 19, the oldest Staffie in the UK?
COUPLE HAVE APPLIED TO RECORD BOOK
WHETHER it is love and affection or plenty of walks, there must be something about the Derbyshire air which gives Staffordshire bull terriers an extra-long life.
In an unusual turn of events, dogowners Steve and Claire Sherlock, from Long Eaton, have come forward and said their 19-year-old Staffie could be the oldest in the UK.
At 19 years and four months, Sophie the Staffie has surpassed the incredible records of previous dogs who have featured in the Derby Telegraph.
Both 18-year-old Zephyr and 17-year-old Blitz were thought by the owners to be the oldest kids on the block.
Now, their records have been broken.
Mr Sherlock said he bought Sophie from a family in Ilkeston in 2001 and admitted that at first he didn’t like Staffies and was actually frightened of them.
“We got her anyway. She was a bundle of fun – they are very loving animals and she grew on me. She’s been my best friend all this time,” he said.
“They are very strong powerful dogs, she hasn’t always been great with other dogs but as she’s got older she’s improved. Training works and as she’s got older she’s mellowed out.”
Sophie was one-year old when Mr Sherlock bought her and he said he knows her exact birthday because she came with a birth certificate.
“At 15 I thought I was really lucky to still have her, it’s unbelievable to think she’s still going. She goes for a walk a couple of times a week, she’s still very healthy,” he said.
“She’s got her little habits, she always has a good stretch in the morning and she is renowned for snoring – she’d sleep through a bomb dropping.” Even in her old age, he said Sophie still makes a good guard dog, said Mr Sherlock, although they have had to make adjustments to the house to accommodate Sophie’s needs as she has aged. He said they have put a ramp in the garden to make it easier for her to get around and a couple of water bowls around the house so she doesn’t have to move around so far.
Now that Sophie is 130 years old in dog years, Mr Sherlock said: “It’s like having an older relative in the house.”
Mrs Sherlock, who has known Sophie for 10 years, said the secret to her exceptionally long life has been copious amounts of affection. “My husband absolutely dotes on her, she’s very much his baby,” she said.
The pair have submitted an application for the Guinness Book of World Records because they are convinced that Sophie is the oldest Staffie in the country.
“She’s on some medication for dementia and she’s a bit wobbly but she still goes for walks and asks for walks some nights. Steve has to go out an hour early sometimes.
“At this rate I can see her making 20,” Mrs Sherlock said.
The couple expect to hear back from the Guinness Book of World Records within the next few weeks but in the meantime, they said they will continue with the regime of love, care and attention.