Midge is celebrating a milestone birthday, but she doesn't realize it or, for that matter, even care.
The dachshund cross turned 21 on Sept. 1, making her the oldest dog in Abbotsford and one of the most senior in the world. An online search indicates that the oldest living pooch is a 26-year-old mixed breed in Japan, but there are fewer than a handful who are next in line – all in the 21- to 22-year age range.
Since The Abbotsford News reported on the pooch's 20th birthday, the spry old gal has remained in astounding health.
Midge had lived with Lorne and Kay McConnell from puppyhood until March of this year, when the Abbotsford couple had to give her up. They sold their residence and were moving to a condo development that didn't allow pets.
"That was a very tough choice," Lorne said.
They had difficulty finding a new home for Midge and were temporarily boarding her at Clearbrook Animal Hospital. They were there visiting her one day, and Kay shared their story with another client, Jen Roos.
Roos was at the clinic getting shots for her six-month-old Carlin pinscher, Smeagle.
She took one look at Midge and melted.
"I just thought she was such a cute little dog," she said of the blonde hound with the big ears and puppy eyes.
Roos returned home and immediately called her fiance, Derek Morley, saying how bad she felt that Midge had no home. "Go back and get her," Morley told Roos.
It took Midge a bit of time to adapt to her new home. At first, she slept a lot, and she didn't like having Smeagle around. Every time he popped his head into her crate – her preferred sleeping spot – she barked at him.
Now, six months later, she is more tolerant of her seven-pound buddy, except when it comes to her food.
If she sees Smeagle anywhere near her food dish, she bounds across the room and lunges at him.
Roos said Midge has had no health issues, other than minor ones associated to aging – such as cataracts.
"They say she's a little bit deaf, but I think it's selective hearing," she laughs, adding that the pooch comes running as soon as she hears food being placed in her dish or when someone whistles for her.
Midge enjoys going for walks several times a day and one her favourite places to visit is the off-leash area in Aldergrove Lake Park, where she is somewhat of a celebrity.
"Everyone's just astounded at her age, and they all love her big ears," Roos said.
Smeagle's first birthday is approaching on Sept. 12, and Roos jokes that she might have a joint celebration for him and Midge.
"Maybe I'll bake a doggie cake and take them to the off-leash park."