Lily Marlene, a miniature foxy, cautiously steps into her 20th year. Photo / Paul Taylor
Lily Marlene is deaf, wobbly on her legs, and will soon turn the grand old age of 140 in human years.
The minature foxy will be celebrating her 20th birthday on March 9.
Her human carer and owner, Havelock North's Jan Struthers, says she's had Lily Marlene for 17 years.
Struthers' decision to name her dog Lily Marlene came from "old movies" where the song Lili Marlene was sung for Allied troops in Europe.
"She was called Lily, I have had her ever since she was 3 years old.
"A couple of years later I started calling her Lily Marlene. "
Lily Marlene who sports a mix of black, white and brown colouring, was only supposed to be a temporary acquisition for Struthers.
"I'd gone to a lady's house where my daughter had organised for some babysitting and she said 'do you know anyone who would like this little dog?'."
Struthers decided to take on Lily Marlene on a trial basis for a couple of days and never looked back.
"She loves me to bits, only has eyes for me," Struthers , who feels exactly the same way, said.
"Lily likes to sleep on the lambswool rug or in my bed. She loves going for walks and loves going in the car."
Lily Marlene is also indulged by Struthers in other ways.
"I've given her chocolate, chicken bones and cheese but only in moderation."
Now that Lily Marlene is getting on in age, she doesn't react to things in the same way she used to.
"I have two mice [Bolt and Popcorn], and 10 goldfish outside in the pond. Lily doesn't notice the mice.
"She's a quiet, older dog now. She used to bark a lot when she was younger.
"She likes hanging around the home."
Struthers intends to celebrate in style for Lily Marlene's birthday.
"I still need to get her some gifts but I will have a party."
Hastings charity pauses meals over Christmas to ease volunteer workload