You can't keep a good dog down

OUT AND ABOUT: Keko, a "senior citizen" shih tzu, still gets his morning walk with Mocha and owners Brian and Alicia Roberts, thanks to an imported dog pram. PHOTO/ANDREW BONALLACK

There's life in the old dog yet.

Keko, a shih tzu dog aged 13, might be blind, deaf and arthritic, but he still wants to be part of the morning walk for coffee and treats with his mate Mocha and Greytown owners Brian and Alicia Roberts.

Not able to walk easily, the Roberts bought him a special pram from the United States so he can take in the air - and treats from the owners of Cahoots, their coffee stop.

"He's our senior citizen," said Mrs Roberts. "He wants to be part of things, definitely.

"His life is very good, he's got a great sense of smell, a great attitude."

Mr Roberts said he's been "the Mandela of the dog world - so many times at death's door.

"He can sleep 12 hours straight, and out-snore any man."