They say there's life in the old dog yet – and that's certainly true of Lola who is thought to be the world's second oldest living canine.

The feisty pet could be up there in the global league table of senior pooches when she reaches the doggie equivalent of 147 this month.

According to Wikipedia, Lola's 21 (human) years would put her in the top dozen in the world and the second oldest still alive.

The Walderslade wagger may be a little slow to walk around the field, but she doesn’t miss a trick at home and still rules the roost with her son, 14-year-old Alfie.

Her owners say she often steals his bones and teases him to show him who is in charge.

Proud owners Bernard, 68, and Sylvia Flynn, 66, who live in Fisher Close, are still besotted with her, and say she has human qualities, showing empathy when they are ill or upset and making them laugh with her childish antics.

Mrs Flynn, who is currently prevented from walkies as she nurses a broken leg, said: "My son Michael first had Lola and after a broken relationship she came to live with us as we already had her son, Alfie.

"She came from a rescue centre and was left there by a tramp and was four at the time. We've had her for 17 years now and love her to bits. She's very human-like sometimes and can be a bit stubborn at times."

Like many venerable citizens, Lola demands respect for her age and will not hurry around the field during her walks, giving her owners a withering stare if they try to hurry her.

"She may be slow, but she eats well and likes chicken and loves a bit of cheese as a treat" - Sylvia Flynn

Unsurprisingly she has a few ailments, including a touch of arthritis, but still plays with Alfie and their toys.

Mrs Flynn added: "Alfie had a squeaky toy he was playing with and he just kept squeaking it.

"Lola got up took it off him so he couldn't play with it any more, it was like the noise was annoying her.

"She also steals his bones and runs off with them and lays on her back with it in her mouth teasing him."

Several years ago, a friend of the family suffered a bereavement and went to stay with the Flynns to get away from his troubles.

Mrs Flynn said: "Lola knew there was something wrong with him and she laid next to him all night as if to comfort him.

"She's a very good guard dog too and is protective of Alfie and my daughter's two dogs when they are here.

"She may be slow, but she eats well and likes chicken and loves a bit of cheese as a treat.

"The vet says she's doing well and every time we go there, they make a real fuss of her because of her age."

So watch this space, Lola could be rising up the record books, although she has a way to go to match Bluey, the Australian cattle dog, who slipped off to his kennel in the sky aged 29 in 1939.

Can you match Lola or do you have another pet of a grand old age? Email news@thekmgroup.co.uk or comment below.