SALISBURY could be the home of the UK's oldest dog, who is showing "no signs of slowing down".

Queenie, a 21-year-old Terrier/Collie mix, was in the care of the city's Dogs Trust rehoming centre for eight years, before she was adopted by the charity's now-interim assistant manager Bridget Pike.

A former stray dog, Queenie found it hard to trust people, but once she got to know Bridget, the pair were inseparable and she finally got her forever home.

The pair share a home with two other oldies, terriers Bonnie, 10, and Bo, 12.

Despite a collective age of 43, the dogs all enjoy a potter around in the garden and a walk in the forest.

Bridget says: “Queenie is one tough cookie. Despite the fact she can’t run around like she used to, she loves to be out and about in the fresh air. I got her a doggy pushchair that I can put her in when she’s had enough of walking but still wants to be outdoors.

“She’s almost completely blind but there’s nothing wrong with her sense of smell - she knows if I haven’t topped her dog food with cooked chicken and stands there looking up at me until I add it to her food!”

Queenie's story comes as part of a call from the centre for the adoption of several other older dogs.

It is "keen to encourage people" to consider the "advantages" of owning an older dog, such as needing less exercise, already shaped personality, and comfortable with home living.

Bridget added: “I feel so privileged to have been able to offer Queenie a happy home in her later life – I just wish I could have done it sooner.

"She does have some anxieties and worries but she’s actually the easiest dog I have ever owned! She brings so much joy to my life, I couldn’t imagine my life without her.

"She has so much character and it just goes to show that you shouldn’t overlook older dogs, there’s often still plenty of life and love left in them!”

If you can offer a dog the warm, loving home it deserves, please call 0203 879 0536 or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk for more information.