Adam's Best Friends

The Countryfile farmer recalls how the dogs of his childhood led to a lifelong affection for canine companions

Trudy (Labrador) was the first of the house dogs of whom I have clear memories. I loved taking her for long walks and she was a perfect companion for a small boy.

Most of all, I was really happy when Dad went pheasant shooting and I was allowed to go along, holding on to her until the order came for her to retrieve. It was wonderful to be trusted to be Dad’s companion, and to spend time with him, and Trudy was the ideal gundog for me to learn with.

Before Trudy died, Mum and Dad returned to their first love, black Labradors. They bought another puppy, Jemima. She was a very traditional-looking Lab, with short legs, a barrel chest and an insatiable appetite. Labradors love their food, but it’s really important for their health not to let them become overweight. Carrying extra pounds creates all sorts of health problems for dogs, from arthritis to diabetes, through to breathing and heart problems.

LIGHT ON THEIR FEET

A study of Labradors over many years has shown that slimmer dogs live on average two years longer than their overweight peers, have fewer visits to the vet because of health problems and need less prescribed medication. The fatter Labs have an average age of 11, the thinner ones of 13.

That alone is a good reason to keep their weight down. But it’s not just the length of life, but the quality of it. I feel so sorry for fat dogs waddling along with their owners. They are not enjoying life to the full – they are unable to run and jump, miserable on hot days because they find it hard to regulate their temperature and can struggle to breathe.