How about that Stump. Winning this year's Best in Show at Westminster at the ripe old age of ten. He even came out of retirement to do it. He was certainly no slouch having won Westminster's Best in Group in the Sporting Dog Group the year he retired, in 2004. He even recovered from a major illness during the hiatus.
There have been a number of articles about Stump's accomplishment and the fact that he did it at such an advanced age. The suggestion has been made that this is like a seventy year old woman winning Miss America. That's a stretch. Although my wife could certainly give those women a run for their money at her age (top secret) unfortunately she would be disqualified on the 'Miss" portion of the title.
So how did Stump do it?
Well, besides having the best trainers, handlers and genetics, I'd bet he had the best health care and excellent nutrition his entire life.
In fact I know a little about the nutrition part. Stump eats and competes on
Purina Pro Plan brand dog food. It may surprise you to know that the majority of the top 100 show dogs in America by points accumulated over the year are fed Pro Plan. An even more impressive statistic from this years Westminster show is that all seven of the group winners that advanced to the Best in Show title are fed Pro Plan according to our dog show expert
Ernie Planck, the former head of Purina's Breeder Enthusiast Group.
I'd also bet that Stump never missed and annual physical exam with his veterinarian. I'd guess he had regular vaccinations, fecal exams, heart worm and flea control, routine lab work and regular dental scaling and polishing.
One of the best ways to insure that your dogs not only lives to a ripe old age, but remains active and healthy into the golden years, is to make sure that they receive regular preventive veterinary care and excellent nutrition.
There are upper limits on the amount of reimbursement for these procedures. It would be a good idea to check with your veterinarian to see how much the PurinaCare benefit allows in each case. My guess is that you will be pleasantly surprised.
Hey, If this helps pets get the routine care they need for a lifetime of care maybe there will be even more geriatric dog show winners in the future. Go Stump.