Heartbreak over loss of world's oldest dog

The world's oldest dog - Shropshire's dachshund cross terrier Otto - was put down today after his owners called time on his battle with cancer.

Devastated Lynn and Peter Jones, from Reabrook, Shrewsbury, made the difficult decision to have him put down by a vet because they did not want him to suffer with the disease any longer.

Otto, who became the world's oldest dog just two months ago, had been ill for several months and was diagnosed with stomach cancer. He was put down this morning and would have been 21 next month.

Mrs Jones today said: "I'm devastated. I've had Otto since he was six weeks old.

"He hasn't been well since just before Christmas. We thought it was a stomach ulcer but it was confirmed yesterday that it was stomach cancer. He's had a wonderful life. He couldn't have had a better one. He's like the son I never had."

Millions of viewers tuned in to the Paul O'Grady Show on Channel 4 on November 4 when Otto appeared with stand-in presenter Michael Buble on a Guinness World of Records themed show.

Mr Jones received a certificate confirming that the world record for the oldest dog was held by Otto at aged 20 years.

As he presented the certificate, singer Mr Buble said: "I'm proud to announce he is officially the oldest dog in the world."

Mr Jones added: "To look at him you wouldn't think he was as old as he was. He means everything to us."