Golden oldie Nugget with her owner Valerie.

Eighteen-year-old Nugget was one of the oldest dogs Battersea had ever looked after

An 18-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier has Battersea Dogs and Cats Home's Golden Oldie competition, proving that age is just a number.

Nugget, from Mitcham in Surrey, ended up in the charity's care at the grand old age of 16 because her owners could no longer after her. One of the oldest dogs Battersea has ever seen, she stayed in foster care for two years before finding a home with horticulturalist Valerie Mann.

Nugget won the Golden Oldie award during Battersea's annual reunion and fun day on Sunday, September 7.

Valerie said: “Nugget is such a special dog, I can’t explain what it’s like for her to win this competition. It’s the ultimate recognition for her. She’s a beautiful, endearing character and she deserves it so much. We all love our dogs and think they’re worthy of winning, but if Nugget hasn’t got much time left then at least I’ve given her something special before her time is up. It’s heart-breaking to lose a dog, but I know I’ve given Nugget the best time for the rest of her life.

“Not many people want to take on older dogs and it’s sad because you’re giving them the second chance they so desperately need. But look at us over two years later – Nugget is 18 and comes on holiday with us, sleeps on the bed and we even take her to events such as Crufts and Discover Dogs. She’s an ambassador for the Staffie breed.”

Ali Taylor, head of canine training at Battersea, who fostered Nugget before she found a home, said: “I looked after Nugget for two months and I absolutely fell in love with her – she’s a typical Staffie and loves her cuddles. Everyone loved Nugget at Battersea and I even thought to myself, I could keep this dog. She wasn’t coping in kennels and was quite unwell so I thought no one would take her on at that age with medical issues, but then Valerie came along and Nugget found her perfect family. It really is the ultimate accolade for Nugget to win the Golden Oldie prize.”

Battersea's campaign, "Staffies. They're softer than you think", aims to challenge the misconceptions surrounding Staffies and highlights what great pets they can make if given the chance.  The charity say that they took in nearly 1,600 Staffies last year - 33 per cent of the dogs that came into their care. Battersea hopes that the campaign will help people reconnect with this breed and encourage them to rehome a Staffie.

Image (C) Battersea Dogs & Cats Home