by Sharlene Irete
sirete@recordcourier.com
Gardnerville Ranchos resident Jim Paegelow's 24-year-old dog, Sidney, was featured on KOLO TV's John Tyson's Journal on Sept. 8.
Paegelow said he saw a story about a 21-year-old dog on TV and called John Tyson to tell him he had the "oldest dog there is."
"He called me back and asked if I would mind if he could come out and pay a visit," Paegelow said.
The one-minute video may be viewed at www.kolotv.com, under the "Hot Topic" tab.
John Tyson said in his piece, "There's no way to confirm Sid is as old as her vet records claim, but old dogs are good dogs.
"Except for a big butt, she can pretty much hold her own," Tyson said as Sidney barked energetically through the fence at a neighbor dog during filming.
Owner Paegelow didn't seem to take offense at the "big butt" comment, but rather described Sidney as "Rubenesque."
Paegelow inherited Sidney, whose full name is Sidney Michelle Tomas, from a friend who died last year. He also inherited Lucy, a 21⁄2 year-old mixed breed dog.
A vet record gives Sidney's date of birth as Jan. 15, 1985, which would make her 168 in dog years.
Sidney gets around pretty well, but Paegelow carries her in and out of the house when she gets tired. Throw rugs cover the wood floor so she doesn't slip and she uses a ramp to get into the house.
"Sid was worn out for days after the visit by John Tyson," Paegelow said.
