Dogs and new tricks

Here's a dog that you probably won't be trying to teach any new tricks. In fact, she's so old she's probably forgotten all the ones she did know. Or maybe that should be that she's so old that they're imprinted upon her mind and thus cannot in any way be forgotten?

Chanel, the world's oldest dog, celebrated her 21st birthday on Wednesday with a certificate from the Guinness Book of Records and a visit to a dog hotel and spa.

The dachshund, a rescue dog from Port Jefferson in New York, wore an orange sweater and red goggles as her owner, Denice Shaughnessy, accepted the award marking her longevity.

"Chanel is the Guinness world record holder for the oldest living dog," said Jamie Panas, a spokeswoman for Guinness.

That's a pretty good innings for a rescue dog whose owner got her when she was only a puppy, a mere 6 weeks old.