France in Focus

Our two Aussie Shepherds are getting on in years : Bimbo, the black one, is 15 1/2 and Sweep will be 14 at the beginning of March. They are both amazingly full of energy, particularly around meal times, but love their walks on the beach.
I took this photo on New Years' Day .....

Just lovely. So alert and focused.

Must be a bit tough to think how old they are getting......

beautiful......

I met a lady with an Aussie Shepard between Christmas and New Year a stunning dog as are yours

They look so good together ..

Beautiful sight; those adoring eyes.

We always had Border Collies before and Aussies are quite different : they're incredibly clingy and very strong characters, but just as adorable. They've always come camping with us (latterly in our little caravan). When she was 6, we discovered that Sweep has elbow dysplasia and arthritic elbows (no problem with her hips). Surgery on one elbow made a huge difference and we have been able to relieve the arthritic pain through diet and joint supplements. We never believed we'd have her with us for so long and as she's always so bright and alert, it's hard to believe she has a problem.
I took these photos last September, on Bimbo's 15th birthday :

They're gorgeous.

Chapeau for looking after those lovely ladies so well.

@L Austin France They refuse to be ignored - they're like children grabbing your clothes every 5 minutes for attention ! We've never over-exercised them and whilst dogs (like humans) need exercise, but they're not all athletes ! Our vet told us he saw many dogs with severe problems due to over-exercising, and had even had to put some down at a relatively young age. I cringe when I see dogs running beside bikes either on the road, or on a hard surface .... of course the dogs love it but it does them no favours in the long term. (it's a bit of a hobby horse of mine )