Hobblies!

Not quite the bright-eyed eager pup you once were? It seems the New Zealand green-lipped mussel is your miracle remedy of choice.

Not quite the bright-eyed eager pup you once were? Finding it a little harder to bend down to pick up the newspaper from the mat, to bound up the stairs, to run after a bus? Joints creaking when you try those old tricks, like catching frisbees in your teeth, digging for rabbits and shaking off water over horrified humans?

Scientists in the United States have come up with the answer. Goodness knows why, but it seems the New Zealand green-lipped mussel is your miracle remedy of choice. Top breeders will soon be recommending it.

Fortunately, fashions in human food consumption are favourable for arthritic dogs. Next time your owner takes you for your daily hobble, drag it down to the nearest trendy eaterie for your shellfish.

Don't forget the chips and mayonnaise.